Runnerville

American Alan Webb Highlights 23rd Annual Carlsbad 5000 on April 6, 2008
Opportunity stands to take down American road 5k record prior to U.S. Olympic Team Trials

by: Elite Racing
March 27, 2008

CARLSBAD, Calif., (March 27, 2008) — After breaking Steve Scott’s quarter-century old American mile record last summer in Brasschaat, Belgium, 25-year-old Alan Webb will have an opportunity to take down San Diego native Marc Davis’ 1996 American road 5k record of 13:24, also set at the Carlsbad 5000. Webb has chosen to open his 2008 Spring campaign in Carlsbad as he prepares for an Olympic bid. The Southern California race, set for Sunday, April 6, 2008, was made famous by Scott 23 years ago as both the course designer and champion of the first three events.

“I’m really looking forward to my first trip out to Carlsbad,” said Webb, a Reston, Virginia native. “I’ve always heard about what a great course and event it is, and how fast people have run there. Plus, Steve Scott has been something of a mentor to me over the years, and to run on a course he designed and won on three times just makes it that much more special.”

In this Olympic year Webb is gearing toward the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field set for Eugene, Oregon in June, and the early season road 5k will plays well into his Olympic timing.

“I’m in good form,” Webb confirmed. “Carlsbad fits my schedule perfectly this year.”

Webb first gained national acclaim when he smashed Jim Ryun’s legendary 36-year-old American high school mile record in 2001 (3:53.43). Since then he has steadily moved up the ranks of the world’s top middle distance runners. In 2006, Webb ran the fastest-ever debut by an American at 10,000 meters (27:34.72), winning at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational at Stanford University. For calendar year 2007, Webb ran the fastest mile (3:46.91), fastest 1500 meters (3:30:54), and second best 800 meters (1:43.84) in the world.

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“This is the greatest thing to ever happen to the Carlsbad 5000,” said Scott, who broadcasts the Carlsbad 5000 for FSN. “More than any world record, to have a top American competing here in peak physical shape, prepping for the Olympics is a testament to the quality of this race and the outstanding performances that have been staged here in the past. Regardless of the time, it will be world news how he does here.”

On race day in Carlsbad, Webb will have plenty of world-class company.

Returning to the Carlsbad 5000 is 2006 champion Abreham Cherkos Feleke, 19, from Ethiopia, who recently finished third in the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Track and Field Championship 3000 meters in Valencia, Spain. Also on hand will be Bonface Songok, 27, Kenya, the 2004 Carlsbad runner up, and countryman, Shadrack Kosgei, 24, who finished third in 2005.

23rd Annual Carlsbad 5000 Race Weekend
Race weekend kicks off with the Spenco Insoles Junior Carlsbad on Saturday, April 5. Nearly 4,500 kids ages 12 and under will take part in a variety of age appropriate races. All racers receive a T-shirt, goodie bag and finisher’s medal for their efforts. Awards will be presented to the top three junior athletes ages five-12. Registration is only $22 for those who sign-up before March 30. Families can register online at www.eliteracing.com.

On Sunday, April 6, the Carlsbad 5000 will attract many competitive runners from around the country and the world, as well as a strong group of walkers. Race day begins at 7:05 a.m. with the first of nine races. The main event, featuring the world’s fastest professional athletes, begins at 12:15 p.m. Race fans can expect a strong attack at the world’s best times from the emerging field.

A free Health & Fitness Expo takes place on race weekend, on Saturday, April 5 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, April 6 from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Expo will serve as Carlsbad 5000 race registration headquarters on Saturday starting at 10 a.m., allowing participants to pick up their race number, timing chip, t-shirt and goodie bag. The interactive Expo, located on Roosevelt Street between Grand and Carlsbad Village Drive, will display running apparel and shoes, fitness gear, and health and nutrition items.

For more information or to register for the Carlsbad 5000 and the Spenco Insoles Junior Carlsbad, visit www.eliteracing.com or call (800) 311-1255.

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