The Biggest & Best Year Yet- Tip Top Run 2023

Our annual Tip Top Run, hosted on March 18th, 2023, was the most exciting 5K/10K Fun Run of the year. The theme for the event was St. Patrick's Day, which gave runners an opportunity to show off their festive spirit and creativity!

500+ participants were treated to a scenic course that took them through some of the most beautiful parts of Carlsbad and offered up many a panoramic view. The runs started at 8:30 am, and runners of all ages and abilities gathered at both the 5K and 10K starting lines, eager to get moving. The atmosphere was electric, with the sound of cheering and high-fives filling the air.

The event was not just about running, but also about celebrating World Water Day, which falls on March 22nd every year. To commemorate the occasion, the finish line was transformed into a vibrant festival that showcased the importance of water conservation and sustainability. With over 25 vendors and exhibitors, Endless Blue on the mic, costume contests, a Raptor Presentation, and raffle drawings, it was quite the celebration!

Food and refreshments were provided by Tip Top Meats and Culver Beer! We were lucky to be able to honor the late great John Haedrich (Founder of Tip Top Meats) and everything he has done to support the community at the event. AHLF will also be planting a tree in his honor on Arbor Day to commemorate his amazing generosity. Tip Top Meats provided delicious and healthy food options that runners could enjoy after the race. Culver Beer came out for the second year in a row to support this incredible event providing refreshing beer that helped runners relax and unwind after the race.

Tip Top Run was more than just a fun run; it was an opportunity for the community to come together and support a great cause. The event was a success, and all proceeds went towards supporting water conservation efforts for the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and the Discovery Center’s education programs teaching our youngsters about the importance of our watershed.

In conclusion, the Tip Top Run was a memorable event that brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, World Water Day, support a great cause, and enjoy a healthy and fun activity. With a beautiful course, delicious food, and refreshing beer, it was an event that runners and non-runners alike will not soon forget.

Special Thank You To:

Poseidon Water – Event Sponsor

Tip Top Meats- Food

Culver Beer- Beer

Kathy Kinane- Finish Line

Lynnell Talone-Honda- Bib Sponsor

Rayne Water- Water Station

Eco Water- Water Station

Maureen Simons- Tip Top Run Committee Chair and décor

The Crossings- Bathroom access

Premier Kia of Carlsbad- Letting us host a water station at their location

Mike Metts- Finish Line banner

Harini Natarajan “Rinis Photography”- Beautiful photos

Our Vendors and Exhibitioners

Every volunteer that not only helped the day of but also the weeks beforehand

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Team

share this

Related Articles
September 5, 2025
Discovery Gala 2025 ~ Barbie’s Dream Lagoon truly felt like stepping into a pink-and-blue glitter world—overflowing with magic, cocktails, dancing, and dazzling games. The evening began with an intimate VIP Patron Party at the Water Tower, honoring our 2025 Hero on a Quest awardee: Carlsbad Educational Foundation . With live music by violinists Amanda Wirtz and Claire Braby and breathtaking ocean views, it was a sparkling kickoff to the night. Thank you to VIP Sponsor, Grand Pacific Resorts , for making this celebration possible! As cocktail hour began, the excitement grew. Guests—dressed in their best pinks and blues—were welcomed with live music from Whit Aadland at check-in and Gin N’ Tonix on the terrace. Along the way, they walked through a hallway tribute to our very own AHLF Barbies and Kens—the incredible individuals who bring the Dream Lagoon to life. Drinks flowed, “shell-fies” were snapped with Mermaid Barbie (Lavender Moon Goddess) and the sparkling Barbie & Ken backdrop… and then came the first surprise of the night: a flashmob performance by the AHLF team! A playful nod to the disco dance in the 2023 Barbie movie, it set the stage for an unforgettable four-course dinner. The Live Auction brought paddle battles for trips to Hawaii, Palm Springs, and more. Tears followed during the Impact Video , sharing our vision for Discovery Island —a classroom and exhibit space ensuring environmental education can thrive rain or shine. Watch the video » New this year, donors who gave $100 during Raise the Paddle were entered into a secret prize drawing featuring a stay at Omni La Costa, local dining gift cards, and diamond stud earrings. Congratulations to Tim Stripe , our lucky winner! We also honored our very own “Barbie and Ken”—Heather and Jimmy Ukegawa . Joined on stage by their son Jade, with daughter Mia delivering heartfelt remarks, the Ukegawa family was celebrated with proclamations from Mayor Keith Blackburn and county, state, and federal representatives—recognizing their unwavering dedication to community and environmental education. And of course… the catwalk! Our Barbies and Kens lit up the runway, showcasing opportunity drawing items with fabulous style. To close out the night, guests returned to the terrace where the Mojo Dojo Casa House (casino + horse race game) and Barbie’s Disco (DJ Barbie + glitter tattoos) kept the energy alive until the very end. A night of sparkle, joy, and purpose—thank you to everyone who made Discovery Gala 2025 ~ Barbie’s Dream Lagoon a dream come true! Photo Gallery Here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ic1xcFYDvOMPNFSC6tt0tgaSeMVAAFtN?usp=sharing Thank You Gala Sponsors Presenting Sponsor: NRG Energy VIP Patron Party Sponsor: Grand Pacific Resorts Program Sponsor: The Henry Valet Sponsor: BMW of Carlsbad Invite Sponsor: Vigilucci’s Restaurant Group Specialty Cocktail Sponsor: DUAL North America VIP Cocktail Sponsor: Hale & Associates Paddle Sponsor: The Silva Group (Lynnell Talone Honda) VIP Patron Party Invite Sponsor: RDQ Inc. Bar Sponsor: Pangea Biological and Withum Entertainment Table Sponsor: California Watersports, Cbar, Dudek, Inspectors of the Election
June 25, 2025
65 Participants Soar Through a Day of Feathered Fun and Learning
ALL ARTICLES