Two Americans claimed victories at the Carlsbad Marathon Sunday while a pair of swift Kenyans won the Carlsbad Half Marathon.
It was the first time since 1996 that Americans claimed both the men and women's marathon titles.
Josh Spiker of Ventura, Calif. was first to finish the 26.2-mile course in a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 56 seconds, almost two minutes faster than runner up Andrew Musuva of Kenya (2:26:50).
Bernard Songoka of Kenya finished third in 2:27:13. It was Spiker's first marathon.
Shawna Wilskey of Burlington WA won the marathon's women's division in a time of 3 hours, one minute and 17 seconds.
Peggy Kern of Riverside, Calif. finished second in 3:03:05 and Kristin Carpenter of Boulder, CO placing third in 3:08:00.
David Kloz of Oceanside and Laura Sasaki of San Diego were the first San Diego County finishers (5th overall male in 2:31:53 and 6th overall female in 3:20:08, respectively).
The Carlsbad Half Marathon by won by Wesley Korir of Kenya in a time of one hour, 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
Jane Kibii, also of Kenya, won the women's division in one hour, 12 minutes and 26 seconds.
Over 9,100 elite and recreational runners from 44 states and 14 countries participated in Sunday's 19th running - an all-time participation record. Both events sold out weeks in advance.
The scenic 26.2 and 13.1-mile races started and finished the Westfield Shoppingtown Plaza Camino Real in Carlsbad and treated runners and walkers to tours of the Buena Vista Lagoon, the Village of Carlsbad and the Pacific coastline before returning home to the finish line.
Twenty-seven musical bands entertained the thousands of participants, volunteers and spectators along the course throughout the morning. The event enlisted the help of over 1,500 volunteers and benefited more than 16 charities.
For more information and results, visit carlsbadmarathon.com.
