32nd Annual Catalina Island Triathlon Attracts Hundreds to Catalina Island

2016-11-17
Catalina Island Triathlon & Duathlon

On Saturday, November 5th the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau partnered with Renegade Race Series to produce the 32nd annual Catalina Island Triathlon, Duathlon, & 5k Run/Walk.  The event hosted over 550 athletes from 18 different states and three countries in ages ranging from 9 to 88 years old. Packet pickup took place on Friday in the beautiful Island Spa Catalina and offered breathtaking views of the Catalina Riviera sunset.

“To be host of this amazing annual event on Catalina Island is a pleasure and to have athletes from all over the country and of such high caliber participate right along with locals is thrilling.”  Said Jim Luttjohann, President & CEO of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. 

Highlights of the event included 1982 Ironman Champion Kathleen McCartney competing in the race and a new triathlon course record being set by Frederic Tete of San Diego, CA with a time of 1:04:22.  Michelle Genovese won the women’s division of the triathlon for the 2nd year in a row, while Mark Vishnevsky and Lara Ray were the overall male and female duathletes respectively.  Despite the formidable hills, Avalon resident Tommy Oddone won the 5k with a time of 18:32 and female 5k winner Abigail-Monique Frondoza finished second overall with a time of 24:31.

 "We love working on Catalina Island. The beautiful seascape and the charming town make for the perfect venue for a destination triathlon and run. We heard time and again how participants love being on the island, enjoying a great weekend of racing and relaxing with their friends and family. We can’t thank the people of Catalina enough for supporting this time-honored event,” Race Director Jonathan Pauley reported.