Carlsbad 5000m

The main reason we were staying in Oceanside was so that we could watch the “world’s fastest 5000” road race in neighbouring Carlsbad. We were up early as the festival of running started early - the masters races began at 7:05am!!

When we arrived in Carlsbad most of the roads were shut off and there was a party atmosphere - live music, beer drinking and lots of stalls, oh yeah and some races going on. There were quite a few mass-participation races before the elite races got going and we enjoyed watching some gritted teeth, fancy dress and sprint finishes (which turn into walks by the finish line).

Unfortunately as the morning went on the wind picked up and by the time the elite races got going there was a gale blowing and any chances of course records (which also happen to be world records) went out the window. Despite the hard conditions the races were still strong and the men’s and women’s races were won by Eliud Kipchoge (two time Olympic medallist) and Meseret Defar (two time Olympic champion) respectively.

It was interesting to see how the races were organised and note differences between those in the UK and those we have seen here. There isn’t too much difference, although we particularly liked the idea that race participants were able to enjoy two free beers after the races in an open air bar!! UK race directors take note please. We like that idea a lot!!


Elite women getting on their way