On Saturday, approximately 2000 runners participated in the 22nd Junior Carlsbad in downtown Carlsbad. Children 12 and under participated in a 11 separate races, ranging from 1 mile to 25 yards. Children 5 and older participated in competitive, timed races with awards for top finishers. Children under 5 participated in heats of fun runs concluding with the "Toddler Trot" and "Diaper Dash." Junior Carlsbad is prelude to Sunday's Carlsbad 5000, a popular 5K running event.
12 year olds took to the course just before 8 am and races continued throughout the morning. 
Children aged 7 - 12 all ran the mile long course through the Village area. With the ocean breeze at their backs, runners thundered down Carlsbad Village Drive before crossing the finish line at State Street. Children 5 and 6 ran a half mile and 4 year olds ran a quarter mile. Upon finishing all participants were greeted by cheerful, enthusiastic volunteers adorning the young runners with medals for participation. Other volunteer dutifully handed out nourishment in the form of oranges, bananas, energy bars, and water.
As the children got younger, the starting line moved closer and closer to the finish. Our children participated in one of the informal heats known as the "Toddler Trot." Three year olds ran a 50 yard dash to same finish line and adulation as the big kids. A PA announcer comically provided commentary and the volunteers, parents, and other spectators cheered on the young runners. Ryan and Chase had a great time running the race as well as basking in the glory afterwards. Chase wore his medal until nap time.
The most entertaining races by far were those heats composed of the "Diaper Dash." There were the predictable tantrums and breakdowns as well as parents running for their children, carrying them over the finish line. The last race was those babies not yet walking, crawling their way down Carlsbad Village Drive. Parents dangled all sorts of motivational carrots in front of their racers--iPhones, keys, milk bottles, and sacks. Some crawlers made it to the finish line; other sat in the middle of the street and wondered what the big deal was all about.
Junior Carlsbad was recently voted "Youth Running Event of the Year" at an industry conference and it's easy to see why. With a focus on family fitness and a smooth running operation, Junior Carlsbad was a great event to participate in. The boys will definitely be back next year and hopefully Mom and Dad will be in shape for 5K the following day.
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