If you're looking to run any running events during Winter season (not really winter in Southern California), this is the perfect race for you. Although there are some rolling hills … MORE
If you’re looking to run any running events during Winter season (not really winter in Southern California), this is the perfect race for you. Although there are some rolling hills that are not that steep but doable, the best part of the race is you run through the views of the Pacific Ocean beginning in Mile 3 to Mile 10 (turn around after Mile 7).
Please login to reply to this review.
Great Winter Race
If you're looking to run any running events during Winter season (not really winter in Southern California), this is the perfect race for you. Although there are some rolling hills … MORE
If you’re looking to run any running events during Winter season (not really winter in Southern California), this is the perfect race for you. Although there are some rolling hills that are not that steep but doable, the best part of the race is you run through the views of the Pacific Ocean beginning in Mile 3 to Mile 10 (turn around after Mile 7).
Great course
I would definitely recommend this race. Very scenic course, and the weather was perfect. The only thing I would somehow change is the out and back course. MORE
I would definitely recommend this race. Very scenic course, and the weather was perfect. The only thing I would somehow change is the out and back course.
Uninterrupted coastal views
Great PR course - flat with a couple rollers. Fully aided. Great swag! First half marathon after baby Amelia was born (10 months) and a great reliable flat course to … MORE
Great PR course – flat with a couple rollers. Fully aided. Great swag!
First half marathon after baby Amelia was born (10 months) and a great reliable flat course to get back at it! Plenty of mall parking for family / beer garden / great cool time of year. Carlsbad I’d also my hometown so nostalgic to run these roads!
Lots of fun!
This race is very fun - especially if you're coming from altitude. There is some elevation change (an overpass) to keep it spicy on the way out, and then you … MORE
This race is very fun – especially if you’re coming from altitude. There is some elevation change (an overpass) to keep it spicy on the way out, and then you get a nice downhill on the way back. The only thing I wish was different was we didn’t run far enough to get near the ocean!
Hilly, coastal, and scenic!
The Carlsbad Half Marathon remains one of my faves— coastal, beautiful, and hilly! Even the cloudy, cold weather couldn’t dampen this year’s race. Expo / pick-up: -This year’s expo and … MORE
The Carlsbad Half Marathon remains one of my faves— coastal, beautiful, and hilly! Even the cloudy, cold weather couldn’t dampen this year’s race.
Expo / pick-up:
-This year’s expo and packet pick-up was at the Holiday Inn Carlsbad, just over a mile from the airport. The parking lot was big but also busy! Shirt and packet pick-up was convenient in the hotel’s main ballroom, where you could also check out official race gear. I wish there were more shirt designs, though. Sponsor exhibits took up the hotel’s outdoor courtyard if you need to pick up some last-minute sunglasses, socks, or recovery gear, while posing with some official photo backdrops.
Parking/Pre-race:
-The start area was set at the southwest side of the Shoppes at Carlsbad, along the corner of Marron Road and Monroe St. The nice thing about staging the start/finish at a mall: so much available parking. The same applied to port-a-potties as well, plentiful. Gear-check was offered for an additional fee via Mobile Locker, with prices ranging from $10-20 depending on the locker size. Because the start line is so close to the parking lot, I think it’s easier to just access stuff from your car. However, if you plan to plan to arrive late/park farther away, or are relying on alternate transportation, the lockers are worth considering. The start corrals were spaced out along Marron Road and divided by wave numbers and pacing groups—faster runners up front.
Course:
-The Carlsbad Half Marathon is an out-and-back course, with Miles 1-2 heading southwest away from the mall, through residential areas, and over the 5 Freeway. This early portion feels crowded and has the narrowest paths, including a turnaround where State St and Carlsbad Blvd intersect. This was my least favorite part of the course because you’re nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with all the other runners. The race really opens up at Mile 3 when you finally get nice views of Carlsbad State Beach. The sun (stubbornly obscured by clouds this year), the water, the sea breeze… it all comes together magnificently. Most of this Carlsbad Boulevard stretch is elevated above beach-level, so you get an unobstructed view of the water. It makes for some picture-perfect moments if you want some selfies. The hills roll up and down for a few miles to keep things interesting, as the elevation grants great views at the cost of your legs. Just before Mile 7, you hit a turnaround that takes you on a parallel road back, so you see the same beaches as before, now from the opposite direction. The crowd support is strong around the turnaround point. You roughly re-trace the first half of the course, with a few tweaks including skipping the early turnaround, then hit the finish line by turning into the Shoppes parking lot at the corner of Marron and Monroe.
Scenery/Weather/Support:
-Even on a cloudy day, the scenery is great! Miles 3-10 run along the coast, and the elevated road makes for soothing views. There were water stations every mile, so hydration was sufficient. Crowd support was good, including DJs, local bands (the rapper at Mile 2 was fun), run groups and local businesses. Because runners’ names are printed in all-caps on your bibs, random supporters could easily cheer you on by name (instead of “Let’s go, Runner 101!”). It’s a fun surprise! Race day weather was cold for January, starting in the mid-50s at the start line, and barely inched up by the time I arrived at the finish line.
Post-race:
-Finish-line goodies were conveniently packaged in brown paper bags—I appreciate this because (1) Covid concerns, (2) it’s faster to grab just one bag instead of stopping at multiple stations, and (3) there have been so many post-races where I’m stumbling, exhausted, and trying to juggle water and snacks in two hands. Exhaustion can lead to lack of coordination! The bagged refreshments included: bananas, aluminum bottles of Heart Water, Hollandia chocolate milk, Partners sea salt crackers, chocolate-flavor JamBar, and a Dole Papaya & Mango fruit cup. The post-race festival outside the Shoppes featured live music, a beer festival, massages, food trucks, and tents for sponsors and merch sales. Lines will be long for the three photo op backdrops: the Half Marathon, the Double Down Challenge, and the Triple Crown.
Swag:
-The Carlsbad Half Marathon always has great swag. The finisher medal featured a lifeguard tower in front of a sunset beach, with pastel colors of teal, orange, and red. Flip the medal around for the event name, date, and info in silver, all looped with a light orange/green ribbon. If you do the 5k earlier that morning, you also score the Double Down Challenge medal, a rounded square in a dark turquoise color. A “16.2” circle swivels near the center to announce the total number of miles you ran! The official half marathon race shirt was a white, long-sleeve tech shirt with the Carlsbad lifeguard tower logo front and center. My favorite piece of kit was the gray quarter-zip long-sleeve shirt, with the Carlsbad logo printed vertically across the front, and thumb-holes in the sleeves. Very comfy. My only quibble with any of the race materials this year was the Double Down Challenge bib. The pastel color scheme is great, but your bib number and name are printed in white, which sometimes blends too easily into the background. Maybe outline the white numbers with a darker color next time?
Bottom-line:
-The Carlsbad Half Marathon is a fantastic race, and one of my favorite running events. The elevated coastal views, strong production/support, and great energy make it fun day of racing. I’m already looking forward to next year!
My Favorite First Race of the Year
I guided a Blind Athlete on his 2nd marathon towards his quest to become a Para-olympian. Jeff Mata shaved 41 minutes from his last marathon. Course is perfect for athletes … MORE
I guided a Blind Athlete on his 2nd marathon towards his quest to become a Para-olympian. Jeff Mata shaved 41 minutes from his last marathon. Course is perfect for athletes requiring additional space. However; it is a tough course , but this is exactly what he needed to prepare for Boston 2023. Race organizers and volunteers were incredible.
Cool cloudy day on a beautiful course
Swag was awesome. Two long sleeves shirts, with the option of fitted. Lots of aid stations. This is only my 2nd half marathon, but I can see that I don't … MORE
Swag was awesome. Two long sleeves shirts, with the option of fitted. Lots of aid stations. This is only my 2nd half marathon, but I can see that I don’t like the “out and back” version as much as “point to point”. But all in all, I would definitely do this one again. Very well organized and had a great time.
Fun Run Along the Coast
Really enjoyed this race. Outstanding swag (t shirt and quarter zip) and excellent production. Race Day was cloudy and cool, which was great, I could see it being rough in … MORE
Really enjoyed this race. Outstanding swag (t shirt and quarter zip) and excellent production. Race Day was cloudy and cool, which was great, I could see it being rough in the full sun as there’s little or no covered areas. But all in all a great run!
Great views, rolling course
Had a great time with the Carlsbad half. Loved running along the ocean for most of it. Would not be into it if I had done the full marathon as … MORE
Had a great time with the Carlsbad half. Loved running along the ocean for most of it. Would not be into it if I had done the full marathon as they just essentially double the same course. All in all, would do it again. Race swag was legit.
Great hilly, coastal run!
If you love a cool breeze, beautiful coastal views, and steady hills, you’ll love the Carlsbad Half Marathon. Expo / pick-up: -This year’s expo and pick-up was at the Holiday … MORE
If you love a cool breeze, beautiful coastal views, and steady hills, you’ll love the Carlsbad Half Marathon.
Expo / pick-up:
-This year’s expo and pick-up was at the Holiday Inn Carlsbad. The parking lot was packed. Shirt pick-up was quick and easy in one of the ballrooms, while sponsor exhibits and merch sales were available in the hotel’s outdoor courtyard. I was there within an hour of opening on the first day, and race merch selection was already a bit sparse, especially when it came to sizing. Bummer!
Parking/Pre-race:
– The start area was located along the southwest corner of the Shoppes at Carlsbad, along Marron Road. One of the nice things about staging the start/finish at a mall: all the parking you could ever want. The same applied to port-a-potties as well, plentiful. Gear-check was offered for an additional fee (boo!) but because the staging area is so close to the parking lot, I think it’s just as easy to access stuff from your car. Still, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re relying on alternate modes of transportation. The start corrals were nicely spaced out along Marron Road, and divided by wave numbers and pacing groups.
Course:
-The Carlsbad Half Marathon course is an out-and-back, with Miles 1-2 breaking away from the mall, through some residential areas, and over the 5 Freeway. This early portion feels slightly crowded and has the narrowest paths, including a turnaround where State St and Carlsbad Blvd intersect. This was my least favorite part of the course. The race feels like it REALLY begins at Mile 3, as you finally get to run with lovely views of Carlsbad State Beach. The sun, the water, the sea breeze, everything starts to come together as advertised. Unlike some other coastal runs I’ve done, most of the Carlsbad Boulevard route is elevated above beach-level, so you get an unobstructed view of the water. It’s very nice! There are constant rolling hills every mile or two that make for challenging ups and fun downs. Just before Mile 7, you hit a turnaround that takes you back on a parallel road, so you see much of the same beaches but from the opposite direction. From there, you’re basically re-tracing the first half of the course, with a few minor tweaks including skipping the early turnaround, and ending at the corner of Marron and Monroe.
Scenery/Weather/Support:
-As mentioned above, the scenery is great! Miles 3-10 run along the coast, and the elevated road makes for soothing views. No complaints about hydration, as there were water/Nuun stations every mile or so. Race officials did email us a few days before the race that the official gel supplements had been delayed, so that was a bummer, but not a big deal as I was self-fueling. Crowd support was good, including DJs, local bands, run groups and businesses, and got better as the race extended later into the morning. One thing I noticed during the race was that since runner names were pretty prominent on the race bibs, random supporters could more easily cheer on random runners by name (instead of “Let’s go, Runner 101!”). It’s a fun and unexpected feeling! Race day weather was cool and pleasant, starting in the upper 50s at the start line, and going into the mid-60s by the time I reached the finish line.
Post-race:
-Finish-line goodies were conveniently pre-packaged in brown paper bags—I appreciate this because (1) Covid concerns, (2) faster to grab just one bag instead of stopping at multiple stations, and (3) there have been way too many post-races where I’m stumbling, exhausted, and trying to juggle water and snacks. The refreshments included: bananas, Qure water, Hollandia chocolate milk, Partners sea salt crackers, Chewy granola bar, Dole oranges fruit cup, Organifi drink mix. I also picked up some Suja coconut protein drinks from one of the vendors. Post-race festival outside the Shoppes featured live music, a beer festival, massages, food trucks, and tents for sponsors and merch sales.
Swag:
-The Carlsbad Half Marathon race swag this year was pretty nifty. I liked the finisher medal, featuring just the race’s new, circular red/orange/yellow sunset and blue wave logo in the front. Flip the medal around for the event name, date, and info in silver, all looped with a blue ribbon. Race shirt was a white, long-sleeve tech shirt with the same colorful race logo front and center. Bonus: a black, long-sleeve jacket with a corner chest Carlsbad logo, and thumb-holes in the sleeves. There were a few undone threads on my jacket, but it’s still pretty nice!
Bottom-line:
-The Carlsbad Half Marathon is a really top-notch race, with elevated coastal views, strong production/support, and great energy. I had a great time and can’t wait to run it again!
Double Down
If you are able to complete the 5K before the half then you can do the Double Down Challenge. This 5K is just the first bit of the half. A … MORE
If you are able to complete the 5K before the half then you can do the Double Down Challenge. This 5K is just the first bit of the half. A quick out and back with lots of course support. Watch your time. You have to be finished and back in the corrals before the half starts.
Beautiful Course with Just Enough Hills
I really love this course. I first ran it 20 years ago, and hadn't been back since. The ocean views are spectacular. There are some pretty long gradual hills that … MORE
I really love this course. I first ran it 20 years ago, and hadn’t been back since. The ocean views are spectacular. There are some pretty long gradual hills that were pretty challenging, but overall it was pretty fast. Love the swag – 3/4 quarter zip AND a long sleeve tech shirt – can’t beat that. I PR’d … I’ll definitely be back!
Amazing coastline and long hills
When you read in reviews train for the hills, take it seriously. This course does a double out and back so you get to doeach of the hills at lease … MORE
When you read in reviews train for the hills, take it seriously. This course does a double out and back so you get to doeach of the hills at lease twice and just for fun both directions. I’ll do it again next year but you can bet there will be more hill training. Overall very organized, great crowd support, excellent swag, and a good group of runners and volunteers.
Triple Crown Race Series Race #1
This is the first race in a three race challenge series. The races get a bit harder as the series goes along. You can bib pick up race morning for … MORE
This is the first race in a three race challenge series. The races get a bit harder as the series goes along. You can bib pick up race morning for $20 and in 2019 they added a double down type challenge if you do the 5k before the 1/2 you get an extra medal.
Great Race!
A Perfect Marathon
This was a perfect marathon. Every aspect of it exceeded my expectations: super organized, great swag, easy to get to everything including parking, a beautiful course, not super big (almost … MORE
This was a perfect marathon. Every aspect of it exceeded my expectations: super organized, great swag, easy to get to everything including parking, a beautiful course, not super big (almost 1,000 marathon runners), perfect weather, and friendly and encouraging course support through the entire race. All of these elements came together to yield my (by far) best marathon PR time of WELL under the 4 hour barrier. I cannot recommend this marathon enough. What a wonderful experience! For a full detailed writeup of my review, you can visit https://runningriddles.com/races/the-2019-carlsbad-marathon-in-carlsbad-california/.
Pacific Coastline Half Marathon
Heard about this event via an email and wanted to see if the hype was true. I registered for the Double Down challenge where you run the 5k then the … MORE
Heard about this event via an email and wanted to see if the hype was true. I registered for the Double Down challenge where you run the 5k then the half marathon. This was a long weekend trip for me as I live in Texas and saw this as an opportunity to mark off California on my run states.
So this was the half marathon portion of my Double Down Challenge. The 5k was held prior to the half. There is about an hour between the starts so I had about 35 or so minutes to recover before the half. Registration – online. Easy. No issues. Great email communication with multiple emails as well as Facebook updates.
Packet pickup was at an expo. Parking was free as it was held at a tent they put up in the mall parking lot where the event was to take place. Packet consisted of a long sleeve tech shirt that I will actually wear and your bib. If you registered for the challenge you got two shirts There were multiple vendors at the expo, most of the running community types.
Race day. Parking once again super easy and free in the same mall parking lot where the expo was held. No traffic issues. I was parked about 45 minutes prior to the 5k start. There was also a full marathon that started about 30 minutes prior to the 5k but still no parking issues.
Pre race. There were some vendors set up but for me just completing the 5k I just wanted to rest, eat something, hydrate, and put on some dry clothes and get ready for the half, so I didn’t explore prior to the run.
The expo tent was open for bag check and just to hang out if desired. Plenty of portojohns were available.
Starting line- they had an honor system wave start. I think there were seven waves. A few minutes between each wave start. Pretty orderly. Signs were posted with predicted finish times so one could line up in the correct pace wave in a perfect world. But it was a good system for the first two waves. I wasn’t around for the others but have to think they were also smooth. They did have pace groups which is always a nice bonus.
Course- this was an out and back on city streets. Both sides of the road were blocked so lots of room to run Elevation – this was a hilly course or more hilly than I expected. I also know everyones definition of a hill is different. I will attach my Nike Run map from my race for whatever that is worth. But it could be just me as there were some fast times turned in race day. No real serious hill but several of them and of course you get to go down them.
Scenery- it was great for us land locked Texans. running beside a park most of the first mile and last mile, past some stores and some homes, down what seemed to be the Main Street in Carlsbad with shops and dining establishments, then along the coastline where you viewed the waves crashing, surfers surfin, birds flying, and all the sounds that go with it.
Course support- plenty of water stations with Enthusiastic volunteers and spectators along most of the course. Most stations if not all had both water and sports drink. There were also a few stations with energy gels available. Medical staff were also present along the route.
Finish Line- finisher medal awarded, bottled water, Ice cold chocolate milk, and a snack bag is provided.
Post race- a few vendors are available providing freebies and a few selling food items as well as race event gear.
A results tent to look up your time was present.
Awards- three deep in 5 year age brackets. A ceramic tile was the award with the event info, bracket, and place printed on it. Also they gave you a stand to display the award, a nice touch.
A great well run event from start to finish. If you are in the area or are planning a trip to San Diego/Carlsbad, I would say you won’t be disappointed
A great 5K
Heard about this event via an email and wanted to see if the hype was true. I registered for the Double Down challenge where you run the 5k then the … MORE
Heard about this event via an email and wanted to see if the hype was true. I registered for the Double Down challenge where you run the 5k then the half marathon. This was a long weekend trip for me as I live in Texas and saw this as an opportunity to mark off California on my run states.
So 5K. Registration – online. Easy. No issues. Great email communication with multiple emails as well as Facebook updates.
Packet pickup was at an expo. Parking was free as it was held at a tent they put up in the mall parking lot where the event was to take place. Packet consisted of a long sleeve tech shirt that I will actually wear and your bib. There were multiple vendors at the expo, most of the running community types.
Race day. Parking once again super easy and free in the same mall parking lot where the expo was held. No traffic issues. I was parked about 45 minutes prior to the 5k start.
Pre race. There were some vendors set up but I didn’t go in that area. The expo tent was open for bag check and just to hang out if desired. Plenty of portojohns were available.
Starting line- mass start no corrals No issues.
Course- this was an out and back on city streets. Both sides of the road were blocked so lots of room to run Elevation seemed like the first mile was all up hill started as a gradual incline then as you came closer to the highway crossing it got steeper. The next mile seemed level and the final mile had a little climb back over the highway then mostly downhill to the finish. I will attach my Nike Run map from the race tha shows the elevation or at least what my watch and Nike thin about it.
Scenery- it was mostly good running beside a park most of the first mile and last mile, past some stores and some homes.
Course support- one water station that you pass twice. Enthusiastic volunteers and spectators.
Finish Line- finisher medal awarded, bottled water, Ice cold chocolate milk, and a snack bag is provided.
Post race- a few vendors are available providing freebies and a few selling food items as well as race event gear.
Awards- three deep in 5 year age brackets. A ceramic tile was the award with the event info, bracket, and place printed on it. Also they gave you a stand to display the award, a nice touch.
A great well run event from start to finish. If you are in the area or are planning a trip to San Diego/Carlsbad, I would say you won’t be disappointed
Well organized, beautiful, amazing swag!
Everything from packet pickup to parking, to picking up age group awards was efficient, easy, and well run. Ran the Double Down Challenge (5k + Half Marathon) and really enjoyed … MORE
Everything from packet pickup to parking, to picking up age group awards was efficient, easy, and well run. Ran the Double Down Challenge (5k + Half Marathon) and really enjoyed it, there was a perfect amount of time between the two. My only criticism is 1-2 of the aid stations used the wrong cups (reached for water and got Ultima or reached for Ultima and got water) but that is honestly all I could come up with! Awesome experience!
Beautiful, but make sure you train!
This was one of the most exciting and swag-filled races I have ever participated in. The expo included so many vendors and give-aways, and I LOVE the performance long-sleeve and … MORE
This was one of the most exciting and swag-filled races I have ever participated in. The expo included so many vendors and give-aways, and I LOVE the performance long-sleeve and the tech shirt that were included with registration!
The views were stunning. It was incredible to run along the coast and see the water and palm trees alongside the road.
I would not recommend the course for someone who has not been training and who is not used to hills. It felt as though the first 6 miles were consistently uphill, directly into the rising sun. By mile 6, I was overheated and exhausted. I really wish that it was possible to begin the half marathon with the marathon, which starts an hour earlier. With a little less of the sun’s intensity on the uphills, it might have been a bit more bearable!
All in all, I really hope to run this race again someday when I am a little better prepared for the hills and the heat. It was a wonderful experience in a location that lends itself to a great vacation!
Well-organized, scenic race
Very well-organized half marathon, from the expo down to the finish line. Course was a little hot this year by the end, and there are some rolling hills, but it's … MORE
Very well-organized half marathon, from the expo down to the finish line. Course was a little hot this year by the end, and there are some rolling hills, but it’s quite scenic and enjoyable. Love that they actually assign you to a corral, and love the extra finisher’s jacket included in the price. Great race! I’ve run the half twice now and would do it again.