Catalina Island Half-Marathon & 10K

Experience the ultimate California trail half-marathon, an adventure that will test your limits while rewarding you with awe-inspiring beauty. Starting in the charming town of Avalon, the race kicks off with a scenic run past the historic Wrigley Mansion. From there, you’ll journey into Catalina Island’s rugged Interior, tackling challenging climbs that lead to breathtaking peaks.

At the summit, take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, where, on a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of two other Channel Islands. The journey continues with a thrilling descent through the serene Wrigley Memorial, winding your way back into the heart of Avalon.

For runners looking for a shorter, yet equally stunning course, the 10K route offers a picturesque tour through Avalon’s scenic hillsides, capturing the island’s unique charm and natural beauty. Whether you’re taking on the half-marathon or the 10K, this race is a perfect blend of challenge, adventure, and unforgettable views.

Course Records:

Half Marathon

Male: Elijah Orr 1:24:05 (2018)
Female: Hillary Hayes 1:41:47 (2018)

10K

Male: Jay Hayes 0:35:15 (2018)
Female: Kathrin Meade 0:39:11 (2011)

 

Start Line Map

Download Start Line Map

 

Half Marathon Course

This beautiful trail half marathon course starts runners in the city of Avalon and quickly climbs to over 1600 feet in elevation. Runners enjoy the expansive Catalina Island Conservancy Nature Preserve with its spectacular vistas while being challenged by the rugged terrain. They'll also have the special thrill of knowing they're in bison territory—the Conservancy man-ages a free-ranging herd of 150 of the majestic animals.

View Interactive Course Map

Half Marathon Course Map Download

 

Half Marathon Elevation Profile:

 

10k Course

The 10K will begin in the middle of Avalon and then run through city streets, up and down hills, reach the outskirts of the city before heading to over 2.5 miles of trails just above the city landscape. You will run around Avalon’s most famous landmark: the Casino building, by the Wrigley’s house, turn around at the Wrigley Memorial and Gardens, and then on horse trails, past the golf course and back into town – finishing by the fountain, the landmark of downtown Avalon.

Download 10k Course

10K Elevation Profile:

 

 

Catalina Island Half Marathon FAQ

What events will the 2025 Catalina Island Half Marathon offer? 
The Catalina Island Half Marathon is comprised of a Half Marathon, 10k and 1 mile kids run. All events will take place on Saturday – Nov. 14, 2025
START TIMES
• Half Marathon - 8:00 AM
• 10K Run - 8:15 AM
• Kids Run - 10:00 AM

Are walkers allowed to participate and are there time limits?
All events are walker-friendly including the half marathon. With an 8:00 a.m. start, the half marathon course has a maximum course time of 5.5 hours or until 1:30pm, and the 10k has a 3 hour time limit. Any runner/walker that fails to maintain the minimum pace will be asked to get in the SAG Wagon. The Finish Line will officially close at 1:30pm

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 get my bib number and race packet?
Packet Pickup is located at:  708 Crescent Ave
2ND FLOOR OF THE CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY’S TRAILHEAD VISITOR CENTER, Avalon, CA 90704
 
Packet Pickup will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Pacific Time on Friday. If you are unable to pick up your packet on Friday, you can pick up your packet on race morning at the stage in downtown Avalon.

Can a friend pick up my Participant Race Packet?
Yes, but they will need to print and fill out the BIB Authorization Form (download here) and their signed Waiver Form (download here) for you to submit upon pick up.

Can I register on race weekend?
Absolutely! One can register at Packet Pickup from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, before the race in Avalon or on race morning at the Stage in downtown Avalon.

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 expected. There is a change fee to switch and drop to a shorter race (Half to 10K).
NOTE: no money will be refunded for changing distances to a shorter event. To switch to a longer event, participants must pay the fee difference between the time of change when changing from a shorter distance to a longer distance.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
No. We do not allow transferring of registrations.

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?
Deferrals are allowed up to 7 days before the race.  To defer, please login to your Runsignup Account and choose to mange your registration.

What if I can’t finish the race?
We’ll help you out! There will be a vehicle following the half marathon and 10K. 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 14 years of age on race day to register for the Catalina Island Half Marathon. There are no age minimums for the 10K or 1 mile Kids Run. 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. Lastly, bicycles are not allowing on the Trans Catalina Trail per the Catalina Island Conservancy.

May I exchange my event shirt for a different size at Packet Pickup?
Yes! If the shirt does not t fit the way you like, you can exchange on the spot at Packet Pickup!

Will there be a gear check?
Yes, if you would like to leave gear behind, you may do so at the Stage in downtown Avalon right by the finish line. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.

What is the course elevation and terrain like?
The Half Marathon is primarily off road and extremely hilly. The Half Marathon has roughly 2,750 feet of elevation gain. The 10K is half paved and half off road and roughly 400 feet of elevation gain.

Is there an official race photographer?
There sure is! The Half Marathon will have photographs. In the days following the race you will receive an email from the photography company with proofs of your photos that one may purchase.

Will there be water stations and medical on the course?
Each water station will contain water, electrolytes, a first aid kit, and various nutritional supplies ranging from bananas to oranges, M&Ms to pretzels. Please plan ahead and bring what you have trained with!

Will Gels be offered on the course?
No. Over 85% of Catalina is a protected conservancy. Many users of gels have previously left them scattered all over our courses and throughout the island and thus we refrain from giving them out. We highly encourage you to use the water, electrolytes, and various other supplies we offer at all of our aid stations and to leave no waste on the trails.

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?
Beginning in 2015, it was decided that it was in the best interest of Catalina Island to reduce the impact our races place on the scarce resources of the Island. Thus for all distances Half Marathon and greater, our participants are required to carry their own cup/bottle throughout the race. We sell reusable cups which have been received warmly by the vast majority of our participants, other participants opt to carry their own bottles they have used in training. We recognize that carrying your own cup may be a small inconvenience and may not be for everyone, but we firmly believe that this step which allows us to not waste over 20,000 cups a year on Catalina is a step worth taking for the long term health of Catalina Island and the planet.

How do I get to the island and is this included in my entry fee?
Entry fee does not include transportation to the Island.  The principal means of travel to Catalina Island is via the Catalina Express which serves Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.

Are the streets in Avalon closed to traffic?
We do not close the streets to traffic but major intersections are patrolled by LA County Sheriffs and there is light traffic in general on the island. There are very few cars in Avalon and most vehicular traffic is in the form of golf carts.

Will there be traffic throughout the interior of the island?
Very few cars exist on Catalina, very few of those are allowed into the interior. However, there
will still be some traffic in the form of Catalina Island Conservancy Rangers, and Eco Tours. Having said that, do not expect to see too many vehicles throughout your run as only a handful of our miles run on roads where cars have access.

Packet Pick-Up Information 
Friday, November 13, 2026

Topside by NDMK
708 Crescent Ave

2ND FLOOR OF THE CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY’S TRAILHEAD VISITOR CENTER, Avalon, CA 90704

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
 

Saturday, November 4, 2026
Half Marathon and 10K may pick up their bibs on Saturday morning prior to the race at Wrigley Stage (located at the bottom of Sumner Ave. next to the Green Pier)
 6:30 am - 8:00 am
 

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 (A smartphone picture will be accepted)
   
• A signed and printed-out Event Waiver
  • CLICK HERE to print the event waiver.

• 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. 

 

Check out these awesome event photos from our Official Photographer, SCS Photoworks

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

 

Catalina Island Half-Marathon & 10k Referral Program

 

Refer friends to earn up to $65 cash back and more!

When you sign up for the Catalina Island Half-Marathon or 10k, you’re eligible to earn cash rewards and prizes when you refer friends sign up for the 2024 Catalina Island Half-Marathon or 10k.   (Does not include kids run) 

 

How it Works

 

1. Right after you signup for the marathon or 10k, we will generate you a unique referral link via your confirmation email. Email your link and share it on social media with your crew.
2. If you refer three (3) people to register for the Catalina Island Half-Marathon or 10k with your referral link, you will receive a $25 refund.
3. If you refer five (5) people to register the Catalina Island Half-Marathon, you will receive a $40 refund. (*10k registrants whose entry fee is less than $65 are only eligible for a refund of the entry fee they paid)

 

Cant find your referral link?

Your unique URL can be found in:

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: 

* The program is only available for runners that signed up for the Catalina Half Marathon or 10k 

* Max refund is $65 or what was paid as your entry fee, whichever is less.  Coupons and discounts will affect this total.  (e.g. 10k registrants whose entry fee is less than $65 are only eligible for a refund of the entry fee they paid.) 
* 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 Catalina Island Half Marathon or 10k.  
*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 a promotion at any time. 

 

 

Run Catalina has been on the forefront on the sustainability of running for several years.   Our most successful initiative has been to reduce the waste of cups in the Interior by making all of our Run Catalina races Cupless.  In 2019 the Catalina Island Marathon applied for recognition as a  sustainable event through the Council for Responsible Sport.  Here are some of the initiatives that may be of interest and are important to recognize
 
Cupless - 

In cooperation with our host, Catalina Island Conservancy, the Catalina Island Marathon is a CUPLESS COURSE! For hydration, participants can purchase reusable soft-cup. Paricipants may also provide their own hydration system. Thank you for helping us reduce the footprint on the island!  You must have your own hydration system or purchase a reusable and collapsible cup from our store.  There will not be cups on the island to help.

 

Catalina Cares

See what the community of Catalina is working on to take their community sustainable  - Catalina Cares

Official Travel Partner - Catalina Island Express

Your safest 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.  

If you are not able to join us on the island on Friday evening, you have plenty of time to take the 6:00 am boat out of the Long Beach Terminal and walk over to the stage to register and pick up your bib before the race begins.

 

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.

 

 

COMPLETE PACKAGES

Take all the stress out of planning and contact our preferred Travel Provider for complete packages - Absolutely Amazing Travel. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO or email to sue@amazingtravel.com.

 

Catalina Half-Marathon Event Runners:

Your best options for housing in Avalon we suggest you try one of our host hotels.

 Front Desk - (310) 510-1010

10% discount for runners for a 2-night stay minimum

BOOK ONLINE OR
CALL RESERVATIONS

1 888 HOLIDAY (1 888 465 4329)

For more Information contact the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce

 

Catalina Island 10K: Short Sleeve Participant Shirt

Catalina Island Half Marathon: Long Sleeve Participant Shirt

Catalina Island TRIPLE CROWN Challenge: Long Sleeve Participant Shirt