Catalina Island Marathon Welcomes Runners to Oldest Trail Marathon in California

March 13, 2025

Over 1,200 runners participated in the 48th annual event

AVALON, Calif. (March 13, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – On March 8, over 1,200 participants took part in the Catalina Island Marathon, 10K, 5K event. Race day featured four different events all taking place on the island, including California’s oldest trail 26.2-mile marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a Kids Run. Participants of the marathon experienced an on-foot scenic tour through Catalina Island’s famous trails, starting in Two Harbors and finishing in Avalon. The one-of-a-kind vistas and challenging climbs have been enjoyed by thousands of runners for close to five centuries. The 10K and 5K courses took participants on a journey through historic areas and scenic viewpoints on the island, starting and finishing their race in the City of Avalon.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day on the island for this year’s race,” said Mike Bone, President and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, which produces the Catalina Island Marathon. “The Catalina Island Marathon was created to help showcase the beauty of this island, and the high spirits of participants and volunteers mixed with the perfect Southern California weather really showed off all Catalina Island has to offer.”

Jon Vigil, the men’s marathon champion and overall first-place finisher, completed the 26.2 miles in 3:30:48, followed by the men’s marathon second-place finisher, Nick Rolph. Michael Borowski took the third-place spot for the men’s marathon. The women’s marathon course was led by Natalie Irwin, who finished with a time of 3:40:27, an impressive 13 minutes ahead of second place. Second and third-place finishers for the women’s marathon were Rachael Banton and Liz Chamiec-Case.

The men’s 10K division was led by Jonathan Rios, who finished with a time of 42:46, and Gianna Sbarbaro led the women’s division with a time of 42:55. First-place finishers of the men’s and women’s 5K were Helman Sosa with a time of 23:03, and Kasey De Young with a time of 26:44.

This year’s event benefited the Catalina Island Conservancy and Avalon Lions Club, which supports numerous local causes and non-profit organizations. Each year, the Avalon Lions guarantee a scholarship to all graduating students from Avalon High School who wish to continue their education.

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.

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.