Alert! New Date: June 3, 2023
The Crystal Cove State Park Backcountry Trails are currently closed due to substantial trail damage from recent storms which is being fixed.
2027 RUN STARTS IN:
Run Date:
May 8, 2027
This stunning course features hill climbs and ocean views from dirt roads and single track trails. The run benefits John Wayne Cancer Foundation so every step you take advances the fight against cancer through pioneering cancer research and programs.
RACE WEEK
Event Day - May 8, 2027
DONATE NOWRun All 6 JWGS Events In 2026 And Get This Medal
Interested In Signing Up For All 6 Events?
• Registration Closes On May 31
• Run Date: June 3
TENTATIVE RACE DETAILS FOR 2027
*NOTE: 2026 Participant Shirt And Mug Shown Above. New Participant Shirt And Mug For 2027 Coming Soon.
NOTE: Absolutely No Pacing & No Muling. You will be DQ’d.
TETATIVE PACKET PICK-UP: Thursday, May 6, 2027
Road Runner Sports Costa Mesa
1835 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
• Packet Pickup from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
NOTE:
You can pickup your friend’s packet too if they can’t make it.
50K, 25K, & 5K
Each Participant Gets A Grit Series Participant Shirt And Finisher Mug!
Register Early To Get The Best Deal!
IN YOUR PACKET:
Bib, John Wayne Grit Series Shirt, and Other Goodies
NOTE:
Each participant will get their finisher mug when they cross the finish line.
race day schedule
The John Wayne Grit Series Newport Coast 50K, 25K & 5K are at Crystal Cove State Park
50K announcements at 5:45 AM
50K Run starts at 6:00 AM
Cut-off Time: 8 hrs
25K announcements at 7:15 AM
25K Run starts at 7:30 AM
Cut-Off Time: 4 hrs
5K announcements at 8:15 AM
5K Run starts at 8:30 AM
Cut-Off Time: 2 hrs
race day parking
NOTE: The Parking Lot opens at 5 AM.
(Please do not come earlier than 5 AM)
Parking is Available Inside the Park ($15)
You will pay to park on your phone using QR codes on signs in lots.
Pay by Apple Pay, Google Pay or Credit Card only. NO CASH.
You can use Wi-Fi listed on the sign.
Note: The parking payment company is LAZ parking.
they charge a transaction fee of $1.
Failure to pay will result in a parking ticket.
You will NOT pay at the kiosks with attendant.
Instead, you will pay on your phone using QR code.
50K Runners - park at El Moro lot
25K/5K Runners - Park at Reef Point & Los Trancos Lots
Take Shuttles to start line and back after event
Click map below to enlarge and get more details.
NEW MERCHANDISE for 2027 COMING SOON*
*NOTE: 2026 Merchandise Shown Above. New Merchandise For 2027 Coming Soon.
Complete Your Look With Additional JWGS Merchandise Available For Sale At The Event.
FOOD for sale
Bear Flag will serve Poké bowls and they will be accepting credit cards and Apple Pay.
cancer survivors
All cancer survivors who sign up for the event, get your complimentary yellow bandana at packet pickup (while supplies last) & wear it on the course to show your grit.
photos and videos
SMILE!!!
Make Sure To Bring Your Phones And Take Some Selfies And Photos During Your Run. The Views Will Be Stunning!
There Will Also Be Plenty Of Opportunities To Get Your Photos (And Possibly Videos) Taken At The Start/Finish Line And Along The Picturesque Race Course By Our Team Of Photographers And Videographers.
We Also Have A Digital Photo Booth in the expo area by the Start/Finish line on Race Day.
Feel Free To Share Your Photos On Your Social Network And Tag Us
@JohnWayneCancerFoundation
#RunToFightCancer
#JohnWayneGritSeries
ADDITIONAL RACE AND EVENT INFO
Race Medals for JWGS Newport Coast, CA
There Is A Race Component And Podium Prizes
There Are Three Female And Three Male Winners For Each Course – That’s 18 Total Podium Medals And Prizes
THIS EVENT IS CUP LESS
Bring your own hydration pack or Handheld Water Bottles that has a large enough Opening (See above for example) so that volunteers can refill them easily at Each Aid station.
There will not be any cups at the aid stations. We will have filled water bottles for finishers at the finish line.
Runners can also pickup their complimentary Nathan water cup at the event expo/start line area before starting their run.
FINISH LINE:
Receive your Finisher mug and Finisher shirt
We’ll also provide a special bib at the event that say “I run for…” on them and have a blank space in the middle so that runners can write the names of their honorees on them to raise awareness for cancer.
WHERE TO STAY:
Check here to view Tripadvisor.com for a list of hotels in the area.
IN PERSON RACE DETAILS
Join us on Saturday, May 8, 2021 for the Grit Series Run at Newport Coast! The Newport Coast 25K & 5K benefits John Wayne Cancer Foundation, so every step you take helps advance the fight against cancer through pioneering cancer research and programs. Once you've completed the race, you’ll receive your participant shirt and finisher mug at the finish line. Plan on sticking around for "Grit Down" too - our signature post-race celebration, complete with music, refreshments, Vendors, games, and more!
TIMELINE
8:15 AM - Important Course Announcements
8:30 AM - 25K Start Time
9:00 AM - 5K Start Time
COURSE ADDRESS
8471 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
TENTATIVE FUNDRAISING RECOGNITION FOR 2027
*NOTE: 2026 Fundraiser Hat Shown Above. New Items For 2027 Coming Soon.
Thanks you to our sponsors for donating the items above
Fundraising as an Individual or as part of a Team is a great way to give back to the cancer-fighting community.
It’s also a great way to promote team building at your company or honor the memory of a loved one who has been affected by cancer.
Work for a matching gift company? Double your donation and earn fundraising rewards faster!
COURSE INFORMATION
Both loop courses start and finish at the bridge in the lower parking lot of Crystal Cove State Park. At the finish line, you’ll be rewarded with a finisher mug and the satisfaction of knowing that you stepped up to the challenge and helped fight cancer.
The elevation at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach is 1,033 ft.
THANK YOU TO OUR National SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL SPONSORS
