2009 Kids’ Race Hits the Streets of Downtown Carlsbad
Kids from across the county celebrate 20 years of fitness at annual race
By Maya Shaff
Competitor Group
April 4, 2009
In true Southern California style, the 20th Annual Junior Carlsbad kicked off with balmy weather and blue skies this morning at 7:50 am. As kids of all ages - the youngest still in diapers - crossed the finish line, families and spectators lined Carlsbad Village Drive in celebration of the event's 20th year.
"This year's event was a huge success," said Rhonda Mulvey, event manager of the kids race. "We love to see more and more kids enter the race each year, especially those who have been running for consecutive events."
Approximately 3,000 kids toed the start line the morning of April 4, including some who completed the race in honor of kids unable to run or compete. For the last few years, kids at Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, in support of the Entoto Foundation, have pledged to run their personal best at the Junior Carlsbad race to help their counterparts in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All the money they raise through pledges helps fly children from Addis Ababa to Los Angeles, CA for desperately needed medical treatment.
The Junior Carlsbad is part of a weekend-long celebration of fitness in North County San Diego. The kids' races precede Sunday's Carlsbad 5000, a 5K event for adults and elite athletes. Both events feature post-race refreshments, prizes, live entertainment and a Health and Fitness Expo featuring the latest in fitness gear, apparel and nutrition.
After race day, Junior Carlsbad and Carlsbad 5000 participants are invited to a special celebration with the San Diego Padres on Saturday, April 11 at 7:05 pm. The Padres will offer a special discounted price to come watch as they take on the San Francisco Giants. Tickets are available online through http://www.juniorcarlsbad.com/.
Registration will be available for the Carlsbad 5000 on the day of the event, which will begin at 7:05 am. To view the full race day schedule for the Carlsbad 5000 on Sunday, April 5, please visit http://www.carlsbad5000.com/.
