Congratulations to our lucky winner, Michael Walsh from Carlsbad, Ca.
Out of the 1800 participants who registered between March 8 and April 1, Michael was randomly selected as our ‘Silver Package’ winner. He will receive the following package in honor of the 25th Anniversary Carlsbad 5000:
- 2 nights' stay at the luxurious La Costa Spa & Resort
- A GARMIN F6 watch
- 2 pairs of Oakley sunglasses
- Carlsbad 5000 running apparel
- And more!
We caught up with Michael to ask him a few questions about his running experiences at the Carlsbad 5000, and his reaction towards the win. Here’s what he had to say:
How did you discover the Carlsbad 5000?
I literally stumbled into it. My family and I arrived in Carlsbad in April 2001 from Milan, Italy, where we had lived the last two years. We arrived the day before the race and I was walking around, very jetlagged, in downtown Carlsbad when I saw the registration tables set up. Registering for the race was the first thing I did as a resident of Carlsbad. Prior to Milan, we lived in West Granby, CT.
How many years have you participated?
We have never missed a 5000 since we moved here. After the 2001 race I did on my own, my wife and I raced in 2002 and our two boys began running in the Jr 5000 in 2005. We have a group of neighbors who have joined us throughout the years. Now my Merrill Lynch office in Carlsbad has a team of 14 running in it this year.
What has been your favorite Carlsbad 5000 memory?
Last year, our dear friends who moved away from Carlsbad came back for a visit and we ran the 5000 and all of our kids raced together. It was great to have them back with us as they had raced the 5000 with us for several years.
But, I have a feeling that this year will be very memorable as we run with our Merrill Lynch team in the Corporate Challenge for the first time and my oldest son Cameron runs the all day 25K.
Every year we go we shop at the Expo before the race; visit the beer tent after, usually with a bunch of friends; grab lunch at Gregorio’s pizza and spend the day downtown. We look forward to it every year.
What was your reaction to winning the Silver Prize? You were one of 1800 registrants to be entered to win the grand Prize!
I was completely surprised, and my wife was very excited about having an excuse to return to La Costa. The resort is one of a very few local (San Diego) places we stay overnight when we want to get away from it all. The new Spa is awesome. The running gear, the Oakley’s and the Garmin watch might get me confused as a serious runner…
Congratulations again Michael!
