The following release is published with permission from ATRA corporate member Spectrum Sports Management, organizers of Catalina Island Race Series.
AVALON, Calif. – This past weekend, over 1,250 participants took part in the 47th annual Catalina Island Marathon. Participants ventured through the scenic trails of Catalina, starting in Two Harbors and finishing in Avalon. The vistas and challenging climbs have been enjoyed by thousands of runners for close to five centuries. Race day featured four different events, all taking place on the island, including California’s oldest trail, a 26.2-mile marathon, a 10K, a 5K, and a Kids Run.
“The Catalina Island Marathon is truly a unique trail running event, and it’s something our team looks forward to putting on each year,” said Mike Bone, President and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, which produces the Catalina Island Marathon. “I’m thrilled to see the interest in the sport grow. The trail running community is truly one-of-a-kind and I hope to see more of these new runners joining our events in the coming years.”
Participants ventured through the scenic trails of Catalina, starting in Two Harbors and finishing in Avalon.
Tayte Pollmann, the men’s marathon champion and overall first-place finisher, completed the 26.2 miles in 2:48:49. He was followed by Nathan Brown, the men’s marathon second-place finisher. Ben Brown took the third-place spot for the men’s marathon. Erica Mitchell led the women’s marathon course, finishing with a time of 3:41:46. Katya Meyers and Suzanne Edmands were second and third-place finishers for the women’s marathon.
Ivan Fernandez led the men’s 10K division, finishing with a time of 41:47, and Erkia Cook-Studt led the women’s division, finishing with a time of 50:36. Josh Camhi, with a time of 24:35, and Talia Harrow, with a time of 25:23, were the first-place finishers of the men’s and women’s 5K.
The Catalina Island Marathon attracts trail runners of all experience levels from around the nation. Trail running as a whole has seen an influx of beginner trail runners, and was recently ranked the seventh fastest-growing sport of 2023 by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Events like the Catalina Island Marathon expect to continue to see more runners joining the trail running community and attending their events.
Locally handcrafted finishers medals for the 2024 Catalina Island Marathon.
The Catalina Island Marathon is a part of Run Catalina Island’s Triple Crown Challenge. The challenge involves completing all three Run Catalina Island events within a 12-month period. This includes the Avalon 50K or 50 Mile, Catalina Island Marathon, and Catalina Island Half Marathon. Runners may begin their Catalina Island Triple Crown journey with any one of these races, but all specified distances must be completed within a 12-month period, meaning they must finish all three races consecutively once they begin. Athletes who complete the challenge receive a Triple Crown finisher jacket, Hi-Tec shoes, and a one-of-a-kind belt buckle. This year, 75 participants completed their Triple Crown journey at the Catalina Island Marathon.
For more information on The Catalina Island Marathon, visit www.catalinaislandmarathon.com. Follow the event on Instagram and Facebook.
About Catalina Island Marathon and Spectrum Sports Management
Managed by Spectrum Sports Management, the Catalina Island Marathon provides the opportunity to run one of Southern California’s most popular natural attractions, and participate in California’s oldest trail marathon. A recognized leader in endurance and sporting events in Southern California, Spectrum Sports Management & Timing Services creates a wide range of events and has over 50 years of collective industry experience. Spectrum Sports Management emphasizes delivering a premiere, professional and world-class service to their clients, their participants and the communities in which they work. To learn more, visit www.SpectrumSports.net.
