The Catalina Island Half Marathon trail will challenge participants with climbs, peaks, and vistas, taking runners on a breathtaking journey through one of California’s most scenic destinations. Beginning in the charming town of Avalon, the course winds past the historic Wrigley Mansion before heading into the island’s rugged Interior for …
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The Catalina Island Half Marathon trail will challenge participants with climbs, peaks, and vistas, taking runners on a breathtaking journey through one of California’s most scenic destinations. Beginning in the charming town of Avalon, the course winds past the historic Wrigley Mansion before heading into the island’s rugged Interior for several miles of challenging climbs. Runners will summit with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and, on a clear day, can even spot two other Channel Islands in the distance. The route then continues with a thrilling descent through the serene Wrigley Memorial and finishes back in Avalon, surrounded by the energy of the island community.
For those seeking a shorter challenge, the 10K route offers a picturesque tour through Avalon’s hillsides, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Casino building, the golf course, and the town fountain. Both courses highlight Catalina’s unique blend of natural beauty and historic charm, giving participants an unforgettable island racing experience.
The Catalina Island Half Marathon is part of the Run Catalina Island Triple Crown Challenge, which also includes the Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run and the Catalina Island Marathon. Runners who complete all three events within 12 months earn exclusive Triple Crown finisher swag, including a jacket, Hi-Tec shoes, and a one-of-a-kind belt buckle.
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Excellent Half & Course
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!!!.
One tough and beautiful race!
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!!
I did it!
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.
Love this race
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.
Like no other!
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!
Aid Stations poorly done - no ice
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
Everyone should experience this race!
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.
A must-do experience!
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!
Amazing! Will do it again & again!
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.
Most beautiful race in America
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!
This is a beautiful run!
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.
Beautifully challenging course
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.
It's tough but worth it!
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.
Great race for a amazing challenge
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.
This is an awsome place to run
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.
Challenge you have to accept!!!love it
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.
Beautiful and fun
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!
A must do!
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).
Challenge course
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.
Beautiful run around the southern island
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.