Catalina Island Visitor Information
Catalina's Athletic and Sporting Events
You are probably aware that Catalina Island is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. You may even have heard of its 9-hole golf course.
However, Catalina also hosts some very strenuous and challenging athletic events throughout the year for runners who are looking to compete not only against others, but against their own personal best. The hilly terrain presents a great challenge to even the most conditioned runners, on courses that run through some of the most spectacular scenery in Southern California.
The athletic year starts in February with the annual Buffalo Run. Although only 5 kilometers in length, this half-marathon run takes participants up and down some of the steepest grades on Catalina.
March is time for the Catalina Island Marathon. Like the original run from Marathon to Athens, the Catalina Island Marathon is over 26 miles in length, following dirt trails and unpaved roads rarely traveled between the island's two major population areas, starting in Two Harbors and ending up in Avalon.
Triathletes get their chance to compete in November at the Catalina Island Triathlon, sponsored by Pacific Sports. This grueling race starts with a half-mile swim across Avalon Bay, followed by a 16 kilometer bicycle race with three loops around Mount Ada, and ends with a 5000-meter dash out to the island's gold course.
For those preferring something less strenuous, the Catalina Golf Course operates all year. With nine holes, all of which offer two tees for those wishing to play a full eighteen-hole game, Catalina Golf Course may be the oldest golf course in the Western U.S. It is home to the annual Catalina Island Junior Golf Tournament; some notable past participants include Craig Stadler, Corey Pavin and Tiger Woods.
This is only a sampling of the many opportunities for athletic competition and fun on the Isle of Saint Catherine.


