Set the Pace for 2020 at the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon

The New Year is officially here and so is the new decade. Every year, we wake up on January 1st and mull over the memories that filled the past twelve months. For some, these memories are a reminder of how thankful we are that we can start anew. For others, there is a strong sense of nostalgia associated with the new year. As we get back into the swing of things and settle back into routines, it’s never a better time than now to think about the future. New Year’s resolutions are one way to do this. Thinking about changing unhealthy habits and challenging ourselves to start healthy ones is a great way to start the year. For long distance runners, being healthy is a part of the sport. Every year, Carlsbad uses the moderate winter temperatures and mild climate to host the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Full and Half Marathon. Runners describe this marathon as ‘the best and most scenic winter marathon around’, and they aren’t exaggerating. This year, the 2020 races are on January 19th and are a great opportunity to stretch your legs, get started on a personal best, and cheer on friends and neighbors.

The Full Marathon

The full marathon is a standard 26.2 miles. Runners will be treated to miles and miles of scenery along the coast. Since it is a holiday weekend, there will be plenty of time to train, complete, and recover after the race. The Tri-City Medical Center has covered all of the bases in preparing for the event. There will be support stations available at every mile to encourage runners through their journey and provide hydration, electrolyte replacement, and energy gel. There will also be live entertainment for fans and family. Each mile marker will signify an accomplishment of strength and a celebration of healthy living.

The race starts bright and early at 6:15 a.m. on Sunday, January 19th. Runners will be able to welcome the rising sun over the mountains and along the shoreline. The full course is a two-loop trek with over 18-miles running alongside the Pacific Ocean. It begins at the Shoppes at Carlsbad and passes by some of Carlsbad’s most iconic destinations. The Carlsbad Village and Buena Vista Lagoon are two of the main focal points along the course. Scenic views extend through La Costa Avenue, Mountain View Road, and Breakwater Road. Various streets will be closed throughout the morning. Guests and fans can access info about road closures here.

Complimentary pace groups will be provided by the Road Runner Sports Pace Team. The marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier and awards will be given to the first three finishers, male and female, per age group.

The Half Marathon

While the Half Marathon is half the distance, it is just as much fun. The Carlsbad Half has been voted as one of the top 20 half marathons in the nation and winner of the Beautiful On-Course Scenery award by Bibrave. The race will begin a bit later than the full and shares 8 miles of oceanside views with the Full Marathon. It will start at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday. The course is out-and-back with little to no elevation changes.

Registration for both races includes a grab bag of swag. A long-sleeved technical fabric shirt and ¼ zip pullover jacket, souvenir cinch bag, complimentary beer in the post-race Ballast Point beer garden, and bib number with ChronoTrack B-Tag are just a few of the incentives available for runners.

All participants must pick up their own bib number etc. before the race. The Health & Lifestyle Expo will be hosting vendors, deals on apparel, samples and much more while passing out bibs. Families and friends can attend the Expo with runners to jump start healthy goals for 2020.

Kids Marathon Mile and Virtual Races

This year’s race weekend isn’t just for avid runners. Families can get into the spirit by registering for the Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND on the Saturday before the Marathon. This event is a fun way for the whole family to become enthusiastic about getting active in the new year. Participants will have early access to the park and can run, walk, or push a stroller through the finish line. The one-mile run is the ideal length for kid sized steps, and a portion of each registration will be donated to Merlin’s Magic Wand charity.

In addition to the Kid’s Marathon Mile, this year’s race is introducing a brand new way to sprint towards healthy living – virtual races. Virtual races will offer a way to take part in the marathon even if runners can’t be there in person. Registrants for the virtual races receive some of the same swag that in person runners do. By using a fitness tracker of your choice, runners can take the race at their own pace and still participate in any of the series challenges offered at the marathon.

If you’re looking for the motivation to get healthy in 2020, visit the races and start training for an active and happy New Year.