Posted: March 3, 2005

Athletics: Carlsbad 5000 - World's Fastest 5K to Celebrate 20th Edition on April 3

14 World and 8 U.S. Records Set on Seaside Course!

CARLSBAD, Calif. - (Feb. 28, 2005) - Recognized as one of southern California's finest athletic traditions, the world-renowned Carlsbad 5000 celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The race, held in the seaside town just north of San Diego, takes place Sunday, April 3, 2005. The popular Junior Carlsbad kids' event, now in its 16th year, will be held the day prior, Saturday, April 2.

With an amazing 14 world and 8 U.S. records in its 19-year history, the Carlsbad 5000 has earned its reputation as the world's fastest 5K. A flat, fast course designed by American record holder Steve Scott and world-class competition year in and year out set the stage for an exciting day of racing. Six different age group races for the masses precede the elite competition, allowing all participants and spectators to view the world-class runners as they fly around the 3.1-mile course.

The Carlsbad 5000 is run largely along scenic Carlsbad Blvd and highlighted by stunning scenery with ocean backdrops, old trees and beautiful buildings sweeping by. It is a spectator-friendly course as well. By standing on Carlsbad Blvd between Grand Ave and Carlsbad Village Dr, family and friends can see runners pass by three times.

"This isn't designed to be the fastest 5K course in the world," says Scott, who still holds the American record in the mile. And yet, the records keep getting broken here, which tells you something about the Carlsbad fields over the years.

The Carlsbad 5000 festivities encompass the entire weekend, beginning with Junior Carlsbad on that Saturday. There, kids 12 and under are the stars as they partake in 10 separate races designed for specific age and fitness levels. Every child receives a medal, T-shirt and goodie bag in the event that is an annual highlight on family calendars.

On Sunday, thousands of runners and walkers converge on the streets to compete in the Carlsbad 5000. Participants find their niche in the People's races, divided into age and gender categories. The first 250 people to cross the finish line in each individual run earn a 'First 250' medal and the top three finishers in each age group take home additional prizes.

A Health & Fitness Expo, located at Roosevelt and Carlsbad Village Drive, complements the weekend festivities. The two-day Expo is packed with official race souvenirs, the latest in running shoes, running apparel, food, free samples, plus nutrition and health services information.

The Carlsbad 5000 promises a scenic course, healthy competition and a weekend of fun for participants of all ages and skill levels. For more information or to register for the 2005 Carlsbad 5000 and Junior Carlsbad, visit www.eliteracing.com or call (858) 450-6510. Mail-in registration for the Carlsbad 5000 is $28 through March 26. Participants can save by registering online, for $23, through March 27. The entry fee is $30 thereafter and on race day. Junior Carlsbad mail-in registration is $17 through March 26 and $12 online through March 27. The fee moves to $20 thereafter and on race day.

Sponsors of the Carlsbad 5000 include New Balance, PowerBar and Amino Vital.

Source: Audra Fleming / Susan Reid, Elite Racing, Inc.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.