Last Updated April 4, 2024
Celebrating its 47th anniversary in 2024, the Catalina Island Marathon stands as California’s oldest trail marathon, offering runners a truly exceptional experience and one of our “bucket list” events. Imagine running through breathtaking trails, surrounded by spectacular views that will leave you in awe – this is exactly what you get when you participate in the Catalina Island Marathon and one of the many reason our team considers it to be one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Southwest. The event takes place on the island, located 26 miles off the California coast, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Organized by Spectrum Sports Management and Run Catalina in partnership with the Catalina Island Conservancy, the event is a beacon for its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. Their commitment to conservation, education, and recreation ensures that the island remains a pristine natural habitat.
Also available for participation are the additional race options including a 10K, 5K, and Kids Run. For those looking for an extra challenge, the Catalina Island Marathon is part of the Triple Crown Challenge. This challenge involves completing three Run Catalina events (Avalon 50K or 50Mile, Catalina Island Marathon, and Catalina Island Half Marathon) within a 12-month period. This adds an exciting layer of achievement for participants, encouraging them to push their limits and conquer the trails of Catalina Island.
Event & Course Info
The Catalina Island Marathon offers a unique and challenging course that will test your endurance and reward you with stunning scenery over 26 miles with a total elevation gain of 3,627 feet. The marathon starts in Two Harbors and finishes in Avalon, traversing dirt roads, trails, and a limited amount of pavement. Keep an eye out for the island’s wildlife, including bald eagles, the Catalina Island Fox, and American Bison. Remember, these are wild animals, so maintain a safe distance.
The race kicks off at 7am and concludes at 4pm with 13 stations along your journey, 5 of them offering food. Water and electrolyte products are available at all stops, with hands-free foot pedals for easy refilling into your hydration system (it’s a cupless event), and a mixture of traditional nutrition and energy products including Coke, bananas, pretzels, energy gels, and salt are available at the Food Stations. Awards are presented for the overall top three male and female finishers as well as in each age division, and special awards for the top overall Islander division finisher.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Given Catalina Island‘s location, you’ll need to plan early for the Catalina Island Marathon. One option is to travel to Avalon on Friday night via the Catalina Express, stay in Avalon Friday night, and take the race morning boat from Avalon to Two Harbors. Another option is to travel to Two Harbors on Friday night via Catalina Express and stay the night in Two Harbors. You can pick up your bib Friday night or Saturday morning and be ready to go at the start line. You can catch the Catalina Express from either Long Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro. Finally, short a private boat, helicopter options (Island Express Helicopters) fly from the Queen Mary heliport or Orange County.
However, it’s recommended that Marathon runners stay in Avalon on Friday night and take the 5:00 am boat to Two Harbors, as there are limited lodging options in Two Harbors. Hermosa Hotel and the Catalina Canyon Inn are two hotel options, while complete event/travel packages are available from Absolutely Amazing Travel. There are also some vacation rentals in the area to suit a variety of needs from homes to ocean view villas. You could also consider camping on the island at one of the hike-to locations.
The culinary scene on Catalina Island, CA, offers a diverse range of dining options, from casual eateries serving fresh seafood and classic American fare to upscale restaurants providing gourmet cuisine with scenic views. Visitors can enjoy a variety of flavors, including Mexican, Mediterranean, and contemporary Californian dishes, often prepared with locally sourced ingredients and accompanied by an impressive selection of wines and craft beers. Check out Eater’s list of must visit restaurants on Catalina Island.
Beyond the Catalina Island Marathon, the area offers miles of unspoiled beaches, secluded coves, and an abundance of trails, all protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. For the cyclist enthusiasts, Catalina Island offers rugged and challenging mountain bike trails. The island’s terrain is varied, providing exciting downhill sections, technical climbs, and breathtaking views from the island’s peaks. Hiking on Catalina Island is a must for any outdoor athlete. The island’s interior offers a network of trails that cater to all levels of runners, but it’s particularly appealing for those seeking a challenge. The Trans-Catalina Trail stretches for over 38 miles, presenting varied terrain, challenging climbs, and rewarding views. For those who prefer water over land, kayaking along Catalina Island’s coast is an exhilarating experience. Paddle through crystal clear waters, explore hidden coves, and marvel at the rich marine life including dolphins, seals, and various fish species.
Related Events
Other premier trail running events California has to offer include Canyons Endurance Runs from Epic Endurance Events, a Western States 100 qualifier and part of the UTMB World Series, as well as Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs, while the broader Southwest region has a boatload to choose from.
For the multi-sport athletes out there, the famous Grizzly 100 & Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo from Bear Valley Bikes, part of the National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE) is one of the best mountain bike events in the Southwest and one worth adding to your racing calendar.
Gravel enthusiasts will no doubt already have BWR San Diego on their radar, produced by Monuments of Cycling and part of their Quadrupel Crown of Gravel Series, but another event to consider is the Bovine Classic from Bike Monkey & Locomotiv Performance Coaching. Both are considered some of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Southwest and California, as rated by the team at Strambecco.
Premier road cycling events in Southern California that are worth checking out are Tour de Palm Springs, Phil’s Cookie Fondo, Tour de Big Bear from Big Bear Cycling Association and Mammoth Gran Fondo organized by Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation – together both events make up the California Pass Challenge for riders that conquer both iconic rides.
