Carlsbad 5000 – Worlds Fastest 5K

April 02, 2023 · Carlsbad, CA

Distance: 5K, All Day 20K

WORLD’S FASTEST 5K

Est. 1986

The Carlsbad 5000 road race has been a spring tradition in Southern California since 1986 and features a full weekend of running festivities. The ‘World’s Fastest 5k’ welcomes runners of all ages and paces to a fast oceanfront course with unforgettable views and an energetic atmosphere. Even the youngest runners show up for the iconic Junior Carlsbad kids race. The full day of racing culminates when the fastest running professionals on the planet look to set new world and national records in the Elite Invitationals!

This iconic road race features nearly two miles along the Pacific coastline overlooking the sand and surf of the Carlsbad beaches. This legendary flat and fast course kicks off on the downtown seaside streets, winds through palm trees along Carlsbad Blvd, and ends with an exciting, spectator-friendly finish in the heart of Carlsbad Village. The world-record-setting course is USATF sanctioned and certified.

Included with Registration:

2 Pizza Port Beers (21+)
Premium Race Shirt
Official Finisher Medal
Race Photos & Results
Beer Garden (21+) with Live Music & Entertainment
Health & Fitness Expo featuring Sponsors, Exhibitors, & Elite Athlete Q&A w/ Meb

Participate In The All Day 20K!

The All Day 20K has been a long-standing tradition at the Carlsbad 5000. Runners collectively run a total of 20 kilometers by participating in the following four combined 5k races:

All Day 20k Race 1 – Masters Men (5k)
All Day 20k Race 2 – Masters Women (5k)
All Day 20k Race 3 – Open Men (5k)
All Day 20k Race 4 – Open Women (5k)

Included with Registration:

All Day 20k Race Medal
All Day 20k Premium Running Hat
All Day 20k Bib
Exclusive access to the All Day 20k Pre-Race & Recovery Zone

The All Day 20k Pre-Race & Recovery Zone is a designated area for All Day 20k runners to use before, in between, and after their four 5k races – Runners will have access to massage & recovery equipment, food, fuel, & drinks, and private bathrooms. The designated area will contain a secure Gear Check to store personal items throughout the day.

Click here for registration information

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Submitted by ldbroc355

April 7, 2013

Review

My event, the Carlsbad 5000 5K Masters, age 40 and over for men (women and kids, too), was my only event. Afterwards there were 740 masters ahead of me. The first 250 runners got their medal I saw that coming at mile one. There was a cash incentive for the runner to run his/her fastest, ever. Nowhere else have I seen so many speedy, older men. The Carlsbad 5000 5K is the best opportunity to beat out an old PR, which I did. With all of my 26’s, I finally broke them with a 25.54. That was my goal. My thanks go out to every runner who turned out for the races. They were all pacers. Many runners did not finish with the First 250, but they were fast enough to help bump the pace and there were no gaps in the pack. The course was slightly downhill at the coast, then it was slightly uphill. The sight of the ocean was beautiful. A clock after the final turn told you your time within sight of the finish line. That point is where I decided to make a difference in my race. Eateries began opening after finishing the Masters 5K . I was standing there so I just dropped in for breakfast. The expo was better than average. The parking at the train station was sealed around six A. M., but we managed to find street parking easily. I expected the same dynamic explosion of runners for all of the other events, but I needed to leave after the Masters 5K. That event got a well deserved “A” from me.

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Submitted by gregoryx

May 27, 2012

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It’s hard to beat the Carlsbad 5000 for a competitive 5K. It’s on my “every year, no matter what” list.

With races for so many categories – and separated men and women – it’s full-on competitive: whoever is next to me is either my age or older and I better throw down or get beat.

The course is NOT a “world’s fastest 5K course.” It’s the prize money that brings the talent and thus the times; not the course. The Magic Shoe 5K in Newport Beach is faster – every time; and I’m sure there are other courses that are flatter and less susceptible to wind. This year’s wind made the run a bit tougher than last year, for example.

The after-festivities are the best of any 5K I’ve seen. And sticking around to watch the true world-class elites come in at near-world-record paces is unreal.

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Submitted by Blush

April 24, 2012

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Packet pick up was a little strange because you picked up your bib on one street and then had to walk 2 streets down for your shirt. This race was a nice flat race. The course was awesome with a view of the ocean. Only the first 250 finishers get medals which was bad for me because I’m not that fast. And that medal is pretty cool. I had medal envy!! Probably won’t do the race again because I won’t ever be the first 250 finisher.

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Submitted by Moe Lisa

April 4, 2012

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Great Fun Race! So what if the course is the same for the all day 25k. It’s beautiful. The ocean, smiling faces and good times. Enjoy the challenge of the all day 25k = 5 x 5k races!

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Submitted by adriana48

February 19, 2012

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Since 2009 I’ve been running all 5 races, what they call “Endurance 25K”. This is one of the events I enjoy the most. Parking may be difficult, so if you are not from the area, I would get a motel walking distance, and in the morning just walk to the race (there are two Motel 6 on the same street of the event). The organization is excellent: they are very much on time in all the races. Great music, awesome food, and lots! Bear garden can’t be better. The whole city is at the event. If you do all races it’s very easy to go back to the start after every one; they have a reserved area for 25 K runners, with extra food and drinks, first aid, sunblock, and volunteers take really good care of you. Even though you run the same 3.1 miles course 5 times, you join a different group of runners. It is so much fun being an older lady running with a bunch of young guys in the 30s. At the end of all races yu get to pick up your 25K special medal at a designated location, which is a beautiful mall where you can treat yourself to a delicious lunch. I highly recommend it!

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