Carlsbad 5000

Close-up of shiny metallic poker chips with red, white, and blue patterned paper strips intertwined among them.

Group of people standing behind a barricade, smiling and taking photos at an outdoor event under cloudy skies, with trees in the background.

A documentary-style event campaign capturing the speed, emotion, and community behind one of America's most iconic road races through photography, film, and athlete portraits.

CLIENT

Carlsbad 5000

CORE SERVICES

Creative Direction, Event Photography & Videography, Post-Production

CREDITS

Director & editor: Adam McCain

Photographer: Miguel Zacarias

A man running in a race, wearing sunglasses with a reflective rainbow surface, a tank top with an American flag design, bib number 3861, and colorful running shoes, with houses and palm trees in the background.

A group of runners participating in a race, with a building in the background displaying a sign that reads 'RUNNERS ARE THE BEST VIEW IN CARLSBAD.'

A large group of runners gathered at a race event, with a banner overhead reading 'CARLSBAD 5000, World's Fastest 5K.' People are wearing athletic clothes and race bibs, with trees visible in the background.

An older woman running in a marathon, wearing a black cap, dark sunglasses, a gray athletic tank top, black leggings with gray knee patches, and a black waist pouch. She has her arms outstretched, appearing happy, with a crowd of spectators and color

A man running in a street race, wearing sunglasses, a black shirt, gray shorts, white sneakers, a beige cap backward, a cross necklace, and wireless earbuds, with a crowd and race banners in the background.

A close-up of a person's hand holding a sign with colorful writing that says 'G0AL' with a drawing of a face and green lines, in front of a scoreboard with a black background.

Two children running in a race at an outdoor event, wearing pink t-shirts and racing bibs, with spectators watching from behind a barrier.

An elderly man smiling and celebrating at a marathon event, dressed in a grass skirt with a race bib number 1922 and wearing a laurel crown and a baseball cap.

A woman with dark hair styled in bun pigtails, smiling, wearing multiple earrings, a silver necklace, and a black sleeveless top, showing tattoos on her upper arm and shoulder.

A group of runners participating in a race on a street with white fence, some houses, and greenery in the background. The runner in front is dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants.

Crowd of people running outside during a race or marathon, with an American flag hanging from a fire truck and palm trees in the background.

A woman participating in a running event wearing a pink and blue cap with

Smiling man wearing a blue shirt, gold chain, and a black cap with the text "Fasthouse 805 Gas and Beer" on it, running in a crowded outdoor event.

Group of marathon runners gathered at the starting line, wearing race bibs, some with medals, and surrounded by spectators. A man in a blue shirt and cap is looking at his phone. The event is the Carlsbad 5000 running race.

People running in a marathon or race on a city street with a crowd of spectators watching.

Young girl running in a race, smiling, wearing a white shirt, pink shorts, a blue cap, and sports shoes. Several other runners and a finish line are visible in the background.

A woman wearing a yellow shirt with a race bib number 2236, blue floral shorts, and colorful tropical-themed shorts. There are other race participants in the background.

Man running outdoors wearing white t-shirt, navy shorts, sunglasses, and a race bib, with others running in the background on a cloudy day.

Children participating in a running race at a starting line with a sign that reads 'CARLSBAD 5000 WORLD'S FASTEST 5K'.

A man dressed in a giraffe costume running in a race during daytime with other runners around him.

An elderly man with white hair and sunglasses participating in a marathon or race, wearing a yellow singlet with a frog mascot and the word 'Jamul' on it.

Crowd of runners waiting at the start line for a race, wearing athletic clothing and race bibs, with trees and buildings in the background.

Two male runners participating in a road race, wearing athletic clothing and race bibs, with one in the foreground and the other slightly behind, with a background of residential houses and landscaping.

Close-up of an older man with a white beard wearing sunglasses, a white cap, and a white sleeveless athletic shirt with yellow trim, participating in a sporting event.

Two people, a man and a woman, standing at a race event with a banner overhead that reads 'CARLSBAD 5000 WORLD'S FASTEST 5K'. The man is wearing a gray 'VOLUNTEER' shirt and has medals hanging around his neck. The woman is wearing a dark hoodie with

A man with a beard, sunglasses, and a hat running in a marathon, wearing a white shirt and black shorts.

People participating in a marathon or running event, crossing the starting line under a blue archway with the word 'Brooks' on it, on an overcast day.

A man running in a race, wearing a yellow Hugo Kwamya shirt, red shorts, a red cap, yellow sunglasses, and a red wristwatch, with a tattoo of a hammer on his left thigh, in an outdoor race on a sunny day with spectators in the background.

People participating in a 1K run or walk event, lined up behind orange cones on a city street, with a sign in the foreground indicating the 1K distance.

A person wearing a blue cap and dark jacket is taking a photo with a smartphone while sitting in a white vehicle, with a blurred background of trees and a red traffic light.

Female runner smiling while participating in a race, wearing a colorful sports outfit and running on a street with palm trees in the background.

A woman marathon runner running on a city street, wearing sunglasses, a watch, a gray tank top with race number 5122, pink and purple shorts with a cow pattern, white running shoes, and knee-high socks with gray, pink, and black stripes. There are or

A male runner in athletic gear running on a track during daytime, with orange traffic cones and blurred background.

Runners participating in a marathon race, running on city streets with a large digital timer and American flag in the background.

A woman running on a track during a race, wearing sunglasses, a black t-shirt with a graphic, colorful shorts, and sporting tattoos on her arm and leg. She has a headscarf, jewelry, and a race bib numbered 4913.

Group of runners participating in a race on the street, with some wearing race bibs and athletic gear.

A group of people participating in a running race, with a young boy in the foreground and several adults, including one in a wheelchair, in the background. The scene takes place outdoors on a road with road signs and barriers.

A man wearing sunglasses, a white tank top with a race bib number 4016, black shorts, and running shoes is running on a street during a race event, with greenery and flowers in the background.

Multiple runners competing in a road race, with some wearing bib numbers and athletic gear, on a city street lined with orange cones and trees, under an overcast sky.

A man running in a race, wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, red running shoes, sunglasses, and a black cap. Several other runners are visible in the background, along with orange traffic cones marking the race course alongside a road, with reside

People participating in a road race or marathon, running on a city street with a traffic cone in the foreground, overcast sky, and buildings in the background.

Participants in a running event, with children and adults, wearing race bibs, casual athletic clothes, and sunglasses, on a wet, overcast day.

A man and a young boy smiling and holding hands while running in a street race during rainy weather, with traffic lights and buildings in the background.

Runners competing in a marathon race at the starting line with a black finish line banner that reads 'Carlsbad 5000 World's Fastest 5K' and spectators cheering on the sides.

A man wearing a grey hoodie, a pink backpack, and a baseball cap with a cartoon pirate on the front, with a blurred background of lights.

Close-up side view of a young man wearing a multicolored cap with a small blue propeller on top, black jacket, and wireless earbud, in a dimly lit environment.

A person with gray hair and sunglasses sitting in a wheelchair wearing a bright pink jacket during a race or event, with a crowd of people in the background.

A large group of children and adults gathered at a starting line for a race, with some wearing race bibs and athletic clothing. Trees and residential houses are visible in the background.

People standing behind an orange metal barrier, with some holding a phone and others holding a water bottle. The focus is on a young person with short black hair, wearing a white shirt, leaning on the barrier.

A young boy running in a race wearing a green shirt with a bib number, with people running behind him. It appears to be a race event in the rain.

Children running in a race during rainy weather, with race bibs on their shirts and a man holding one child's hand. There are orange barricades, a street sign, and a Carlsbad California sign in the background.

Young boy wearing a hoodie and running shoes participating in a children's race, surrounded by other kids and adults, with a focus on him in the middle of the race. The background shows a festive environment, possibly a park or community event.

A man and a young boy holding hands while participating in a running event on a wet street, with other runners and spectators in the background.

A man in a white shirt and white cap pushing a woman in a pink wheelchair across a finish line, with a digital timer showing 13:02 overhead and a crowd in the background.

Two elderly runners celebrating during a race on a street lined with palm trees, with participants and spectators in the background.

A male runner in colorful athletic gear crosses the finish line at the Carlsbad 5000, World's Fastest 5K, with a digital clock showing 16 minutes and 57 seconds in the background, surrounded by spectators.

THE STORY

The Carlsbad 5000 has long been one of the premier road races in the country, bringing together elite athletes, everyday runners, and the local community. Our goal was to document the event beyond the finish line, capturing the emotion, personalities, details and moments that make race day memorable.

THE APPROACH

Working as a two-person team, we divided our focus between cinematic video and documentary photography to tell a complete story of the event. Alongside race coverage, we created environmental portraits and short interviews with participants, producing a versatile library of content that captured both the energy of competition and the people behind it.

A person with dark hair in braids wearing a beige scrunchie, crouching with others around on a dark surface, wearing athletic gear.

Close-up of a runner tying shoelaces on bright green athletic shoes at a race starting line, with other runners' legs visible in the background.

Crowd of people at an outdoor event, many holding up phones, some wearing high-visibility jackets, with a barricade separating them from the event area.

Close-up of a woman with brown hair tied in a ponytail, wearing white sports glasses and a white athletic top, outdoor setting with blurred background.

Group of people participating in a marathon or race at the starting line, with a large black banner overhead reading 'Carlsbad 5000, World's Fastest 5K.' Some runners are wearing athletic gear and numbered bibs, and there are spectators and officials

A male runner with sunglasses, wet hair, wearing an orange striped running outfit, smiling and giving a thumbs-up during a race.

Person holding a protest sign that reads 'Grab one to stay hydrated' with small hydration packet stickers, outdoors near a street sign.

Close-up of a runner's lower body during a race, wearing green shorts and a white long-sleeve shirt, with a race bib numbered 2522 attached to the shorts. The runner's skin appears freckled or sun damaged, and they are wearing a black watch on the le

People participating in an outdoor rally, some holding red signs that say 'WE'RE WITH YOU. NOT LITTERALLY.' with greenery and houses in the background.

Close-up of a woman's arm and shoulder, wearing a sports watch, a blue athletic tank top, and visible freckles and a gold earring.

A female athlete in a crouched starting position wearing running gear, including a bib with the name 'Werner' and a race watch on her wrist, on a track in a race setting with spectators in the background.

Close-up of a person tying the laces of their running shoes on a track. The person is wearing a smartwatch and a beaded bracelet. The image is in black and white with a hint of purple tint.

Two women embracing. One has her hand on the other's shoulder, and the hand holding a can of Open Water. The image is in black and white with a purple tint.

Close-up of a female athlete wearing sunglasses, wearing sports attire with race bibs, appearing exhausted or determined.

Close-up of a woman with curly hair and earrings, looking down, with a blurred outdoor background.

A female athlete is bent over, resting her hands on her knees, during a race or sporting event. She is wearing a sports watch and a black sports bra. In the background, there are spectators and a digital timer showing 6:58. A large overhead sign read

A person wearing a sports jersey with a black headband bent forward holding a medal and their hands covering their face.

A man wearing sunglasses and a black athletic shirt, leaning forward with a focused expression, during an outdoor sports event.

A group of marathon runners participating in a race on a city street, with spectators on the side and an American flag hanging above.

A group of women participating in a marathon on a city street, with buildings, trees, and hanging flower baskets in the background.

Young girl smiling and raising a race medal above her head after finishing a running race at Carlsbad race event on a rainy day.

A male runner wearing a teal cap, sunglasses, and black athletic clothing crossing the finish line with a race bib number 4816. He is sticking his tongue out and raising his arms in celebration. Several other runners are visible behind him, along wit

A female runner crossing the finish line at the Carlsbad 5000 race, smiling with her arm raised in celebration. Other runners and spectators are visible in the background.

A male athlete in a blue running outfit and green shoes crosses the finish line of a race as a crowd cheers in the background. A large black banner above displays the race name 'CARLSBAD 5000' and 'WORLD'S FASTEST 5K'. The digital timer shows 13:47.

A male marathon runner crossing the finish line with arms raised in victory during a race at Carlsbad, wearing a neon green tank top and black shorts. The time on the digital clock shows 15:09.

A group of runners participating in a race at the Carlsbad 5000 running event, with a banner overhead and a bridge structure in the background.

Close-up of a person's torso wearing a dark jacket, black pants, and sneakers, standing on a gravel surface.

A woman is bent over, leaning on a table or counter. She is wearing a sleeveless top. There are other people around, and the background is blurred.

A man smiling and holding medals in his hands. He is wearing a black cap with white text that reads 'South O Run Club' and a black jacket. The background features orange fabric and a floral-patterned orange curtain.

A man with curly hair and a mustache pointing directly at the camera, wearing a black tank top with a race bib, set against an orange patterned fabric background.

Man lying on a bed with orange floral bedding, smiling, wearing a white t-shirt with red and blue print, holding up a finisher medal.

A young man with short black hair is sitting on a floral bench, smiling widely with his mouth open, making rock and roll hand gestures with both hands. He is wearing a white T-shirt with red and blue design, a race bib, a blue and red medal around hi

A woman smiling and holding two young children, one in each arm, against an orange floral backdrop.

A smiling woman with black hair and tattoos, wearing a t-shirt and a race bib, seated on a wooden chair in front of a floral orange and cream curtain backdrop. She is holding a medal and making a peace sign with her right hand.

A woman with long dark hair wearing a white sports bra and white shorts sitting in front of orange floral patterned drapes. She is making a peace sign with both hands and has a content expression with her eyes closed.

A woman with freckles and curly hair, wearing a leopard print cap with the words 'Last Enough,' is smiling and holding a medal. She is dressed in a black jacket and shorts, sitting in front of an orange floral fabric backdrop.

Man smiling with a medal in his mouth, wearing a gray T-shirt and a cap, with a floral orange backdrop.

A woman wearing a purple sports bra and shorts holds a race bib and makes a peace sign with her right hand, sitting against an orange floral backdrop.

A young woman sits on a stool after a race, smiling and making a peace sign with her fingers. She is wearing a white athletic tank top with colorful stripes, black shorts, and a medal around her neck. The background features orange and floral pattern

A man with black hair, a goatee, and wearing a yellow headband sticks out his tongue. He has a medal around his neck and is sitting in front of orange drapes and floral wallpaper.

A smiling man wearing a white cap backwards, black earphones, and a dark gray athletic shirt. He has a medal around his neck and is seated in front of a decorative orange floral curtain background.

A smiling young boy making peace signs with both hands, sitting on a stool in front of an orange floral curtain, wearing a race bib for a running event.

A woman wearing sunglasses and a gray T-shirt with a runner’s bib is holding a plastic cup, celebrating after completing a race. She is smiling and sticking out her tongue, and is wearing medals around her neck. The background is decorated with orang

A man sitting on a stool in front of orange floral curtains, holding a marathon medal and making a peace sign with his right hand, wearing a black Columbia jacket and black shorts.

A man with dark curly hair and a beard smiling while wearing medals around his neck. He is dressed in a dark, patterned jacket and sitting in front of a floral orange backdrop with draped fabric.

A young boy smiling, wearing a white t-shirt with race number 180, sitting in front of orange drapes and floral wallpaper.

Man in a black jacket with medals around his neck, wearing a blue cap with red and yellow text, sitting against an orange and cream floral fabric backdrop, biting a medal.

A young woman with long red hair wearing a gray baseball cap, white T-shirt, black leggings, and a pink scrunchie, smiling while holding a plastic cup of beer. She has a running bib with the number A4349 and a medal around her neck. The background fe