Catalina's Inaugural Eco Marathon

For Active.com

The Catalina Eco Marathon is one of the most beautiful marathons in the world. Where else can you run in a wildlife sanctuary with ocean on both sides and see buffalo along the way?

So come over to Catalina on November 15, take on the challenge and compete in the Catalina Eco Marathon.

The race starts at 7:30 a.m. in the town of Avalon. This time will accommodate an early morning boat and gives runners enough time to get to the starting line.

If the marathon doesn't fit into your training schedule this year, sign up for the 10K. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of a great weekend on Catalina Island without the stress of a longer race.

Catalina Island

Situated 22 miles off of the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is one of the most pristine and unique islands you will ever compete on. The town of Avalon, the portal to the rest of the island, reflects Catalina's charm.

We invite you to come over for the weekend, stay in a house or hotel, walk around town and sample some of the best seafood--often caught right off the shores of Catalina--you will ever have. There is plenty to do on the island from shopping and tours to just relaxing on the beach with your family and friends.

Catalina Eco Marathon

The Catalina Eco Marathon showcases 23 miles of trails. It is one of the first events designed and marketed in cooperation and partnership with the Catalina Island Conservancy. We will be using trails, roads, vistas and valleys that have rarely been used in a sporting event and many of which aren't normally open to the public.

On the trail, you will experience first-hand the rebirth of the Bald Eagle on Catalina Island and run right under one of the artificial nests that were built to help reintroduce this bird to the island. If you look closely, you will see the adult birds resting and hunting in the trees nearby.

Race proceeds help support the Catalina Conservancy and a portion will go towards the creation of the Trans-Catalina Trail. Participants of the event will be some of the first to experience the new trail as the marathon route covers several miles of it.

Mike Bone, race director and president of Spectrum Sports Management says, "I have created and directed races and events over every part of the island, and this course touches on all of my favorite valleys and views."