There aren’t many places in the United States where you could comfortably run a half marathon at the end of January in short sleeves. The Carlsbad Half Marathon is one of the few races to offer this warm weather luxury, thanks to the sunny climate of California. Some of the fastest running times in have been raced on the current course of the Carlsbad Half Marathon.
Due to this fast course and the reputation of the race, you will have to get your registration in early if you want to be on the finish line next year. The race allows over 8,000 racers to register, but the spots still sell out before race day rolls around.
Walkers are permitted to enter, and the minimum pace time is actually very reasonable for walkers as well as runners. This may be one of the best large half marathon events if you are a walker.
Race History
The Carlsbad Marathon started out as the San Diego Marathon, but was switched to Carlsbad in name and location in 2004. This is where the marathon and the half marathon continue to be held to date.
Race Course
Many of the fastest times currently standing were credited to be recorded at the Carlsbad Half Marathon. The course is known for being one of the fastest available today, and is definitely the fastest in this area of California. You won’t have to combat extensive changes in elevation, and you cannot beat the waterside scenery for entertainment.
The highlight of the Carlsbad Half Marathon course is the Pacific Ocean. Much of the race goes right along the water, so you will always have something to look at for motivation and just to pass the time.
The course starts and ends at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real, so you end up right back where you started at the end. This is a great set-up, because you won’t have to fight for space on a shuttle to get back to wherever you parked your vehicle.
If you have supporters who want to come to the race as spectators, this is the best race to bring them along.
You can get a free Spectator’s Guide online, which tells them where to go to see the racers as they fly by. While you are having the time of your life running or walking, they will be having a great time as well racing through the spectator stops to see you pass by.
Spectators can also meet you back at the starting point to enjoy the celebration when you cross the finish line. This is important if you will be running your very first marathon. Marathon planners provide photographers to take photos along the course, but you might want to make sure someone special is there waiting to record you crossing that finish line for the first time.
Training for the Carlsbad Half Marathon
You have to keep a pace of 20:36 per mile, which is simple for runners and reasonable for walkers. If you fall behind this point, you could be asked to take a shuttle off of the race course so that traffic can be released other entrants who are keeping pace.
This has to factor into your training if you are worried about not being able to run the entire race. Just make sure you are in shape enough to make this pace time, and you will at least make it to the finish line in time for the party.
If you want to train to finish the race in a given period of time, there are pace groups that will be forming on race day. This means a professional runner will lead the way while keeping the perfect pace for those who want to finish a race within a given time.
The actual paces included in this program may change from year to year, so you might want to check on that when you register if you are interested.
You should also prepare to arrive in Carlsbad at least one day early if you want to go to the Expo, or if you need to go to the Expo to claim your registration packet. The packet includes a long sleeve t-shirt as well as your race chip which has to be connected onto your shoes. You do not have to return the chip, as it is the newer disposable kind.
Part of the Carlsbad Half Marathon fun is going to the expo and collecting all of the free sample while checking out some of the biggest products and trends in the racing world. You will also meet great racers from all over the world and perhaps expand your Facebook friend’s list while you are there.
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