Edwin Kurgat and Laura Galvan returned to the streets of southern California and defended their titles at this year’s Carlsbad 5000.
Kurgat (Kenya) finished the race in 13:47, finishing three seconds faster than his time at the event in 2023. New Zealand’s Matt Baxter made it a tight finish after an early lead, coming in one second behind Kurgat to finish in 13:48.
Galvan (Mexico) broke the tape in 15:19, which is 14 seconds off her national record performance from the previous year, and 20 seconds ahead of second place finisher Marissa Howard (USA, top American).
The Carlsbad 5000 is known as the World’s Fastest 5k. From the event website, “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.”
Blazing fast records have been set on the Carlsbad course. Sammy Kipketer holds the event record of 12:59.5 for the men (set in 2000), and Mseret Defar in 14:46 for the women (set in 2006). At the 2002 Carlsbad 5000, Deena Kastor set a then American record time of 14:53.8.
First run in 1986, Steve Scott not only helped design the course in 1986 but won the inaugural race and repeated as champion two times before relinquishing the crown at the 1989 running to Yobes Ondieki.
First American on the men’s side was Ben Veatch (3rd overall), finishing the course in 14:10.
For full results of 2024 Carlsbad 5000, click here.
WATCH: 2024 Carlsbad 5000
