Catalina Marathon

The annual Catalina Marathon, held in March, was voted Number 1 Off Road Marathon. The 23 miles of trail are hard and fast with spectacular views of the ocean and even buffaloes. This unique event allows athletes an "inside look" into the interior of historic Santa Catalina Island, running from Two Harbors to Avalon across a mostly uninhabited landscape. The Catalina Marathon is a favorite of first-timers and veterans, locals and international athletes alike. The climb to an elevation of 1600 feet and the laid-back atmosphere of the Island turn the marathoners into a tight-knit community of athletes. "Year bars" hang from hats of dedicated runners, including a few that have run in all of its consecutive years since 1977.