The Avalon 50K/50M is a benefit run on Catalina Island in Southern California. It benefits the Avalon Lions Club and the many programs they support. The course is mostly on … MORE
The Avalon 50K/50M is a benefit run on Catalina Island in Southern California. It benefits the Avalon Lions Club and the many programs they support. The course is mostly on fire roads with about 10 miles of paved road (5 miles on the ridge and the last 3 miles descending to the finish). The 50K has about 4500 ft in elevation gain, and is quite runnable. It’s quite exposed (not much shade), but the breeze from the ocean kept things cool in the morning. It got a little warm later in the day when we were running in the interior. This is a great way to explore the island. The potential to see buffalo and foxes is there but, sadly, I did not see them. The aid stations had the usual trail race food (oranges, bananas, baked potatoes & salt; one aid station had bison burger) and drinks (water, electrolytes, Coke, ginger ale, etc). It’s a cupless race (great for the environment!); they sell reusable cups during bib pick up. The views are spectacular! Race swag includes a woodallion medal and a long-sleeved tech shirt (unisex). We suggested to the Lions Club that maybe they should have gear for sale next time (like Catalina Island branded merchandise). Finish line food was like the aid station fare (no beer), but there are lots of restaurants in Avalon to go to after the race for food and drinks. Race finishes by the pier.
Exploring Catalina Island on Foot!
The Avalon 50K/50M is a benefit run on Catalina Island in Southern California. It benefits the Avalon Lions Club and the many programs they support. The course is mostly on … MORE
The Avalon 50K/50M is a benefit run on Catalina Island in Southern California. It benefits the Avalon Lions Club and the many programs they support. The course is mostly on fire roads with about 10 miles of paved road (5 miles on the ridge and the last 3 miles descending to the finish). The 50K has about 4500 ft in elevation gain, and is quite runnable. It’s quite exposed (not much shade), but the breeze from the ocean kept things cool in the morning. It got a little warm later in the day when we were running in the interior. This is a great way to explore the island. The potential to see buffalo and foxes is there but, sadly, I did not see them. The aid stations had the usual trail race food (oranges, bananas, baked potatoes & salt; one aid station had bison burger) and drinks (water, electrolytes, Coke, ginger ale, etc). It’s a cupless race (great for the environment!); they sell reusable cups during bib pick up. The views are spectacular! Race swag includes a woodallion medal and a long-sleeved tech shirt (unisex). We suggested to the Lions Club that maybe they should have gear for sale next time (like Catalina Island branded merchandise). Finish line food was like the aid station fare (no beer), but there are lots of restaurants in Avalon to go to after the race for food and drinks. Race finishes by the pier.