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Apr 29, 2024

Catalina Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.9

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.0

Number of comments: 40 [displaying comments 31 to 40]

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m. n. from southern cal (9/6/2003) "Unique, tough, addictive" (General Comments) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Nothing compares to the Catalina Marathon for runners who prefer solitude and scenery to rock bands and crowds. Even getting there is different. One year I literally missed the boat, which upset me so much I charted a small plane to their tiny airport, and walked the 10 miles to the starting line - just so as to not miss the race. Overnight camping the night before is recommended for the adventurer. Included are nighttime visits from wild pigs, who will root around in your backpack for candy bars. The course itself is seriously hilly and, IMHO, kind of tough. But at least you wont get lost like you do on some trail runs. The finish is surreal, by far the most dramatic finish I have ever experienced. You will go almost straight up from about mile 23 to mile 25. This is a real hill, not like the traffic bumps in those by-the-seashore marathons. Then you go almost straight down the last mile and a half into the little town of Avalon. I first saw this race as a spectator, and watched some of the finishers coming down that hill bleeding from the knees from scrapes and falls, grim faced, dirty and all beat to hell. I said, 'thats for me'. If you are in shape for it, do it. Tell your significant others to add about 35% to your ETA. The winner routinely takes over three hours in this one.
J. M. from Los Angeles (3/23/2003) "One of the toughest marathons in the USA." (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I have run this race 7 times and can't stop coming back! I have run many of the run of the mill marathons in my area, LA, Culver City, Long Beach, Palos Verdes, and nothing compares with the challenge and beauty of the Catalina Marathon. Every year, mother nature throws curves at us to make it different and challenging. This year, it was non-stop wind and rain for the entire course. This course is mostly trails with about 4-5 miles of paved road overall. It is a great challenge to any distance runner.
A Runner from Los Angeles (6/27/2002) "I'll be back!!!!" (General Comments) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My friend and I were late registrants and novice trail runners last year ('01). Lost my running interest 2 weeks before after a PW LA run. But, Mr. C said let's try. Stayed @ Hermit Gulch Hilton (ooops campground). Reservationist said it was easy to find and well lit (you're right). It was a 2 mile uphill walk and dark. But the run was an absolutely super experience... scenery, buffalo, birds, beer (on on on), etc and lots of hills. I took pix too. My time was 4:59. After that, I ran 2 fall marathons + LA but focused on 1 race to come, i.e. Catalina. Came back with a 4:21. Boat ride was rough and was stranded on the island. Thanks for the ladies for letting us share their toilet 5 mins before the race. After Catalina most of my runs have been on trails. training for my first Ultra (Bulldog 50k), maybe Avalon 50M and of course Catalina Mar. Don't forget to hash @ M19 and 26. Good brewing. Spectators are present at the finish but wonderful volunteers throughout. Runners helped each other (pacing, talks, gu's..) Post race is a parade of CM finisher pins. WOW, can't wait for '03.
A Runner from Agana, Guam (12/19/2001) "Breath-taking" (about: 2000) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 We had great weather in 2000 compared to 1999 when it rained (was VERY muddy -almost head to toe in dirt after finishing). If you love running on trails and hills, enjoy great scenery, a challenge, quiet times with nature (you may find yourself running alone at times), and exploring a beautiful island, then you'll love this marathon. It's also very organized. You'll see the spectators near the finish line, and they're great at motivating you to sprint to your finish. :-) Make sure you prepare well by running some hill repeats up to 1 hour, at least 2 days a week in addition to your regular marathon training, this way, you'll finish with an AHHHHHH feeling instead of an OUCH feeling. Enjoy!
A Runner from San Diego (3/19/2001) "Excellent race again! A few changes needed." (about: 2001) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The race was excellent once again! It remains my favorite race of all time. There are a few things that should be changed, however. The race drink 'Race Day' is awful. I usually get sick from it. This time I didn't get sick, but I also didn't get the nutrients I needed even though I drank 2 cups h2o and 2 cups 'race day' at nearly every stop. I ended up in the ER with extremely low sodium and potassium after the race. Get Gatorade PLEASE! If you don't, I'll be forced to carry fluid next year. Second problem was the first aid. The race 'nurse' didn't even have a blood pressure cuff, much less an I.V. A race of this difficult nature needs more than a band-aid first aid facility. Other than that, I really enjoyed the marathon. I love the extremely challenging course, the unbelievable scenery, the camaradarie of the event, and of course the wonderful vacation that surrounds the event. Rarely do you get to enjoy an organized run through such open, undeveloped (and protected!) beautiful country. I'll continue to do this race for as long as I am able.
A Runner from Marin County, CA (3/19/2001) "an EPIC adventure, pros and tourists alike!" (about: 2001) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 My first time was 2001, just my second marathon ever, and it took me a hair over 6 hours (my first marathon was a 4:21 race). Don't let anyone fool you - this sucker is HARD. But so what? As long as you play it smart, you'll have a blast and survive. Hard is good; and the benefits are numerous. We were blessed by flawless weather, great supportive volunteers at all aid stations, angels on mountain bikes checking on us during the second half. All marathons should end with a walk into the ocean (my legs thanked me for this). Carrying is a must - especially for slower runners, as some aid stations did run out of replenisher or gels or bars late in the going.
A Runner from San Fernando Valley (3/2/2001) "Catalina marathon has it all!" (General Comments) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Year after year, the Catalina Marathon treats runners to the best trail running has to offer. The course is challanging, but not overly-so. The race management provides excellent runner support, great finisher tokens, and stylish running gear for purchase. Pre and post race festivities add more fun to an already great weekend. I've run three Catalina Marathons and have enjoyed them so much that I returned to run three Avalon 50-Mile Runs. What a way to double your fun! I think this marathon makes a great introduction to ultrarunning for the novice. On the down side, the weather can be unpredictable (prepare for possibility of rain) and the early morning boat ride can be miserable for those prone to sea-sickness. Otherwise you won't find much to complain about with this marathon.
A Runner from Southern Cal (1/14/2001) "Beautiful Course, Hills Galore" (General Comments) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Not a bad idea to carry your own water bottle if it's a hot one. Save something for the radical downhill finish. Try spending the night camping at Two Harbors: you'll enjoy some quiet the night before and avoid the bathroom rush when the boat from Avalon lets out before the race. Almost no spectators execpt for beer-swilling partiers the last half-mile through town. If you're afraid of hill running, stay away, otherwise this is a highlight on the calendar.
MichaelMurphy from Lancaster, CA (11/22/2000) "What goes down must go up!" (about: 2000) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I've run this marathon ten times. I took a 13 year hiatus from running , 1987 until 2000. I ran Wild Wild West, Palos Verdes and Catalina in the same year. I'll return to Catalina for the serenity, Buffalos, the camaraderie, and the fact that I don't have to drive anywhere for that weekend. It's challenging, scenic, the aid stations are supportive, the hills are numerous and the finish is just a short jog to the cool ocean. Since most of the race is in the interior of the Island, the spectators show up about the last two miles. I hate the boat rides but I love the scenic and challenging Island running!
A Runner from Los Angeles (6/9/2000) "Catalina is a beautiful, challenging trail run." (General Comments) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The Catalina Marathon is a point to point run from Two Harbors to Avalon. Runners are taken by boat to the start, about a one-hour ride. There are a lot of aid stations, but it is still a good idea to carry a water bottle. It can get very hot in Middle Ranch. There are usually buffalo on the first part of the course and a fair-sized herd ran beside us in 1999. No one has been hurt to date. Race organization passed to Pacific Sports a few years ago. This outfit mainly organizes triathlons, but they cover the basics for a marathon. The main attraction of the race is Catalina Island. It is a very pretty place to run with lots of vistas to reward you for the long climbs. In the early years, the race was know as the Hardest Marathon on or Off the West Coast. Pikes Peak and Wild Wild West are harder, but you get the idea. If you can handle hills and sunshine, this is a good race to try.

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