The Carlsbad Marathon is Sunday January 19, 2014 in Carlsbad CA

The Carlsbad Marathon is Sunday January 19, 2014 in Carlsbad CA

Hard to believe we are in the new year already and it’s time for the annual Carlsbad Marathon.

The Tri-City Medical Carlsbad Marathon will take place on Sunday January 19, 2014 in Carlsbad California.

The marathon, per the website update on January 6^th, is 95% full (the half marathon is sold out) so don’t waste time if you are interested in competing.

The Carlsbad Marathon is very popular both with world class runners and plenty of viewers along a beautiful course, being that a significant portion of the marathon course is along our gorgeous Carlsbad coastline on historic Route 101/Coast Road (a.k.a. Carlsbad Boulevard).

In addition, the Carlsbad Marathon is considered a boutique marathon due to its smaller size and the attention given to all participants, plus 26 course support stations. And this year all full marathoners will receive a pair of Cobion flip flops (so appropriate in this seaside community).

Plus how many places can you run a marathon in January and not freeze your you-know-what?!  With recent temps in the low to mid 60s during the day this is ideal winter running weather.

Take a ride with me along historic Route 101 (VIDEO)

In addition to the Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon, as well as a Kids Marathon Mile (run/walk) held at world-famous Legoland in Carlsbad that takes place the day before, Saturday January 18, 2014.

As always with these events, know that there are some significant road closures for the event, beginning very early Sunday morning (to name a few - east bound lanes of Palomar Airport Road from El Camino to the Coast Road; Carlsbad Boulevard [the Coast Road] from La Costa Avenue all the way to the Buena Vista Lagoon).

The Health and Lifestyle Expo is Friday January 17 from 2 until 6 pm in a big tent at the Plaza Camino Real Shopping Center off El Camino Real in Carlsbad (just south of the 78 freeway); the Start and Finish lines are nearby. The Expo continues on Saturday from 10 until 5 and then on race day from 8 am until 12 noon.