LOREN NELSON COMMENTARY: Carlsbad 5000 finish line still waiting for Webb

By LOREN NELSON - Sports Editor | Monday, April 7, 2008 4:02 AM PDT ∞

CARLSBAD ---- Here he came, finally. The Next Great American Distance Runner, Alan Webb, was nearing the finish line.

Smooth-talking Carlsbad 5000 announcer Tracy Sundlun implored the crowd to express some love for the weary but gritty competitor.

"Although this wasn't his day," Sundlun boomed, "give him a big hand anyway. ..."

At this point, there was an embarrassing pause as spectators with raised eyebrows exchanged confused looks. Something clearly was amiss.

"... When he comes," Sundlun finished.

The mid-sentence U-turn was required because Alan Webb, upon closer inspection, turned out to be last-place finisher Nick Bromely of Australia.

As all that was happening, the real Alan Webb was jogging through Carlsbad's side streets and alleys, working his way toward the elite runners' private reception area.

Thus ended one of the most anticipated road races in San Diego County history.

"Once I broke away from the pack, I was done, man," said Webb, the American record holder in the mile. "I couldn't go another step."

In distance running terminology, Webb bonked. With about a half-mile left in Sunday's race, he dropped out of the lead pack of eight runners. From there, he jogged a little, then pulled off the side of the course. A Ferrari with blown tires and smoke pouring out of the engine.