The Carlsbad 5000 encourages participants to achieve their personal bests, just as the San Diego-based private nonprofit university supports adult learners to achieve education and career goals; 2020 Carlsbad 5000 presented by National University to celebrate 35th edition the weekend of March 21-22
CARLSBAD, CA – January 21, 2019 — Recognizing the shared alignments of the running community and the nation’s college students, the private, nonprofit National University is pleased to partner with the Carlsbad 5000, known as the “World’s fastest 5K,” to recognize the hard work and dedication of students who are striving to achieve their academic and personal bests. Carlsbad 5000 Presented by National University will host its 35th edition on the weekend of March 21-22, 2020, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the education and running communities.
“I’ve always thought that life, education, and running have a lot in common. In each, we set goals and work hard to achieve those goals. We truly could not be more grateful to partner with National University to promote health and wellness,” said Meb Keflezighi, co-owner of Carlsbad 5000 and the only athlete in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and an Olympic Marathon Medal. “Whether it is your first 5K or you are pursuing a new personal best finish time, the Carlsbad 5000 is an event that is accessible and welcoming for everyone.”
Providing access to a quality degree is core to the mission of National University, and congruent with the adult learner population, aspiring to a college degree is a priority for the nation’s runners. Today’s core runners are highly educated with 79% having earned a college diploma, compared to 27% of the United States population (ACS, 2006-08), according to the National Runner Survey.
“We are so pleased to be partnering with Meb and the Carlsbad 5000 in support of this world-class event that brings together our local community and renowned runners from around the globe,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, Chancellor of the private, nonprofit National University System, which includes National University, headquartered in La Jolla, CA. “Meb is such an incredible role model for us all, and his message of perseverance despite all odds serves as an inspiration for our students, many who are adult learners or the first in their family to pursue a college degree. As in racing, we believe that all students should have access to opportunities that allow them to achieve their personal bests in life.”
Keflezighi and National University have joined forces over the years to celebrate the accomplishments of the nation’s adult and lifelong learners, with Meb as a featured guest speaker at two National University commencements and the recipient of an honorary doctorate. Born in Eritrea, Africa, Keflezighi and his family escaped famine, drought and a brutal war of liberation from Ethiopia, eventually making their way to San Diego. He won the 2014 Boston Marathon just two weeks before turning 39, becoming the oldest winner of one of the world’s premier distance events in more than 80 years. His story has served as inspiration for National University graduates and other adult learners nationwide who are often managing work, families and other responsibilities while pursuing dreams of furthering their education.
The running community and National University students are committed to long-term training and success. More than 60 percent of the University’s graduate students are female, with an average age of 36, and have stated a preference for running or related activities. The typical US female runner is 38.6 years old, and a degree holder.
Since the inaugural edition in 1986, the Carlsbad 5000 annually attracts amateur, competitive, and professional runners from around the world. Over its 35-year history, the Carlsbad 5000 has seen 17 World records and eight U.S. records, as well as numerous national and age group marks which earned the moniker “World’s Fastest 5k.” Race weekend promises a fast oceanfront course, healthy competition, and an energetic atmosphere for participants of all ages and paces. The event features races by age group throughout the morning leading up to the legendary pro women’s and men’s races. The popular Junior Carlsbad features multiple races designed for children ages 12 and under. Kids’ distances range from one-mile to the always entertaining 50-yard Toddler Trot and 25-yard Diaper Dash.
The “Party by the Sea” gets started as soon as the first runners cross the finish line with participants 21 and older celebrating in the Pizza Port beer garden with two complimentary craft brews and runners of all ages rocking out to live music on the streets of Carlsbad Village.
For more information and to register, visit Carlsbad5000.com.
About National University
Founded in 1971, National University is among the largest, private, nonprofit universities in California. With more than 240,000 alumni, National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students through its three Colleges: Sanford College of Education; College of Law and Public Service; and College of Letters and Sciences. Programs are offered both online and at campuses throughout California and Nevada. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California. The University is being renamed Sanford National University, effective July 1, 2020. Learn more at nu.edu.