Race Review: Carlsbad Double Down (5K + Half)

SUMMARY:

OVERVIEW: The Carlsbad Half Marathon is the first installment of the San Diego Triple Crown which includes the Carlsbad Half, the La Jolla Half and the America’s Finest City (AFC) Half which are all races in the San Diego area. The Carlsbad Half is different from La Jolla and the AFC in that it has a Full marathon option (repeat loop), and also the 5K can be completed by a participant prior to the half. The 5K + half is called the double down challenge. As part of the same weekend, there is a fun (not-timed) kids mile round legoland on the Saturday morning.

SCENERY/LOCATION: The half marathon is mostly along the infamous Pacific Coast Highway and back, so most of the race has gorgeous views of the Southern California Coastline. The 5k doesn’t make it quite to the Coastline.

COURSE DESCRIPTION : Half – there is a small incline at the start (first two – three miles, but after that it is gentle rolling hills along PCH and then mostly downhill at the end (last half to two miles) to the finish. 5K – Same first and last mile as the half, but second is less of an incline that the incline on the half

SPECTATORS/MUSIC ETC : There are a few bands / singers along the course. There are great crowds especially in the central / downtown Carlsbad area cheering runners on.

EXPO INFO: Tent in the parking lot of the Carlsbad Shoppes mall. Very easy to find / park and get in / out of.

START INFO : CHILLY! If you’re a San Diego native or lived here for a while like me, be prepared for cold, chilly weather (for San Diego 🙂 ) at the start. Runners are released in ‘waves’ based on estimated finish time.

FINISH INFO: Nice downhill mile or so finish into the Carlsbad Shoppes Mall. 1 Free pint of Ballast Point at the end (Hard Kombucha was also on offer in 2020)

PARKING/TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS: Parking is free and plentiful in the mall parking lot. The later you are, the further you will be from the start but you’ll definitely get in the mall parking lot, so its not very far to go, given the distance you’re likely about to run. Gear check is extremely convenient at the start and finish, especially if you’re double downing to grab refills or whatever you need in between the 5K and the half.

BLING/TEES/SWAG: The medals are great with a solid feel and cool designs, with nice thought put into them. Also it is the one triple crown event where the organizers In Motion give out long sleeve tees AND a 1/4 zip pullover jacket which is really cool.

This is my one event each year where I stock up on my long shirt running tees that I use rarely, but find useful to have for when I do need them. Also if you run the legoland kids mile, 5K, half and double down, that is 4 medals in one weekend! And don’t forget it is part of the triple crown and the triple triple crown series which potentially give extra bling too!

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • DOUBLE DOWN SWAG – When running as part of the double down, would LOVE a double down tee / jacket as part of the giveaway swag, although it is nice to at least get the 2 long tees and jacket for the 5K and half. Also would be nice to see more double down merchandise available for purchase. However, I’ve loved the first two double down medals I’ve received (first started in 2019)
  • LEGOLAND PICKUP – Would also be nice if there was a pre-arranged option to collect 5k / half / full / double down race materials at legoland for folks benefiting in the kids marathon mile on the Saturday. Otherwise it is necessary to cut the day at legoland short to get over to the expo before 5. Although race day pickup or attending the expo on Friday are alternatives.

PRO’S

  • SCENIC COURSE – The course for the half and the full allow mostly breathtaking views along the coastline
  • SWAG – Medals and Tees always great. Potential 4 medal haul from one weekend (kids, 5K, half double-down)
  • DOUBLE DOWN – This is the only Race I’ve come across where you can run a 5K and then a half the same morning, so the challenge adds an extra sense of accomplishment once complete.
  • KIDS MILE – Fun activity for all the family even those that don’t enjoy running – folks can walk and enjoy free (kids) or discounted (adults) park admission after.
  • BALLAST POINT – A very decent beer worth drinking at the finish!

REVIEW: This is a very enjoyable race for the scenery and it is mostly very light rolling hills and often perfect weather conditions for running. The organizers In Motion do a fabulous job and their attention to detail is clear throughout. The medals are very cool, and this is a shining jewel in the triple crown series. The double down challenge adds an extra layer of fun and effort for those that wish to undertake it.

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