Paul Rudy Previews the Carlsbad 5000 with Matt Turnbull and Tijs Groen

This Sunday marks the 31st running of the Carlsbad 5000.  Wednesday,  Matt Turnbull and Ijgs Groen stopped by the KUSI Studio’s to help promote the weekend long event.

"Everybody comes to Carlsbad hoping to either win or set a personal best" says the Competitor Group’s Matt Turnbull.  "Of the 21 elite runners,  only 5 or 6 have a legitimate shot at breaking the tape first."  Turnbull also explains that being in an Olympic year usually strengthens the Carlsbad 5000 field. "Olympian Bernard Lagat will headline this years and will certainly be somebody to keep an eye on."

Tigs Groen and Turnbull both reside in Spain. And accidental beach encounter sparked Groen’s return to competitive racing at the age of 30. "I saw this guy running on the beach and noticed he wasn’t just an ordinary weekend athlete" says Turnbull.  A 3.48 1500 meter runner in his native Netherlands, Groen spent the past 8 months training for what will be his first race in the United States.  "I’m just excited and grateful at the opportunity to experience something new like the Carlsbad 5000" says Groen.

Once a decorated athlete, these days Groen is better known for his accomplished guitar playing.  Voted the number 2  ranked guitar player in Holland, Groen now considers himself "a musician who runs" rather than a runner who plays guitar.  (You can see him play all over YouTube)

The Carlsbad 5000 fun isn’t limited to elites. In fact, the fun starts with the Junior Carlsbad on Saturday where 1,500 young runners ages 12 and under will give it their best in 11 age-group races. Sunday is all about the 5k as participants earn their finisher medal.  Runners over 21 will have the opportunity to celebrate in style at the beer garden with some free brews thanks to Pizza Port.

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