Spiker, Wilskey Win Carlsbad Marathon
Korir, Kibii claim half-marathon victories

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By Patrice Molloy
Posted Monday, 26 January, 2009

CARLSBAD, Calif. - (January 25, 2009) - A first-time marathoner and recent distance-running enthusiast claimed victories at the 19th Carlsbad Marathon held on Sunday morning.

Josh Spiker of Ventura, Calif. won his debut at the 26.2-mile distance despite "quads feeling like rubber" in a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 56 seconds. The former University of Wisconsin All-American edged out two Kenyans for a $1500 payday. Shawna Wilskey, an ultra-marathon runner from Burlington, WA, won the women's division in 3:01:17. It was the first time since 1996 that Americans claimed both Carlsbad Marathon Open titles.

More than 9,100 runners and walkers, representing 44 states and 14 foreign countries, participated in the 26.2 and 13.1 mile races held under mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the upper 50s to mid-60s.

The men's marathon race was decided in the late stages with Spiker taking the lead after 22 miles. "My quads started to feel like rubber in the last two miles," said Spiker. "But the course was just awesome."

Andrew Musuva of Kenya finished second in 2:26:50 with countryman Bernard Songoka third (2:27:13).

Wilskey, who ran her first marathon a little over a year ago, took the lead 14 miles into the race. "I'm a last-half runner," she said. "It was great though. The race was all you would ever want - great support, beautiful scenery and a lot of fun."

Wilskey has finished 24 marathons or ultramarathons since her 26.2-or-more debut in December of 2007, including a 2:58 PR at the Marine Corp Marathon last October. Peggy Kern of Riverside, Calif. finished second in 3:03:05 and Kristin Carpenter of Boulder, Colo. placed third (3:08:00).

The Carlsbad Half Marathon was won by Kenyans Wesley Korir and Jane Kibii in 1:02:45 and 1:12:26, respectively.

The scenic 26.2 and 13.1 mile races started and finished at 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. Both events sold out weeks in advance.

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.

19th Carlsbad Marathon
Carlsbad, CA, Sunday, January 25, 2009

MEN
1) Josh Spiker (USA / CA), 2:24:56, $1500*
2) Andrew Musuva (KEN), 2:26:50, $250
3) Bernard Songoka (KEN), 2:27:13, $100
*$500 plus $500 sub-2:30:00 bonus plus $500 sub-2:25:00 winner bonus

WOMEN
1) Shawna Wilskey (USA / WA), 3:01:17, $500
2) Peggy Kern (USA / CA), 3:03:05, $250
3) Kristin Carpenter (USA / CO), 3:08:00, $100

Carlsbad Half Marathon
MEN
1) Wesley Korir (KEN), 1:02:45, $2500*
2) Sergio Reyes (USA/CA), 1:04:17, $750
3) Wesley Ochoro (KEN) 1:04:52, $300
4) Joseph Ekuom (KEN), 1:06:28, $200
5) Genna Tufa (ETH), 1:06:51, $100
*$1500 plus $1000 first sub-1:04:00 bonus

WOMEN
1) Jane Kibii (KEN), 1:12:26, $2500*
2) Kristen Fryburg (USA / CO), 1:13:32, $750
3) Meskerem Legesse (ETH) 1:15:51, $300
4) Johanna Bonfiglio (USA / CA), 1:17:49, $200
5) Joanna Zeiger (USA / CO), 1:20:55, $100
*$1500 plus $1000 first sub-1:15:00 bonus

Full results at: CarlsbadMarathon.com