Defar Confirmed For Return To Carlsbad 5000

2009 champions will return to defend their crowns.

Written by: Sean McKeon

Ethiopian great Meseret Defar will look to lower her world record at the 2010 Carlsbad 5000 on April 11th in Carlsbad, Cali. The recently crowned world indoor 3000m champion set her current world record of 14:46 at the 2006 Carlsbad 5000. Defar will square off against 2009 champion Aheza Kiros of Ethiopia. Kiros defeated American Shannon Rowbury 15:38 to 15:41 in 2009.

When asked about racing in Carlsbad again Defar said, “”I have so many great memories of Carlsbad. It will be very special to run there for the 25th anniversary of the race. Everyone knows how fast the course is and if we get a good day it would be great to try and challenge my world record.”

Confirmed for the men’s race is defending champion Bekana Daba of Ethiopia. The young Daba ran a personal best 12:59.22 for 5000m on the track in 2009 and was the winner of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon (1:01:40). Daba barely out-kicked fellow Ethiopian Abreham Cherkos to take the 2009 Carlsbad 5000 title, with both athletes clocking in at 13:19.

For more on the 25th Carlsbad 5000m visit www.carlsbad5000.com .