Overall Rating
Overall Rating (22 Reviews)
4.7
(22 Ratings) 🏆 (22 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
5
SCENERY
4.9
PRODUCTION
4.5
SWAG
4.1
California’s ultimate trail half-marathon will challenge you with climbs, peaks and vistas unlike any you will experience at any other half marathon. You will start in the town of Avalon, run past the Wrigley Mansion, and then enter the Interior for a few miles of climbs. You will be rewarded … MORE
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Recent reviews

    AmericanEddie REPEAT RUNNER '19

    This half is an excellent and difficult course. I do miss the full marathon that this use to be especially The Crush. It has excellent views and the team that … MORE

    This half is an excellent and difficult course. I do miss the full marathon that this use to be especially The Crush. It has excellent views and the team that puts it on is top notch. This is one of three races I do on Catalina and none disappoint. If you want to challenge yourself and get away from the rat race I strongly suggest this run. I have met several great folks doing the runs on Catalina and it is like we are a family running the island. You will not be Disappointed!!!.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    mamamindi REPEAT RUNNER '19

    Second time doing this event. I have been running trails for the last 15 years and this race is one of the toughest I have done. It has all the … MORE

    Second time doing this event. I have been running trails for the last 15 years and this race is one of the toughest I have done. It has all the elements I love in a trail race, epic climbs, beautiful scenery and fast downhills. The race is not a cattle call by any means and the participants for the most part appear to be seasoned trail runners. Great race, well run and will run again next year!!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    margidees FIRST-TIMER '19

    The views along the course are so beautiful. It was my first half marathon and my goal was to walk, enjoy, and finish (not last). The medal is huge and … MORE

    The views along the course are so beautiful. It was my first half marathon and my goal was to walk, enjoy, and finish (not last). The medal is huge and heavy and something to be proud of….I do wish the medals were like the marathon medals ( Island clay, so pretty) from the March marathon event. At 64 I see another (faster pace) race in my future.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    absamaz REPEAT RUNNER '19

    It is a tough race but the scenery is amazing with gorgeous ocean views. It is very well organized. The finisher medals are really nice. I have done it 3 … MORE

    It is a tough race but the scenery is amazing with gorgeous ocean views. It is very well organized. The finisher medals are really nice. I have done it 3 years in a row and plan to go next year.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    szobitz FIRST-TIMER '19

    You'll run, walk and hike your way through this challenging course with amazing views and inspiration. Although we all run as individuals it really feels like you are conquering the … MORE

    You’ll run, walk and hike your way through this challenging course with amazing views and inspiration. Although we all run as individuals it really feels like you are conquering the hills as a team. The volunteers are amazing and the City of Avalon is very welcoming. Sign up for this race you won’t be disappointed!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    vida FIRST-TIMER '19

    Take camel pack. Don’t rely on the race staff to supply any ice or water or gels There were no edibles on the aid stations except warm water It was … MORE

    Take camel pack. Don’t rely on the race staff to supply any ice or water or gels
    There were no edibles on the aid stations except warm water
    It was in the 100’s

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    2

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    huynhk11 FIRST-TIMER '19

    This is a race you have to train for. It is no easy race to run but a very beautiful one. It is a lot of uphill running the first … MORE

    This is a race you have to train for. It is no easy race to run but a very beautiful one. It is a lot of uphill running the first 9 miles and downhill for the remaining 4 miles. Also, beware that there are not no restrooms so be prepared.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    jsalaz FIRST-TIMER '19

    First 4.75 miles up hill. Beautiful views. Volunteers very friendly. The first two miles and last two miles are paved road. Otherwise, all trails. Unfortunately we saw no buffalo this … MORE

    First 4.75 miles up hill. Beautiful views. Volunteers very friendly. The first two miles and last two miles are paved road. Otherwise, all trails. Unfortunately we saw no buffalo this time… beer garden at finish. My whole group’s first time and we WILL be back! I’ve done the full many times but wanted to see the other end of the island. Same downhill finish as the full. Great experience!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    Profile photo of Zach Mendez
    zacharyamendez FIRST-TIMER '19

    This was the most difficult and most exciting race I have ever been a part of. I felt so lucky to experience the beauty of Catalina in this really unique … MORE

    This was the most difficult and most exciting race I have ever been a part of. I felt so lucky to experience the beauty of Catalina in this really unique way. I hope to participate again in the future.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    M_Sohaskey Dec 12, 2019 at 6:36pm

    Well done, congrats Zach! Catalina is a stunning place to run, isn't it? And it sounds like the organizers are spot-on in billing this as the "hardest race you'll ever… MORE

    Well done, congrats Zach! Catalina is a stunning place to run, isn't it? And it sounds like the organizers are spot-on in billing this as the "hardest race you'll ever love." Thanks for your review! LESS

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    Team/Organization - superb. no waits in lines, no problems, easy and enjoyable! I also love my new hat I could purchase in advance and wear proudly to the race! Run: … MORE

    Team/Organization – superb. no waits in lines, no problems, easy and enjoyable! I also love my new hat I could purchase in advance and wear proudly to the race!
    Run: hard but well marked, beautiful views, amazing!
    Participants: super friendly. so many first timers and single runners. I had to take my headphones out because people were just chatting the entire way! it was so fun I can’t wait to do it again!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    jillmrigby1 FIRST-TIMER '19

    The people running and putting on the race are lovely. There was good aid stations. There was no gear check. Not much food at the end of the race. MORE

    The people running and putting on the race are lovely. There was good aid stations. There was no gear check. Not much food at the end of the race.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    k.n.uraine REPEAT RUNNER '19

    My favorite way to enjoy this island is to run it! We've gone 2 years in a row and would love to go every year if possible. The race is … MORE

    My favorite way to enjoy this island is to run it! We’ve gone 2 years in a row and would love to go every year if possible. The race is clearly marked, water and aid stations are placed well. There are so many hills! But the scenery sure makes it enjoyable.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    Profile photo of Jennifer Griffin
    jgriffin FIRST-TIMER '19

    Wow, what a race. I had sustained a few ankle injuries in the months prior to this race while training for it, so I was not even sure what to … MORE

    Wow, what a race. I had sustained a few ankle injuries in the months prior to this race while training for it, so I was not even sure what to expect on the day of the race. However, the experience did not disappoint. The course is steep in many spots and some areas have minimal shade but the views and sights help you forgot about any running struggles.

    You could tell that this race was very well planned. It seemed like they had thought of everything (even had live singers to sing the National Anthem).

    If you are new trail runner this course is really perfect as you get a little of trail and road running. My only advise…. don’t forget to stop and take some photos.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    kestapes FIRST-TIMER '19

    Challenge yourself, have fun, stay for the weekend! This was a fabulous race and everything was done just right. No dull moment in this race and plenty to do on … MORE

    Challenge yourself, have fun, stay for the weekend! This was a fabulous race and everything was done just right. No dull moment in this race and plenty to do on the island afterwards.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    oscarm FIRST-TIMER '19

    If you want a challenge this is the race to do go and conquer unforgettable experience Best scenery overall uphils downhill straights there is always something to see in this … MORE

    If you want a challenge this is the race to do go and conquer unforgettable experience
    Best scenery overall
    uphils downhill straights there is always something to see in this course
    I was expecting to see the buffalos but no luck on that day
    All the people in the island are very friendly and many places to eat and have fun
    Also many activities to do in the island
    Highly recommended.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    holyspirit FIRST-TIMER '19

    I must admit that it was very challenging for me to run half marathon for the first time especially at Catalina island, but the organization made it easier to accomplish … MORE

    I must admit that it was very challenging for me to run half marathon for the first time especially at Catalina island, but the organization made it easier to accomplish assigned task.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    M_Sohaskey Dec 12, 2019 at 6:37pm

    Congrats on your first half, Natalie! You certainly chose a great race to step up to the half marathon distance. And now that you've conquered Catalina once and know what… MORE

    Congrats on your first half, Natalie! You certainly chose a great race to step up to the half marathon distance. And now that you've conquered Catalina once and know what to expect, they also offer a full marathon in March... 😉 LESS

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    tatianamichelle FIRST-TIMER '19

    This was a great excuse for me to go to Catalina. The course was awesome for me and my friend. It is both a paved road and a dirt, so … MORE

    This was a great excuse for me to go to Catalina. The course was awesome for me and my friend. It is both a paved road and a dirt, so we got to see AMAZING views. I really want to do it again!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Tough course but beautiful views! This race was on my bucket list and I finally did it. The race itself was well run and had great aide stations with food … MORE

    Tough course but beautiful views! This race was on my bucket list and I finally did it. The race itself was well run and had great aide stations with food and water. I loved that it was cup-less! The only odd thing was there were no restrooms on the course and no porta potties at the beginning of the race (or at the end).

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    2

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    keatingme11 FIRST-TIMER '18

    Beautiful scenery but one of the toughest courses I’ve ever done. First 7 miles is all up hill then you have about a mile down hill then another 2-3 miles … MORE

    Beautiful scenery but one of the toughest courses I’ve ever done. First 7 miles is all up hill then you have about a mile down hill then another 2-3 miles up hill then back down for the finish. My whole body hurt. Muscles were cramping, shins were burning, and super hot and dusty. The race was well organized, swag was great, and people were friendly.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    olau822 FIRST-TIMER '16

    Take the hour long boat ride in the morning of the race and it's a short walk to the fountain where the staging area is. Over 200 for the marathon … MORE

    Take the hour long boat ride in the morning of the race and it’s a short walk to the fountain where the staging area is. Over 200 for the marathon and 300 for the half. Also a 10k and kid race. Everything is within walking distance in the small town of Avalon.

    Course: very well marked with mile markers, very rare for a trail race. Very enthusiastic volunteers and well stocked stations. All unneeded was a bottle and refilled it every aid station about 2-3 mile apart. The biggest one is at mile 20 after their crush hill. Actually, the first climb during mile 2-3 to get atop the 2000 foot peak was tougher. But it’s quite flat from mile 5-18 with occassional rolling hills. But it’s quite steep at the beginning and end except for the first and last mile. Having poles would have helped for the steep parts. The only bad part was during mile 18? the fire roads where vehicles kick up a ton of dust except for the rangers who slowed down.

    Saw buffalo from across a dip in the valley at mile 6and again at 21when you backtrack on the way down to Avalon. Huge swooping turkey vultures at the peak too.

    Swag: long sleeve tech t and buffalo medal. Not much food afterwards but aid stations were great. There is a ice water pouring station around mile 15-16. Pizza at the end but only two pieces left and I arrived middle of the pack. But plenty of food options afterwards. Nice to see a band afterwards.

    It’s right in front of the harbor so you can relax at the beach or take a soak in the cold water.

    The scenery is nice but mostly cactus and chapparal.

    It’s nice that you can go the morning of the race by boat.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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  1. Races
  2. Catalina Island Half Marathon & 10K