Catalina Marathon - Race Reviews

I did this race as a spontaneous reaction to my friends' invitation. I got a knee pain in Disney Marathon back to January. I waited for my knee to feel comfortable and the weather got totally cleared up. I made my decision a day before. The logistic for this race is a little complicated as the race has a point to point course in Catalina Island. There are not enough rooms in Two Harbor, the start line. Majority of the runners took a boat ride departure from Avalon, the finish point, to Two Harbor, the start point, in the morning of the race at 5:00am. I took the same boat from Long Beach, which departure at 2:15am. The race started at 7:00am. That's quite a long boat ride before the race. Two harbor is a small village with limited services. Our boat docked on the north side harbor. The start line was on the south side harbor. It is about half mile in between these two harbors. I arranged my time line as registration - check in bag - use facility - start run; to make sure I can get into the race. That means I have to walk cross the two harbors 3 times. I made back to the start line at the last second, literarily. Moving the start line close to restroom facilities are very helpful, as I heard a few other runners complained the start line location as well. The course is a very challenging one. The middle section from mile 11 to mile 21 are almost all the way up hill. The roads were muddy in many sections. You have to get your foot wet in a few spots where steams rush cross the road. I made a mistake by wearing cotton socks. I ended up with a blisters and then, the blisters burst because I was keeping running. There are plenty of aid stations with food and drink well loaded. The finish line is in the town of Avalon. I appreciate the traffic police attendances at major intersections. The finish line at Avalon is a nice small town equipped with many services. Many spectators cheered for the runners at the very end section of the course. I was able to take a shower at public shower facility and had a lunch at my choice. I did not book anything ahead of the time. But, purchasing a ride back to Long Beach was easy and smooth. Two days after the race, the results are still not available yet.

This is a stunningly gorgeous marathon with breathtaking vistas of the Pacific and the runners snaking up and down the steep, semi-wild terrain of Catalina Island. I don't recall ever having spontaneously exclaimed 'wow...' during a race so many times. The course is challenging, to be sure, and mostly on dirt jeep tracks, which is nice. Running this marathon is an unforgettable experience. I can't recommend it more highly, and can't wait to go back.

I signed up for the Catalina Island marathon shortly after running the Huntington Beach, CA 'Surf City Marathon' in February 2012. Essentially, I was looking for a marathon in March, and this fit the bill (and was something of an impulse buy.) At any rate, the course looked challenging from the map and elevation profile. The comments / feedback from other runners (on this site) really made the decision easy. Everything about this race exceeded my expectations  including the boat ride, the quaint tourist town of Avalon, proprietors of the lodging and dining establishments, challenging hilly course with tons of vistas, fellow runners per dialogs on course and off, maintenance stops every two miles staffed with happy volunteers, excellent weather, delightful cheers from the locals and tourists at the finish line& I could go on, but you get the picture. So many of the runners are veterans, and for good reason. This is a fantastic marathon. You will not likely achieve your PR here; so as a running friend advocated: PR in Fun. Catalina will likely become a yearly tradition for me as it has for so many others. Looking forward to adding the 2013 Pin to by Catalina Island Marathon Bar. Cheers.

Say what you want about the race organization change, after many-many great years by the other guys. The Catalina Conservancy took over and provided a seamless event, compared to prior years. I could not make it to the expo on Friday night, so one of the organizers met me at the boat dock upon arriving at 4:30am on race day, with my race packet. That's impressive! The aid stations were plentiful and the aid station support, while a little under-staffed in the early miles, were really outstanding in the 2nd half of the race. If you want to run a marathon you'll never forget, this is the one. The participants are super supportive to one another.

Not designed for competitive runners. The walkers are allowed to start earlier and do not show much awareness of runners who are passing on single track and double track trails. The support stations are well-manned for a remote point-to-point course.

Ferry ride, birds singing, cool breezes, crashing waves, winding vistas of trails; volunteers assisting, Peanut M&Ms, cloud cover till noon, buffalo grazing, mile 18 buffet; the radio tower at last, Avalon and Catalina Cantina, soft trails; finish line. What a day; sleep well for job well done - that is the Catalina 2010 Marathon. Ready, willing and registered for 2011!!!

One of the best things I've ever done in my life. If you are at all able to ever get to Catalina Island, make sure you run this race (and if it's not during that weekend, run the course). Mountain running, hill running, is one of the most incredible things in the entire world, and for this reason: at no other point in your life are you directly rewarded for heartbreaking physical exhaustion with a heartbreaking experience of nature. To run across the length of a mountainous island in the middle of the Pacific is everything you are expecting it to be. The return to Avalon is the perfect finish - a wonderful little town with great places to hang out. I've been lucky enough to see a lot of the world and this island is my favorite place. My heart goes out to the volunteers and organizers who help make this race what it is. Thank you.

This was my 97th 26.2-mile marathon, and the most spectacular I have done. I knew it would be hilly and I did some last-minute training on hills, but it was the views that really took my breath away. From the moment we docked at the start line, I knew it would be a great day - and things just got better and better. The hills were tough and some were quite steep, but it was so fantastic to arrive at the top by the airport and look down on Avalon, knowing we were headed there. I loved the downhill. I had been looking forward to it all morning and I really let rip.

Wow! I agree with Scott. I kept saying, "Wow!" over and over. This is my 26th marathon and 17th state, and it was the best. It's hard to imagine a better experience. I just couldn't believe how beautiful it was. The hills are amazing and really tough, but I managed them well. I had trained for hills, and you better too, if you plan on running it. (In addition to running a lot of hills outside, I did a treadmill routine with the machine on an 8-hill setting). I came from Marina Del Rey on the 4 a.m. ferry by myself. We arrived at sunrise, and when I saw the island for the first time I was very intimidated. It looked like Jurassic Park. Big mountains, fog, etc. By the time the race started, the fog burned off. The first half-mile was flat and that was it. By mile two we were already high up, looking down on the beautiful harbor below. I didn't seem to mind. I walked a couple of times, but mostly I jogged the uphills and ran the downs. I did 4:33 about an hour slower than a recent marathon. I was a little slower because it was so intense and I was really enjoying it. If you run it, save something for the second half. Up, up, up - till mile 23 - so high; and then down 1,800 feet in the last 3 miles. Relax and let it rip. Trail shoes are a good idea. I had the most fun of any of my previous marathons. I have a lot of states left to do, but I would do this one again with some friends. Unbelievable!

After doing this for the first time, I understand why so many people come back over and over. The scenery was incredible, well worth the difficulty of the course. The volunteers were amazing (that's why I gave the spectators a 5). Special thanks to the Catalina Island Conservancy for the great buffet at mile 18. I ran by myself and got some great support along the way from some race veterans... I'm sure I'll remember them when I see them next year.

That course is tough: Up, down, up, down, up, more up, down.... I thought I'd like the last 3 miles with the downhill, but by that time, my legs were so fried that it was painful. Good event all around. Well stocked aid stations, helpful volunteers, good medal and shirt, neat tradition with year bars, and cheering spectators at the finish. The amazing views are better when you have to run up to 1,500 feet to see the blue water and waves on the beach. The boat ride to the start was quite an adventure - thanks for the new story.

This race was superb; an easygoing but professional crew organized my nicest off-road (good gravel, though!) run yet! Beautiful scenery and colorful waves crashing on the beaches from many points of view along the way. Great runner support along the way for those hills: thanks to the marvelous, wonderful and always-there-when-we-needed-them volunteers!!! My first Catalina Marathon will be the first of many, God willing. Thank you, Pacific Sports!!!

To me, this marathon transcended running. Scenery was breathtaking - what an amazingly beautiful place! Mountains were tough, but agony in paradise doesn't hurt as much. A lot of logistics to think through, but well worth the extra planning. One suggestion: Race packet pick-up could be more organized and held in a larger facility. If you have the chance to experience this very special marathon: Do it!

I reserved this marathon as my 1st marathon, and I was not disappointed. What memories it has created, especially after running the Buffalo Run 5 weeks earlier. It was a bright clear day and the scenery was outstanding. The runners, volunteers and spectators were all first rate. And I was able to see a buffalo. I went to the Catalina Marathon for a finisher shirt, finisher medal, finisher bar, hat, ATC shirt and pin - and came away with so much more. The Catalina Marathon Experience (TCME). This is a marathon that you have to run really to understand, since there is so much involved. Boat rides, nauseated runners, hills, hills, hills, scenery, wind, dirt, rocks, stories, buffalo, Rolaids (bike volunteers), and tradition. Our family had a great time and our kids enjoyed the Catalina Marathon Kids Run (and maybe one day they will run the "legend."

This marathon is like no other; the scenery is breathtaking - almost takes your mind off the constant elevation changes. There are many repeat runners; they're almost cult-like in their devotion to this event. The only drawback for me was the transportation issue. I took seasickness medicine for the boat ride from Los Angeles, but the boat ride marathon morning at 5 a.m. was a shorter ride and I didn't want to be sleepy for marathon. But the seas were very rough and I spent the ride in the bathroom with others, getting rid of my marathon nutrition. However, there was an hour between the time we landed and the marathon start, so I was able to get a few PowerBars in me, and water, so I felt much better by start time. But even after all that, I loved this marathon... the scenery made it all worth it and the people are very friendly.

My first Catalina Marathon - grueling, very tough, horrible, BUT I will come back and do it again. The Catalina Marathon is like no other marathon - very steep uphills and downhills, and no flat land. I'm proud to have done it and I'm proud of the people who finished it - it takes a different kind of marathoner to accomplish this run. Roads are un-paved (dirt/gravel). From the beginning, it's all steep uphills and steep downhills. The scenery is beautiful. You must train in advance - very hard on the knees and the entire lower half of the body.

My first time to run a marathon I've heard about for years, always with a tone of respect bordering on intimidation. It lived up to its reputation in every respect: colorful, continual ascent or descent, over 4500 feet of elevation change, three or more major climbs (depending on what you consider major) and a thrilling downhill run into town to close it out. I had been warned to add at least half and hour to my LA Marathon time for goal-setting purposes, and it was almost an exact estimate. I finished 28 minutes slower than LA. All in all, a wonderful race with some of the nicest and friendliest racers you'd ever hope to meet. Most of them have been coming here for fifteen to twenty five years, and they wear caps with long chains of annual award bars they call ladders. They wear them proudly despite their goofiness to the outsiders who don't have a clue what they mean. The first person I encountered wearing such a "ladder" was John Ganahl, a multi-year winner in my exact age group. He looked at least ten years my junior, but we found common ground quickly. This is one I'll be doing again and again.

This is a fabled race. I know of no other quite like it. Only for well-trained marathoners who can deal with the long sustained ups and downs. This year we ran from sea level into the clouds and eventually rising above them to finally crest at 23 miles only to rapidly descend to the finish at the water's edge. Many runners partake in the tradition of dipping in the cool ocean water to soak the legs. This race requires a lot of planning, so start early. Skip the spaghetti carbo load party, but the post-race party is pretty good. Read a review on your prospective hotel before booking... some are better than others. With fewer than 800 marathoners, this race is a well-kept secret.

I have done about 5 marathons as tough or tougher (in my view), which include: Haulin Aspen in Bend/Crater Lake in Oregon, Whiskey Row in Precott, Arizona and Equinox in Fairbanks Alaska. All of the others gave the shirts before the start. I was going to earn this one. (The cotton long-sleeve shirt has a small logo on the front, and a map of the course profile on the back, along with a bunch of advertising. I thought the 30th anniversary black fleece vest for $25 was a great deal, and a nicer souvenir than the shirt.) The course is correctly described - very challenging, mostly trail (dirt rock road and very hilly.) The canyons we ran through were mostly socked in with fog this year, but the beauty of the rocky cliff bluffs overlooking the island's aqua blue Pacific on the South side more than compensated for the earlier foggy canyons. Aid stations were plentiful and had energetic volunteers - handing out everything from Gatorade, water, Gu to M&M's and Clif Blocks. If you don't mind camping, "Two Harbors" is a great deal for a $12 camp site, and you can sleep in an hour - they even arrange to transport your camping gear to Avalon. What a deal. There were free Mexican appetizers and beer at the celebration for the 30th anniversary at a Catheryn Hotel in Avalon in the afternoon following the marathon. When I was running into town, with about 1 mile to go (after a very grueling hilly "long" 5:13 marathon experience), I saw a guy with a very small "micro" medal around his neck. My first thought was, "Hmmmm, maybe that's the (accompanying) 5K or 10K medal?" When I crossed the line, I realized it was for the marathon. Later I saw someone with a bigger medal suspended by a yellow ribbon, and I inquired where she got it. She told me it was an age group award. (The finishers medal has the image of a buffalo with the roman numerals XXX depicting the year, suspended by a green ribbon). I don't run marathons for the medals. In fact, I have run probably 6 or 8 that didn't give them. I just felt that it was ironic - such a small medal for a pretty big accomplishment. The "goody bag" included gel, Cliff Bar (no advertisements: there's a perk), a nice 30th anniversary coffee mug, and a year "pin" to hang from a plaque for repeat runners to employ....

This course is as beautiful as any I've seen in 20 marathons around the world. The organization is very good. The logistics are somewhat difficult, since Catalina isn't the easiest place in the world to get to. The hills are indescribable. If you can, put a lot of them in your training before you go - steep, both up and down, and sustained. Plan on almost an extra hour. Still, as destination marathons go, this is just about as good as it gets. Do plan on a couple extra days to take in Catalina - it's a special place.

It's a one of a kind! So many returning competitors that it feels more like a family reunion than a footrace. Incredible course, great group of folks... organizers and participants alike.

The race volunteers on the course were very friendly. The bike patrol was super - loved the buffalo hats they wore. This was my first Catalina Marathon - I'll be back. Bring on the hills....

This will be my 25th Catalina Marathon and every time I enjoy it more, rain or shine. The scenery is great... and all of us getting gray.

Super great marathon... but yet once again, you came to a "y" and didn't know which way to go... this could be the most serious problem ever that could ruin this beautiful marathon.

I enjoyed the scenery and was happy to see the finish line. I signed up 11 months in advance, but ended up with a finisher's shirt that was WAY too large. Unless that is corrected, I will not repeat this marathon.

This marathon was a fantastic experience. I'll return if at all possible. Just the right number of fellow runners, fantastic scenery, two bison along the way, just hard to think of anything that could have been better, other than my finishing time.

Definitely a demanding trail run rather than a conventional marathon. Superb scenery and ambience. How many marathons does one actually run in the clouds? Honest! Very little by way of spectators, other than the fantastic volunteers at the many refreshment stations and at the finish. My first running of this in 2005. An early rise in the pouring rain to catch a very busy ferry at 5am (tip - arrive early to have any chance of a seat), followed by an hour's wait at the start, by which time the rain stopped. Almost immediately the steep climb starts. This is not for novices. Downhill section after about 4 miles, then pretty undulating (well, still with some pretty demanding ups) until halfway when they have a long (relatively) flat section. After being lulled into stability, the BIG climb at 18 miles is an interesting requirement, followed by the series of sharp inclines from 20-22 miles. It's all made worthwhile by the quad-mashing last 2 mile downhill 'sprint' to the end. A superb run, with a surprisingly large number of refreshment points, and bonus of M&Ms, Gummi Bears and pretzels in the later sections. At points, with all the rain and low clouds, the footing was pretty slippery. One poor lad lost a shoe in a creek, and ran the last 11 miles with just a sock; he was either mad or brave. Forget your recent PRs when estimating finishing times. I'm used to 7:30-minute miles, yet my average for the first four was 11 minutes. Final observation is that the average Catalina runner looks quite a bit different from a conventional marathoner. More of a trail runner, a bit 'grungier', less time-obsessed, a bit older (sorry guys) and - of course - more rugged and tough (well, at least the women were). One of the most enjoyable marathons I've run. Made even better by meeting Steve Jones, one of the all-time greatest marathoners, at the expo and then - as a bonus - passing him within two miles! One day, I'll be telling my grandkids I beat the one-time world record holder over a incredibly tough course. You're a martyr, Steve.

This spectacular race will take your breath away. Twenty-three miles on dirt roads or trails; ocean views; wildflowers; bison! Climbs 1500', then plummets the final 3 miles back to sea level. Just hope it doesn't rain.

I have run this race 8 times and have yet to get a T-shirt that fits me. I need a small and every year I am handed a Large or X-Large and told "Sorry, thats all that is left." If you do this marathon you have worked hard for that "finisher's" T-shirt. It is heartbreaking when it is 2 or 3 sizes too big.

I've run Big Sur twice and this has it beat for scenery. Its a tough course but doable, with breathtaking views of Two Harbors. Aid stations every 2 miles or so with gummy bears, M&Ms and pretzels along with the usual stuff. The last 3 miles are downhill so you can run strong. Don't pay attention to the mile markers, they were consistantly off (sometimes by as much as 3/4 mile), but they evened out at the end. All in all a great race.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.