3,900 kids take over Carlsbad streets

By: CHRIS TRIBBEY - Staff Writer | Saturday, April 8, 2006 11:23 PM PDT ∞

CARLSBAD ---- Every child that finished one of the 10 races held Saturday morning during the 17th annual Junior Carlsbad event received a medal, though for 8-year-old Sam Comerford there was an added incentive to cross the finish line ahead of the pack.

"We made a bet," the Fallbrook resident said, about the deal he struck with his mom on the way to the race. "If I make it first, second or third, she owes me 10 push-ups and 10 sit-ups."

And if he didn't?

"Then he has to do them," Lisa Comerford said.

Sam was just one of more than 3,900 children who participated in the popular downtown Carlsbad event, which serves as a prelude to the teen and adult races, the Carlsbad 5000. The masters category for men 40 and over starts things off today at 7:05 a.m.

Sam did not get his top three finish, but mom is giving him a break.

"He took a nap all the way home," she said. "I'll make him do (sit-ups and push-ups) later, in front of everyone, but I'll do them with him."

While the Carlsbad 5000 has a $70,000 prize purse and draws some serious competitors, the Junior Carlsbad event has more of a festival atmosphere, with live music, souvenir booths, a health fair, raffle prizes and free gifts for most every child, regardless of where they finished in their race.

Before the first 1-mile race for 11- and 12-year-olds began at 8 a.m., and four hours after the 3-year-old Toddler Trot and 2-years-and-under Diaper Dash wrapped up around 10:30 a.m., downtown Carlsbad was taken over by race volunteers excited children, and more than one tired-looking parent with a cup of coffee in hand.

With four different starting lines spread out from Madison Street to Carlsbad Boulevard, only the most tireless of viewers could catch all 10 races, and most spectators settled for the finish line on Carlsbad Village Drive. Some parents walked the race routes with their children beforehand, while other parents paced their children during races. A breakfast of fruits, bagels and power bars greeted the racers at the finish line, and each of the 1-mile races had police escorts.

While most children were leading their family around during the morning events, Escondido resident Kim Quick looked more anxious than her 10-year-old son Justin before the start of his race.

"This is his first race, and he's very excited," she said, which prompted an odd look and small smile from Justin, who said, "It was Mom's idea."

Carlsbad runner Darren Fahly, who broke the record for 10-year-olds with a 5:06 minute mile in last year's event, won again this year, though he added a few seconds to his 2005 time. Alta Loma resident Kristyn Hebb was the top girl finisher in the 11- and 12-year-olds event.

Proceeds from this year's event benefits the Huntington's Disease Society of America, San Diego chapter.

Contact staff writer Chris Tribbey at (760) 901-4067 or ctribbey@nctimes.com.