Posted: February 22, 2006

Athletics: Carlsbad 5000 Celebrates 21 Years of Excellence

World's Fastest 5K Returns for a Weekend of Road Racing Records and Family Fun

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2006) - Voted as the Best Running Venue in the United States by Runner's World Magazine, the Carlsbad 5000 celebrates its 21st birthday on Sunday, April 9, 2006. The popular Junior Carlsbad event for kids ages 12 and under, is held the day before, Saturday, April 8.

The world-renowned 3.1-mile scenic seaside course has become a Southern California favorite among families and fitness buffs. A flat, fast course offers competition for all ages and levels. Six different age group races for the masses precede the elite competition, offering all participants and spectators the opportunity to view the world-class invitational runners.

The elite runners, who have built the event into the world's fastest 5K, will battle for a prize purse totaling $70,000. Both the current men's and women's 5K road records were set on the streets of Carlsbad, with Sammy Kipketer's time of 13:00-minutes coming in 2000 and matched by him again in 2001. In 2005, Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba ran 14:51 to tie Paula Radcliffe's world road record. Dibaba's time was the 15th world record broken or tied at Carlsbad since its inception in 1986.

Carlsbad's oceanfront course is flat and fast and there is a race for everyone, from the masters 40-years and up to 29-years and under, to the Wheelchair Invitational and the People's Walk. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in all age divisions, while the first 250 finishers will also receive medals for their top showing. New in 2006, every participant will also receive an Under Armour technical tee with entry.

Junior Carlsbad, now in its 17th year, features 10 different races designed for children ages 12 and under. Distances range from one-mile down to a quarter-mile and the always-entertaining 50-yard Toddler Trot and 25-yard Diaper Dash. Every child who participates will receive a commemorative medal, a colorful t-shirt and a goodie bag. Students can also participate in the School Championship - a competition based on participation, not speed - with prizes from Legoland, Pat & Oscar's and Chipotle going to top-performing schools. The winning school will earn a school visit by Chargers player Eric Parker.

A free Health & Fitness Expo takes place on race weekend, running from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 8 and 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 9. The Expo will serve as Carlsbad 5000 race registration headquarters on Saturday starting at 10 am, allowing participants to pick up their race number, timing chip, t-shirt and goodie bag. The interactive Expo, located on Roosevelt Street between Grand and Carlsbad Village Drive, will display running apparel and shoes, fitness gear, and health and nutrition items.

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 2006 Carlsbad 5000 and Junior Carlsbad, visit www.eliteracing.com or call (858) 450-6510. Online registration for the Carlsbad 5000 is $23, through April 2. The entry fee is $30 thereafter and on race day. Junior Carlsbad online registration is $12 through April 2. The fee moves to $20 thereafter and on race day.

Sponsors of the Carlsbad 5000 include Under Armour, EAS, North County Times, NBC, Adelphia, 91X, Z90 FM, Magic 92.5 and Her Sports Magazine.

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