Photo courtesy of Spectrum Sports
Catalina Island has become a magnet for athletes. Throughout the year, tests of speed, endurance and will take place on the island’s roads, waters and trails. Catalina Island races are famous for their natural beauty and the challenges they present for even the most accomplished athletes.
Several athletic challenges take place in November, starting with the Catalina Island Triathlon on Nov. 1. This world-class event begins with a half-mile swim in the waters of Avalon Harbor. Competitors will then head straight for their bicycles and race 15 miles out to Pebbly Beach and over Mt. Ada. Once the bike portion is complete, triathletes will take on the final portion, a 3.1-mile run out to the Casino Building and through the hills of Avalon. Hundreds of athletes from around the country take part in the Catalina Triathlon.
The following weekend, on Nov. 8, the Catalina Eco-marathon and Half Marathon will bring hundreds of long-distance runners eager to take on the challenge of Catalina Island’s hills and roads. Starting and finishing in Avalon, this marathon pushes its competitors to the limits, with grueling elevation changes and dramatic hills.