The 35th annual Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K welcomed more than 7,100 participants from around the nation Jan. 18, more than 18% higher than last year’s attendance of 6,000.
Runners could choose from multiple distances, including a marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles). More than 150 participants took part in the Double Down Challenge, which consisted of running both the 5K and the half marathon on race day, completing a total of 16.2 miles. Three medals were awaded, one for each race distance and a third Double Down medal to signify their accomplishment.
All race distances started at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The marathon distance featured an 18-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean, the half marathon showcasing the beachfront for 8 miles, while the 5K took runners on an out-and-back route passing the scenic Buena Vista Lagoon. Runners also enjoyed local entertainment featured throughout each course.
Top marathon results
Nicholas Spector of Anaheim, the men’s marathon champion and overall first-place finisher, completed the 26.2 miles in 2:33:33. Coming in after Nicholas was the men’s marathon second-place finisher, Encinitas resident Blake Dunkleberger. Oceanside resident Tesfaye Wosene took the third-place spot for the men’s marathon.
The women’s marathon course was led by Jenna Gasparinni of Coronado, who finished with a time of 2:58:10. Second and third-place finishers for the women’s marathon were Shannon Clancy of North Arlington, New Jersey, and Sarah Myers of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Kritin Karkare of San Diego claimed first in the marathon non-binary division with a time of 3:30:43. Other notable finishes in the non-binary fields included half marathon first and second-place finishers Bander Mefreh and Nick Schneider.
Top half-marathon and 5K results
The men’s half marathon division was led by San Diego resident Dylan Marx, who finished with a time of 1:07:06, while Carlsbad resident Phoebe Massey led the women’s division with a time of 1:20:54. First-place finishers of the men’s and women’s 5K were San Diego resident Eddie Ramos with a time of 15:49, and Canyon Lake resident Stefanie Cullingford, who finished in 17:55.
Other events
The weekend also featured the Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND California Resort, which brought in more than 3,000 people on event day.
The Kids Marathon Mile took place before the park opened to guests, providing an exclusive opportunity for participants to race through LEGOLAND California. A portion of each registration for the Kids Marathon Mile was donated directly to Merlin’s Magic Wand, the official charity partner of the event. Merlin’s Magic Wand Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works globally across all Merlin attractions to create magical experiences for children who need them most through three magical programs.
The Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is also a part of In Motion Events’ San Diego Foundation SoCal Triple Crown race series, which includes the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K, and the America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K. The trio offers a variety of courses and scenery throughout San Diego in distinct parts of the city and county.
Athletes who participate in each race in the same calendar year, no matter the distance they participate in, will be awarded a San Diego Foundation SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment of completing the race series.
The next race in the series will be the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K on March 24, and registration is now open.
For more information about In Motion Events, visit inmotionevents.com.
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