Tri-City Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon Set for Jan. 23

The Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon are scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011.

Over 10,000 runners and walkers from all over the US and many foreign countries are expected to participate in the race weekend festivities, announced In Motion, Inc., the event organizer.

The 26.2- and 13.1-mile courses will feature tours through quaint Carlsbad Village, along oceanfront Pacific Coast Highway and past sandy beaches and picturesque lagoons. Participants are sure to stay motivated and entertained with support stations and live bands every mile, spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and thousands of spectators and volunteers lining the course. Both races start and finish at . The marathon kicks off at 6 a.m. and the half marathon's wave starts begin at 7:30 a.m.

The works with 19 charities that use the event to raise funds and awareness through their association with the event. Race participants are encouraged to "run for a reason" by fund raising for one or more of the organizations, according to Christine Adams, CEO of In Motion, Inc.

The Health and Fitness Expo will feature exciting vendors, interactive displays, free samples, and bargains on apparel and equipment. Free and open to the public, the Expo is also where all marathoners and half marathoners pick up their timing tag, bib number, T-shirt and goodie bag. The Expo will be held on Friday, Jan. 21 (2 to 6 p.m.), Saturday, Jan. 22 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, Jan. 23 (7 a.m. to noon) under a big top tent at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real, located at 2525 El Camino Real El Camino Real in Carlsbad.

Participants in the marathon and half marathon will receive a long-sleeved, technical fabric race shirt, goodie bag and finisher's medal. 

Registration for the 2011 Tri-City Medical Center Marathon & Half Marathon is currently closed. Both events sold out in October. 

For more information or to volunteer, please visit www.carlsbadmarathon.com or call (760) 692-2900.