Gray Lunde Ironman

Event Description:

Each year we hold an Ironman Competition in memory of Gray Lunde, a former Junior Lifeguard. This event was his favorite event in Junior Lifeguards. He competed in it for the first time when he was only 8 years old (before he was a JG).

**This is a rigorous event! Make sure your swimming, running, and endurance abilities are sufficient to complete the event.**

Course Description:

• Participants start at Tower 74 (Santa Ana River Jetty)
• Run to the Newport Pier (2.2miles),
• Swim around Buddy’s Buoy twice (400m), run to the Balboa Pier (1.7 miles)
• Swim around Reenie’s Buoy twice (400m)
• Run to “G” Street, and then back to the finish line by JGHQ.
• The event concludes at Junior Lifeguard Headquarters with a ceremony honoring Gray's legacy.

If needed, please be sure to arrange for transportation back to your parking spot at the end of the event. The event lasts approximately two hours from the event start time.

 

Event Details:

• Event Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
• Check-In at 8:30 a.m. Event begins at 9:00 a.m.
• Event Start Location: Tower 74 (By the Santa Ana River Jetty)
• Event End Location: Junior Lifeguard Headquarters, 901 East Oceanfront, Newport Beach (by the Balboa Pier)
• No day-of registration allowed. Families are welcome to watch and cheer on competitors.

 

How to Register:

Registration Deadline: Thursday, July 9 by 4:00 p.m.

1. CURRENT 2026 NBJG:

• Current 2026 Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards, please log in to your NBJG account to complete the Gray Lunde Ironman form/waiver under the "Excursion" link.

 

2. All Other Participants :

For people interested in participating in the event, but who are not current Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards.

Non-JG participants, Complete BOTH the form and waiver below.

• Registration Form
• Event Waiver - Bring the completed waiver with you to event check-in.
• $20 donation for non-JGs is encouraged. Donations can be made here and support the NBJG Scholarship Fund.