Press Release - Catalina Island Marathon 3/21/00

Contact:  Katie Caress
Pacific Sports LLC
Ph.  714.978.1528  Fax. 714.978.1505
E-mail: catmar@pacificsportsLLC.com
www.pacificsportsLLC.com

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE				March 21, 2000


CATALINA CRUISES CATALINA ISLAND MARATHON, 5K AND 10K BRINGS 1500
RUNNERS TO THE ISLAND FOR A WEEKEND OF FUN, SUN AND GREAT COMPETITION.


Avalon, CA - The numbers were up once again for the 23rd running
of the Catalina Cruises Catalina Island Marathon. Entries have
been increasing year after year as participants are discovering
the beauty and challenge of this very unique race. 

1999 winner Gordon Duff of Huntington Beach claimed the Marathon
men's division once again with a time of 3:02:06 and Maria Gallardo
of Huntington Park won the women's division with a time of 3:29:50.
It was a hot day on Catalina Island for the race, so although there
was no mud like last year, it still made for difficult conditions.
There were 733 registered marathon runners and a total of approximately
1500 participants including the 5K, 10K and Kids Run events. 

The race had its usual group of veterans competing along with many
newcomers who wanted to run the event in the year 2000.
"Buffalo Bill" McDermott, who has run every one of the 23 marathons
and won 12 of them, kept his streak alive this year, although at a 
much slower pace. Due to knee injuries, he was forced to race walk
the race this year, although his respectable 5:08:40 finishing time
beat many of the runners!

The race has multi-year sponsorship from both Catalina Cruises and
Kring & Brown Attorneys and without their generous support, races
like this would not be possible. Many of the participants are
traveled over to the Island on Catalina Cruises' new jet boat with
discounted tickets that they were able to purchase with their entry
form. There was also a combined awards presentation and post-race
party at The Kring & Brown Happy Hour Awards Celebration. It was an
inspirational and festive atmosphere with music from the Breakaways
Surf Band and many satisfied runners. 

For more information about the 2000 Catalina Cruises Catalina
Island Marathon please call 714.978.1528 or visit the web site
at www.pacificsportsLLC.com.

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