Trail runners kick off 2025 at sold-out Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K presented by Hi-Tec

January 14, 2025

Michael Ruf and Paige Clarke take top spots at California’s original ultra trail race benefitting local Avalon Lions Club

AVALON, Calif. (January 14, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – With the arrival of the new year, a new edition of the Hi-Tec Run Catalina Island series has begun. The Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K presented by Hi-Tec kicked off the 2025 series on Jan. 11 and was host to a sold-out field of runners in both distances. The annual event gives back to the local community, benefitting the Avalon Lions Club. Amid the wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County, organizers allowed runners the flexibility to defer to 2026 and committed to donating a percentage of the proceeds from this year’s race, including deferrals, to the American Red Cross to support victims of the fires.

Michael Ruf was the champion of the men’s 50-mile race with a time of 6:28:53, and Paige Clarke won the women’s division with a time of 8:18:25. In the 50K, Siqi Wu took first place in the men’s race with a time of 3:58:30 and Lydia Van Hoff championed the women’s division with a time of 4:41:26. All results are now online.

Nicholas Spector took second place in the men’s 50-mile race with a time of 6:42:04, followed closely by Emilio Sanchez in third place with a time of 6:43:06. In the women’s division of the 50-miler, Sarah McMahon took second place with a time of 8:29:19 and Ella Warkentine took third place with a time of 8:34:30.

In the 50K, Matt Powers took second place in the men’s race with a time of 4:03:48, followed by Tj Oros in third place with a time of 4:23:54. Geny Ramirez took second place in the women’s division of the 50K with a time of 5:27:23 and Gabriella Escobar took third place with a time of 5:28:05.

“If getting back outdoors and enjoying natural wonders is on your resolution list, Run Catalina Island events are the perfect experience to choose this new year,” said Mike Bone, president and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, which produces the series. “Our series starts here at the Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run, but continues all year long with inclusive, welcoming races spanning a variety of distances. Thank you to our amazing community of runners for helping us start the year off with a sold-out event!”

Since 1982 the event has provided the opportunity for runners to explore one of Southern California’s most popular natural attractions on foot. Participants took on one of two distances, a 50K (31 miles) course, or the 50-mile course, which stands as California’s oldest ultra trail run in the state of California. Both courses started and finished in the city of Avalon. Along the courses, participants experienced scenic vistas, views of the Pacific Ocean, and the potential to see a bison or two with experienced and high-quality volunteers and aid stations throughout. The aid stations are a highlight to the runners with their unique themes and surprises along the way.

The event raised funds on behalf of the Avalon Lions Club to benefit their charitable work and community assistance throughout Catalina Island. The Avalon Lions provide annual scholarships to all graduating high school seniors who wish to continue their education, assist families with medical expenses and help build and restore parks and playgrounds around Catalina Island. They also help maintain the natural environment of the island through support of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

The Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run 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 50 Mile/50K Run, 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 discounted registration for all three events, individual event swag for each race, an official Triple Crown finisher jacket, Hi-Tec shoes and a one-of-a-kind belt buckle.

The race will return in January 2026. The next race in the Run Catalina Island series is the Catalina Island Marathon, 10K, 5K on March 8, 2025. For more information on the Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run and the Run Catalina Island Triple Crown Challenge, visit www.RunCatalina.com, and follow the series on Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT THE AVALON BENEFIT 50 MILE/50K RUN PRESENTED BY HI-TEC AND SPECTRUM SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Managed by Spectrum Sports Management, the Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run presented by Hi-Tec provides the opportunity to run one of Southern California’s most popular natural attractions. 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.

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