40 Years of Fast at the Carlsbad 5000

The 2026 Carlsbad 5000 delivered another memorable day on the Southern California coast, bringing together elite competition, community energy, and the kind of atmosphere that has made this race so special for four decades.

Held in Carlsbad Village, this year’s race marked the event’s 40th running, a milestone that reflects just how much history is built into the Carlsbad 5000. From age-group races and elite fields to the crowd support lining the course, the day felt like both a celebration of the sport and a reminder of why this event continues to matter year after year.

The weekend started with the expo and runner check-ins on Saturday, and the energy carried straight into race day on Sunday. From the BUBS tent, we got a firsthand look at just how engaged the crowd was. People were stopping by all weekend for electrolyte and collagen samples, and our spin-the-wheel activity quickly became a favorite, with long lines of runners and attendees waiting to jump in. By Sunday, that momentum was still going strong.

One of the best parts of the weekend was getting to connect directly with people in the community.  A cool throughline from the weekend was how many current BUBS customers stopped by without realizing we’re a local business. Being part of an event like the Carlsbad 5000, so close to home, made those conversations even more meaningful.

On the course, the day delivered plenty to watch. The event’s age- and gender-specific format continues to make the Carlsbad 5000 unique, creating a competitive but approachable experience for a wide range of runners. That mix was on full display again this year.

There were standout performances throughout the day. In the men’s masters race, Roosevelt Cook captured his 14th Carlsbad title, adding another chapter to an already incredible legacy at the event. In the open races, Vanessa Lee won the women’s division in 17:01, while Tim Hris took the men’s open title in 14:28. Later in the pro fields, Drew Hunter won the men’s race in 13:47, and Simone Plourde claimed the women’s title in 15:30 after a tightly contested finish.

But as always, the Carlsbad 5000 was about more than just the winning times. It continues to stand out because of the full-day energy around it — runners of all levels taking part, families showing up together, and a crowd that stays engaged long after their own race is over. That mix of competition and community is a big part of what has made this race such a lasting part of the Southern California running scene.

Reaching 40 years is no small thing, and this year’s event felt like a strong reflection of everything the Carlsbad 5000 has become: fast, fun, community-driven, and deeply rooted in the local running culture.

We loved being part of it.

Check out the video recap here!