Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run

The Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run is the oldest Ultra Trail Run in California with the 50 Mile run entering its 44th year.   The 50K joined the party seven years ago and instantly became a California classic in trail running traversing all of the same trails that the older run uses.   Running the Avalon Benefit 50Mile/50K provides you a first rate, up-close and personal experience of one of California's natural jewels in trail running across Catalina Island.   The run begins and ends in Avalon and in between you simply have to run the entire length of the island - and back!  In between you will experience beautiful vistas, tremendous views of the Pacific Ocean, see a bison or two and experience some of the sports great volunteers and aid stations.

50 Mile Aid Station and Runner Information

** The Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run / 50K is a cup-less race, you must have your own hydration system on the course, carry a bottle, or have a collapsible cup.

Aid stations: Eight aid stations with water, Gatorade, defizzed cola, bananas, oranges, pretzels, and Gummi Bears among the assorted treats and nutrition that will be provided.   Plus, what those caring volunteers bring on their own (Drop bags at Little Harbor only!) 

Race nutrition will be provided by Gatorade.

Drop Bag - For 50 MILE run ONLY: Remember to bring clothing that will adapt to the weather and a flashlight for the early morning start and initial run. Be sure to label any articles you want back! (Drop bags at Little Harbor only!).  Drop bags will be back to the finish line at approximately 3:00 pm.  It is your responsibility to pick up all drop bag items at the finish line, or in the morning at the group photo.   The Lions Club and Spectrum Sports Management will do their best to return the equipment but we are not responsible for your items.

All 50M drop bags will go to Little Harbor ONLY. At all the aid stations there will be water, cola, bananas, Gatorade, Salt, and some surprise food. Make sure you plan ahead for your aid station drop bags. (Extra change of socks, clothing, etc. for your added comfort during the run)

Aid Station                                                                                     Mile (Appox.)                                                                Bathrooms

Haypress                                                                                                  7.9                                                                                    X

Airport                                                                                                    14.9                                                                                     X

Little Harbor  (drop bags)                                                                    21.2                                                                                    X

Isthmus (turn around)                                                                          27.5                                                                                    X

Little Harbor (drop bags)                                                                     33.8                                                                                    X

Eagles Nest Blue Grass Station  (Cut-off 2:15)                                38.8

Pumphouse Hill (Cut-off 3:30)                                                            44.0

Haypress                                                                                                 46.0                                                                                    X

Finish Line                                                                                               50.0                                                                                    X

50K Aid Stations

** The Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run / 50K is a cup-less race, you must have your own hydration system on the course, carry a bottle, or have a collapsible cup.

Aid Stations: There will be a total of 5 aid stations on the course- Haypress, Empire Road, Little Harbor overlook, Eagles Nest, and Pumphouse. Each will be stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, oranges, pretzels, first aid supplies and friendly help.

Race nutrition will be provided by Gatorade

Drop Bags: There will NOT be drop bags on this course and NO gear check.

Aid Station                                                                                     Mile (Appox.)                                                                Bathrooms

Haypress                                                                                                  5.4                                                                               X
Airport                                                                                                    12.4                                                                               X
Little Harbor  Overlook (just after 50 Mile Split)                             17.8                                                                              X
Eagles Nest Blue Grass Station  (Cut-off 2:15)                               22.1

Pumphouse Hill (Cut-off 3:30)                                                           27.3 
Haypress                                                                                                29.3                                                                                   X
Finish Line                                                                                              33.3                                                                                   X
 

Awards will be presented in the following order

50 Mile Awards - ONLY those starting at 4:00 am or 5:00 am will be eligible for awards

Top 3 Men and Women Overall 

Age Group Awards: 29 and Under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

50 K Awards - ONLY those starting at 6:00 am will be eligible for awards - ALL 50K runners must start at 6:00 am.  No Early starts

Top 3 Men and Women Overall

Age Group Awards: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Important Note - to qualify for an Age Group award and placing you must start at the assigned time.  No switching will be allowed once the race has begun.   Therefore, you may not start off on the 50 Mile run and then switch to the 50K.  You Must have the correct bib. Notify Timing staff at packet pick up or at the Start line prior to beginning your race if you wish to switch distances.

Awards Distribution

There will be no awards ceremony. 

You may check for and pick up your award at the Awards Tent near the finish line as:

50K Awards beginning at 2:00 pm

50M Awards beginning at 3:00 pm (as results are validated)

Bib pick up will be at the Metropole Hotel conference room.  This is located off of Crescent Street behind the Metropole shopping center.

Packet pick-up will be from 3:30 - 7:00.  You will need,

Valid state ID

Confirmation email

Hydration system

Course Talk - there will be a course talk at approximately 6:00 pm at the conference room.  The courses will be reviewed and questioned answered.

Important Note: Race management reserves the right to make course changes due to weather and trail concerns.   All decisions are made in conjunction with the Catalina Island Conservancy Rangers and all changes are final.

What if I can’t pick-up my bib? Can someone else pick-up my bib for me? 

Yes, someone can pick-up your bib and registration materials if you cannot make it to packet pick-up. You MUST provide BOTH:

• A copy of your valid driver’s license or photo identification card (Smartphone picture will be accepted)
• A signed and printed-out Event Waiver
  • CLICK HERE to print Event Waiver for Catalina Island Marathon. 
• A signed BIB Authorization Form
  • CLICK HERE to print BIB Authorization form.

WE WILL BE UNABLE TO RELEASE YOUR BIB TO ANOTHER PERSON WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION. 

Start and Finish

The race start will begin at Crescent and Sumner Street, right in front of the Wrigley Stage in the middle of Avalon.

This is a chip timed race, you must wear you bib at all times and you must cross the starting mats in order to receive a qualifying time for either the Avalon 50 Mile Run or the Avalon 50K.   For the 50 Mile Run there will also be a mat at the turn around in Two Harbors that you must cross as you enter the aid station.

Please be prepared for an on-time start at 5:00 am and at 6:00 am, for the 50 Mile and 50K, respectively.   There will only be ONE Official early start at 4:00 am only for the 50 Mile runners, but be prepared for the first few aid stations to not be set up, come equipped with your own supplies and knowledge of the course.

There is NO early start for the 50K, all runners will start at 6:00 am.   

50 Mile Course
Starting at 5:00 A.M., the 50-mile out and back on scenic fire roads from Avalon to the Isthmus and return; takes runners through island's interior, which is generally closed. See Course Map and Aid Stations Locations.

COURSE RECORDS:
Male - Peter Park  in 5:48 (2002)
Female - Heather Fuhr in 6:52:14 (2011)

Note: the Avalon 50 Mile Benefit Run takes place within the Catalina Island Conservancy and as such race management and the Conservancy Rangers maintain the right to change or later the course depending upon weather, construction or Acts of God.

50 Mile Benefit Run Elevation Profile

50K Course

The 50K Course will start at 6:00 A.M. and use the first and last part of the existing 50 Mile course that is so popular and you will see many of the same sights and views. The course will begin at Wrigley Stage in the middle of town, making an immediate right onto Sumner Street and running up to Avalon Canyon and then follow the same course out through Airport road, past the Airport, through Rancho Escondido, out to Little Harbor Overlook. At the Overlook you will turn left and begin the run back to town via Ben Weston and Middle Ranch. The water stations will be set up and ready for you to come through and visit.

Age Group Awards: 29 and Under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-Over.  There will be an awards ceremony at Antonio's Pizza near the finish line.

Perks: Long-sleeved T-shirt & finisher medal awarded to each runner. Runners MUST pick up their own packet. No Substitutes! 

The majority of the course takes place on Catalina Island Conservancy land and as such race management, and Conservancy Rangers maintain the right to change the course due to weather, construction, or Acts of God.

COURSE RECORDS:

Male - Cody Logan in 3:42:46 (2020)
Female - Bridie McCarey in 4:31:58 (2017)

Total Elevation: about 6500'

Avalon 50 Mile / 50K Benefit Run

What are the start times for each event? 

Official Start Times:

50 Mile Benefit Run Start is 5:00 am SHARP.   There is also an early start at 4:00 am and everyone starting at 4:00 will receive an official finish time and be eligible for awards.  Any participant who begins at another time will not receive an official time.

50K Run will begin at 6:00 am at the same start line

Is there an early start? 
There is an early start at 4:00 am for the 50 Mile participants and everyone starting at 4:00 will receive an official finish time and be eligible for awards.  Any participant who begins at another time will not receive an official time.  

There is no early start option for 50K participants.

How is the course marked?
The course is marked with arrows to guide you, pink flagging tape and flour on the ground as well as cones used to block roads/trails you should not head down. Additionally, the first 10 miles will be lined with glow sticks to guide runners in the dark.

Are walkers allowed to participate and are there time limits?
Walkers are allowed to participate. There is a 12 hour cut off time based upon the last 50 miler starter at 5:00 am.   The finish line will officially close at 5:00 pm.  There are also cut off times at the later aid stations.  It is the participant's responsibility to know the course, your pace and to meet the cut off times.   These times will be strictly enforced by Conservancy Rangers.  Any runner/walker that fails to maintain the minimum pace will be asked to get in the SAG wagon. 

May I use an iPod or other device for music?
iPod or other music devices are allowed but we ask that you stay safe and aware by keeping volumes at a low level in case of emergency. Rule 144.3 of USA Track and Field enables race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races. 

Where do I pick up my bib number and race packet?
Runner check in and bib pick up will be at the M hotel conference room.  This will be open between 3:30 pm - 7 pm on Friday night.  

What if I can’t pick-up my bib? Can someone else pick-up my bib for me?

Yes, someone can pick-up your bib and registration materials if you cannot make it to packet pick-up. The following MUST be provided in order to pick up for another runner:

1) A printed, signed Pick Up Authorization Form. Download the Authorization Form: BIB AUTHORIZATION FORM
2) Copy of the registrant’s Driver’s License (picture on Smartphone is acceptable)
3) Waiver, signed by the registrant. A PRINTED and signed copy is required. WAIVER

Drop Bags:

Drop bags will be available for 50 Mile Runners Only.   You will run by your drop bag location twice so plan accordingly.  We request that you bring your drop bag on Friday evening to the runner check in.

Gear Check:

There is NO gear check offered at this event.  

Can I run in a different race than I registered for?
Yes! We realize that training can go much better than expected, or maybe not quite as well. There is no fee to drop down to a shorter race (50 Mile to 50K). NOTE: no money will be refunded for switching to a shorter event. If you wish to upgrade from the 50K to the 50 Mile you'll have to pay the difference between what you paid and the current 50 mile registration fee.  There is a $10 switch fee for each change.  You may switch on the Runsignup site using the ‘manage registration’ tab.

Are there refunds?
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: This is a live event. The Cancellation/Refund policy is non-negotiable.  Our cancellation/refund policy is that your registration and any related fees are not refundable.  Refunds will not be issued at any time after purchase for any reason.  We understand that last minute emergencies and unforeseen events happen, but the Cancellation/Refund policy will be applied without exception.  No refunds will be issued even if the event is cancelled or postponed due to an act of God or government mandates.

Are there deferrals?
We do allow deferrals in case of injury or emergency. Deferrals are only good for one year and for the same event.  Simply sign back in to your registration account and defer the event to the following year.    There are no deferrals allowed within one month of the event. 

Where can I order merchandise?
Official Run Catalina merchandise will be available for purchase on line at our web-site and at packet pickup on Friday in Avalon from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

What if I can’t finish the race?
We will help you out! Throughout the day, there will be various event vehicles driving the course to assist runners. If you cannot finish the event, please notify a Conservancy Ranger, a HAM Radio representative at the water stations or an event vehicle.  Anyone who cannot finish or cannot keep the minimum pace will enjoy a free ride back to the post-race area.

Are there any age minimums?
Participants must be at least 18 years old to compete. Additionally, all those under the age of 18 must have a parental waiver signed.

Are baby joggers, strollers, roller blades, dogs or bicycles allowed in any event?
No, they are not. The courses are unfriendly to baby joggers/strollers/roller blades. Additionally, USATF does not allow dogs on the course. If you wish to cycle through any portion of the course, you will need to obtain a permit through the Catalina Island Conservancy.

May I exchange my event shirt for a different size at packet pickup?
Yes! If the shirt you receive doesn’t fit the way you like, you can exchange on the spot at packet pick up.

Is there an official race photographer?
The event is photographed by SCS Photoworks.  Here is SCS Photoworks's website:   https://scsphotoworks.zenfolio.com/

Will there be water and medical stations on the course?
Yes, each water station will contain water, GU Energy products, and various nutritional snacks such as bananas, oranges, M&Ms, and pretzels. All stations will contain a first aid kit. A list of water station locations can be found on the Course Map. For your comfort, please plan ahead and bring what you have trained with.

Will gels be offered on the course?
No, gels will not be offered on the course. In the past, gels have been left scattered around the course and the island. Over 85% of Catalina is a protected conservancy. 

Will there be Aspirin on the course? 
No, there will not be pain reliever medications on the course. For medical liability reasons, we are not allowed to offer them.

What does it mean that Run Catalina races are cupless? 
This means that we do not provide any cups at our aid stations. In 2015, we decided to lessen the impact our races place on the scarce resources of the island. For all distances of a half marathon or greater, our participants are required to carry their own cup/bottle throughout the race. This allows us to not waste over 20,000 cups a year on Catalina.

We sell reusable and collapsible cups. These have been a big hit with our participants! Others opt to carry their own bottles they used during training. We recognize that carrying your own cup/bottle may be a small inconvenience, but we firmly believe that this step is worth taking for the long-term health of Catalina Island.

How do I get to the island and is this included in my entry fee? 
The most common transportation to Catalina Island is via the Catalina Express which serves Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. Travelling with the Catalina Express is not included with your registration fee. Please visit our Travel tab to see the other options to travel to Catalina.

Are the streets in Avalon/Catalina closed to traffic? 
No, it is not necessary to shut down the roads to the finish line. There are very few cars in Avalon and most vehicular traffic is from golf carts.

Will there be vehicles throughout the interior of the island? 
There are very few cars on Catalina, and very few of these cars are allowed into the interior. There may be some traffic from the Catalina Island Conservancy Rangers, Eco Tours, and light traffic to and from the Airport and Two Harbors. Do not expect to see too many vehicles throughout the course.

Are dogs allowed on the course?

There are no dogs allowed on the course as it is a wildlife sanctuary and our aim is to keep this natural and thus not include domestic animals.

Avalon Benefit 50M/50K Referral Program
 

Refer friends to earn up to $50 cash back and more!

When you sign up for the Avalon Benefit 50M/50K, you’re eligible to earn cash back when you refer friends to sign up for the 2024 race weekend. 

How it Works

• Right after you signup for the Avalon 50/50, we will generate you a unique referral link via your confirmation email. Email your link and share it on social media with your friends. 
  
• If you refer three (3) people to register for the Avalon 50/50 with your referral link, you will receive a $20 refund. 
• If you refer five (5) people to register the Avalon 50/50, you will receive an additional $30 refund. (Registrants whose entry fee is less than $50 are only eligible for a refund of the entry fee they paid) 

Program ends on January 1, 2024.

Cant find your referral link?

Your unique URL can be found in:

          1.Your registration confirmation email (register today!)
          2. Your RunSignUp account: To find the URL, or the status of your referrals, log in to RunSignup.com, click on My Profile, under Runner Links section (at the bottom), My Referrals.
 
Program Restrictions Apply: 
* Max refund is $50 or what was paid as your entry fee, whichever is less.  Coupons and discounts will affect this total.  
* Friends must register with your link at time of their registration. Those who sign up without your link will not be added to your referral count. 
* Eligible referrals registrations are when your friends/family register through your referral link for the Avalon Benefit 50M/50K Run.  
* Referral refunds will be awarded only once you have reached three (3) and five (5) referrals. 
* Refund only applies to registration fee portion of the entry, not the transaction or additional purchase fees tied to the registration.  
* Limited time offer.  Race reserves the right to stop or change promotion at any time. 

We are happy to announce that in 2024 we will be using electronic chip timing.  The Chip will be on your bib and you must wear that bib at all times in order for us to track you and obtain an accurate time.  You must:

Wear it on your body, facing the front.  Do not hide this in your backpack or pocket

Do NOT bend the chip or fold your number where the chip is positioned

RESULTS

Live Tracking - we will once again provide for your family and friends to follow you on our Live Data Tracking system.   To do so, please use this link.

Live Tracking Here

2024 RESULTS

Archived Results

Official Travel Partner - Catalina Island Express

Your surest plan is to head over to the island on Friday afternoon, check in to the hotel pick up your bib and have a great dinner in Avalon preparing for your run.    Besides, the run begins at 5:00 am so you must come to the island on Friday night.  

IEX Helicopters (“Island Express Helicopters”) best known for operating the West Coast’s largest fleet of twin-engine executive helicopters, as well as their exclusive Catalina Island flights, is offering flights for the marathon to both Avalon and Two Harbors. Fly from our Queen Mary heliport or Orange County to Avalon or Two Harbors. For more information please visit www.IEXhelicopters.com or call our guest relations team at 800-228-2566.

Thank you for your continued patience as we monitor and analyze this situation. In summary, the race is on for Saturday, but we are offering the option to defer to 2026 for any reason. Please read on for more details!

After consulting with the island agencies and safety personnel, we feel confident that all appropriate safety measures are in place and the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to improve between now and race day. As a result, we will proceed with holding the event as scheduled. 

That said, we know that these fires are impacting many of our participants in different ways. Should you decide that this is not the right time for you to take part in the race, please email us at info@spectrumsports.net and we will be happy to assist you with deferring your entry to the 2026 event – no questions asked! 

For others, we understand that the opportunity to come together with your running community here on the island may offer solace and comfort. If you decide that completing the race that you have been planning, training, and looking forward to this weekend is best for you, we’ll be ready with open arms on Catalina Island.

The Avalon Lions Club and Spectrum Sports Management are unified in our efforts to accommodate as many runners as we can, no matter which route they decide to take. A percentage of the proceeds, including deferrals, from the run will be donated to the American Red Cross to support victims of the fires.

We hope you’ll join us in finding ways to give back to our local community and show kindness to our neighbors. Thank you to the first responders in LA County who are working tirelessly to combat these horrible fires.

Your Run Catalina Team

Posted 1/9/2025 at 6:30 PM

Avalon Benefit Run Donation/Pledge Challenge

Help us support the Lions Club Scholarship Program and Run for Free!

The Avalon Benefit 50Mile/50K Run raises funds on behalf of the Avalon Lions Club to benefit their charitable work and community assistance throughout Catalina Island.   Start a fundraising team, get your friends and family involved in helping to support you through giving on-line and help the Lions keep this tremendous running traditional alive, as we each strive to assist a community with needs.

For the top 10 Fundraisers:

Complimentary race entry, round trip boat ticket and two nights housing for the 2026 race

2 - 4 receive complimentary race entry and one-night lodging

5-10 receive a complimentary race entry

We look forward to welcoming you to Catalina Island -  See you on the island.

Sign up today for the ultimate Run Catalina experience by joining the Triple Crown Challenge.

The Triple Crown Challenge involves completing all 3 Run Catalina events within a 12-month period. This includes the Avalon 50K or 50Mile, Catalina Island Marathon, and Catalina Island Half Marathon.

You may begin your Catalina Island Triple Crown journey with any one of these races, but all specified distances must be completed within a 12-month period, meaning you must finish all 3 races consecutively once you begin.

What does this mean for you? In addition to participating in all 3 events and experiencing these breathtaking courses, you get a deep discount by registering for all 3, and some of the coolest FINISHER swag. You’ll get the individual event swag for each race, but after completion of the Triple Crown, you’ll be able to collect your official Triple Crown FINISHER jacket, Hi-Tec shoes, and a one-of-a-kind belt buckle.

Start your Triple Crown Challenge today!