World record holder Meseret Defar of Ethiopia became the first three-time women's champion of the 25th Carlsbad 5000, presented by Nuvasive, Sunday afternoon April 11, winning the women's elite invitational in a time of 15 minutes, 4 seconds over the 3.1 mile course. In the men's race, Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic 5000m medalist, crossed the finish line in stellar 13:11. Images by PhotoRun. Click to enlarge.

NBA Hall of Famer and San Diego legend Bill Walton served as the event's lead cyclist to enthusiastic support of spectators.
Canadian Marilyn Arsenault took first in the women's Masters, running 17:16 to win the $1000 top prize.
Meseret Defar steadily separated herself from the pack over the closing two miles and charged alone to the finish.
Kipchoge crossed the finish line in 13:11, fourth fastest time in the history of the race (and all-time).
Carlsbad is an experience shared by elite and every day runners alike.
A new U.S. 5K record was set by Utah's Dennis Simonaitis for the 45-49 age group in 14:45.