Runners encouraged to support foundation’s mission to alleviate homelessness throughout San Diego
World’s Fastest 5K returns to the Oceanfront Streets of downtown Carlsbad Sunday, May 22, 2022
CARLSBAD – April 25, 2022 — One of San Diego’s most iconic running traditions, the Carlsbad 5000 presented by National University, today announced a new partnership with the Lucky Duck Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating the suffering of homelessness throughout the San Diego region.
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the event will return to welcome thousands of runners from around the world to the oceanfront streets of downtown Carlsbad on Sunday, May 22, 2022. The community partnership provides an easy and tangible way for participants to directly show their support for the foundation’s mission to alleviate homelessness.
“Homelessness is San Diego’s number-one social issue right now and I couldn’t be prouder to partner with the Lucky Duck Foundation as an official charity of the Carlsbad 5000,” said Meb Keflezighi. “Carlsbad 5000 showcases the very best of the running community and the pandemic has amplified the needs of people suffering from housing instability. As we all return to racing, I’m looking forward utilizing live events to help make an impact for those who need it the most.”
With its spectacular course and world-class reputation, the Carlsbad 5000 features a weekend full of events with multiple age-group races throughout the morning leading up to the legendary pro women’s and men’s races. More than 10,000 runners, walkers and junior racers are expected over race weekend.
The Carlsbad 5,000 will donate a portion of race proceeds to the Lucky Duck Foundation and will invite each of its runners to do the same. Athletes can RUN for the Lucky Duck Foundation by donating $250.00 to get a Free Entry to the race plus a $100 shopping spree at San Diego Fleet Feet. Additionally, the foundation’s co-founders match all donations up to $1.5 million per year, meaning runners’ donations will effectively be doubled for one incredible event experience and social impact.
“The growing number of people trying to survive on the streets is tragic and completely unacceptable. Our fundamental belief is that no one should live on the streets,” said Drew Moser, Executive Director of the foundation. “The Lucky Duck Foundation funds, activates, and leads high-impact programs to help people quickly and permanently end their homelessness. We are very excited and privileged to partner with the Carlsbad 5000 to create more awareness and raise important funds for programs that help those who need it most.”
For more information or to register and support the Lucky Duck Foundation, visit www.luckyduckfoundation.
About the Lucky Duck Foundation
Since 2005, The Lucky Duck Foundation (LDF) has raised funds and awareness for numerous charitable causes throughout San Diego. In 2017, due to the growing homelessness epidemic, LDF pivoted to focus on providing aid and relief for individuals and families living without permanent housing. Since then, LDF and its co-founders, Pat & Stephanie Kilkenny, have funded, led, and activated several high-impact programs that alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego County, including bridge shelters, employment and job training, research, permanent supportive housing, outreach, and more. The Kilkenny’s also match all donations up to $1.5 million per year. Originally called the AGIA Foundation (Arrowhead General Insurance Agency), the name was changed to the Lucky Duck Foundation to honor the Kilkenny family’s Irish heritage and as a nod to their love of the University of Oregon. The premise is simple: if you have had some good luck and fortune in your life, share your luck with those less fortunate. Follow the Lucky Duck Foundation on social: Instagram | Facebook |
About the Carlsbad 5000
The Carlsbad 5000 annually attracts amateur, competitive and professional runners from around the world. The 36th running of the iconic race will take place on the weekend of May 21-22, 2021. The inaugural 1986 event helped establish the 5K as a standard road running distance, and today, the 5K is the most popular distance in the United States. Throughout its history, the Carlsbad 5000 has seen 16 World records and eight U.S. records, as well as numerous national and age group marks. Race day begins at 7:00 am with the Masters Men (40 years old and over), the first of seven races to take place on Sunday. The “Party by the Sea” gets started as soon as the first runners cross the finish line with participants 21 and older celebrating in the Pizza Port beer garden with two complimentary craft brews and runners of all ages rocking out to live music on the streets of the Carlsbad Village. Further information about the Carlsbad 5000 can be found online at Carlsbad5000.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Twi
PHOTO CREDIT: Photorun.net
