Posted: March 27, 2006

Athletics: Carlsbad 5000 and Junior Carlsbad Online Registration Closing Soon

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (March 27, 2006) -- Runners and walkers who are participating in the upcoming Carlsbad 5000 on Sunday, April 9 are encouraged to register now before entry fees increase. The entry fee is $23 through April 2 when online registration closes, and $30 race weekend. Mail-in entry is currently $28 and must be postmarked by April 1.

The popular Junior Carlsbad event for children age 12-and-under on April 8 is $12 and online registration for that event also closes on April 2. Mail-in entry is $17 and race weekend entry is $20.

Highlights of the Carlsbad 5000 this year include a team competition, a City Challenge and the Corporate Cup Challenge. In team competition, all groups must consist of three to five members, with the three fastest finishing times scoring. Categories include open men, open women and open mixed teams, in addition to Masters, Corporate, Military and Law/Fire divisions.

The Corporate Cup has been designed to help promote health and company camaraderie by signing up as a group to run or walk. Awards will be presented to the company with the greatest number of participants. The City Challenge is similar, with southern Californians employed in city services invited to participate together. Awards will be presented to the fastest city, with the top two times scored, and to the city with the most participants.

The world-renowned Carlsbad 5000 celebrates its 21st birthday this year and over the years the 3.1-mile scenic seaside course has become a Southern California favorite among families and fitness buffs. A flat, fast course - 15 world records have been set there - 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.

All Carlsbad 5000 race participants will receive an Under Armour technical race tee, and medals are given to the first 250 finishers who cross in each individual run. The top three finishers in each age group receive awards along with Under Armour merchandise and prizes from Souplantation, Chipotle and Pat & Oscar's. Team awards are presented three-deep.

Hosting a race for every age and ability, Junior Carlsbad celebrates fitness and family. Kids ages seven thru 12 run a one- mile course, followed by five and six-year-olds running a half-mile and four year olds running a quarter mile. Highlighting the day is the popular Toddler Trot for three-year-olds and the two-and-under Diaper Dash, both a series of 25 and 50-yard dashes. Every child earns a finisher's medal, a race t-shirt and goodie bag. Awards are given to the top three girl and boy finishers in each age group (5-12).

In addition, students around the County are invited to take part in the School Championship. The school with the greatest participation will hold bragging rights for the next school year as County Champion. Awards will be presented to the top 10 schools, and may include LEGOLAND tickets, lunch from Chipotle or Pat & Oscar's. The winning school will receive a school visit from San Diego Chargers wide receiver, Eric Parker.

A Pre-Registration Party will Friday, April 7 from 3-6 p.m. at Pat & Oscar's in Carlsbad (965 Palomar Airport Road). Free refreshments will be provided along with music, raffles and fun activities. Participants can avoid race-day lines and pick up their race number, t-shirt and goodie bag at that time.

For more information or to register for the 2006 Carlsbad 5000 or Junior Carlsbad visit www.eliteracing.com or call 800/311-1255.

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