FAQ's
Avalon 50 Mile / 50K Benefit Run
What are the start times for each event?
Official Start Times:
50 Mile Benefit Run Start is 5:00 am SHARP. There is also an early start at 4:00 am and everyone starting at 4:00 will receive an official finish time and be eligible for awards. Any participant who begins at another time will not receive an official time.
50K Run will begin at 6:00 am at the same start line
Is there an early start?
There is an early start at 4:00 am for the 50 Mile participants and everyone starting at 4:00 will receive an official finish time and be eligible for awards. Any participant who begins at another time will not receive an official time.
There is no early start option for 50K participants.
How is the course marked?
The course is marked with arrows to guide you, pink flagging tape and flour on the ground as well as cones used to block roads/trails you should not head down. Additionally, the first 10 miles will be lined with glow sticks to guide runners in the dark.
Are walkers allowed to participate and are there time limits?
Walkers are allowed to participate. There is a 12 hour cut off time based upon the last 50 miler starter at 5:00 am. The finish line will officially close at 5:00 pm. There are also cut off times at the later aid stations. It is the participant's responsibility to know the course, your pace and to meet the cut off times. These times will be strictly enforced by Conservancy Rangers. Any runner/walker that fails to maintain the minimum pace will be asked to get in the SAG wagon.
May I use an iPod or other device for music?
iPod or other music devices are allowed but we ask that you stay safe and aware by keeping volumes at a low level in case of emergency. Rule 144.3 of USA Track and Field enables race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races.
Where do I pick up my bib number and race packet?
Runner check in and bib pick up will be at the M hotel conference room. This will be open between 3:30 pm - 7 pm on Friday night.
What if I can’t pick-up my bib? Can someone else pick-up my bib for me?
Yes, someone can pick-up your bib and registration materials if you cannot make it to packet pick-up. The following MUST be provided in order to pick up for another runner:
1) A printed, signed Pick Up Authorization Form. Download the Authorization Form: BIB AUTHORIZATION FORM
2) Copy of the registrant’s Driver’s License (picture on Smartphone is acceptable)
3) Waiver, signed by the registrant. A PRINTED and signed copy is required. WAIVER
Drop Bags:
Drop bags will be available for 50 Mile Runners Only. You will run by your drop bag location twice so plan accordingly. We request that you bring your drop bag on Friday evening to the runner check in.
Gear Check:
There is NO gear check offered at this event.
Can I run in a different race than I registered for?
Yes! We realize that training can go much better than expected, or maybe not quite as well. There is no fee to drop down to a shorter race (50 Mile to 50K). NOTE: no money will be refunded for switching to a shorter event. If you wish to upgrade from the 50K to the 50 Mile you'll have to pay the difference between what you paid and the current 50 mile registration fee. There is a $5 switch fee for each change. You may switch on the Runsignup site using the ‘manage registration’ tab.
Are there refunds?
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: This is a live event. The Cancellation/Refund policy is non-negotiable. Our cancellation/refund policy is that your registration and any related fees are not refundable. Refunds will not be issued at any time after purchase for any reason. We understand that last minute emergencies and unforeseen events happen, but the Cancellation/Refund policy will be applied without exception. No refunds will be issued even if the event is cancelled or postponed due to an act of God or government mandates.
Are there deferrals?
We do allow deferrals in case of injury or emergency. Simply sign back in to your registration account and defer the event to a following year. There are no deferrals allowed within one month of the event.
Where can I order merchandise?
Official Run Catalina merchandise will be available for purchase on line at our web-site and at packet pickup on Friday in Avalon from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
What if I can’t finish the race?
We will help you out! Throughout the day, there will be various event vehicles driving the course to assist runners. If you cannot finish the event, please notify a Conservancy Ranger, a HAM Radio representative at the water stations or an event vehicle. Anyone who cannot finish or cannot keep the minimum pace will enjoy a free ride back to the post-race area.
Are there any age minimums?
Participants must be at least 18 years old to compete. Additionally, all those under the age of 18 must have a parental waiver signed.
Are baby joggers, strollers, roller blades, dogs or bicycles allowed in any event?
No, they are not. The courses are unfriendly to baby joggers/strollers/roller blades. Additionally, USATF does not allow dogs on the course. If you wish to cycle through any portion of the course, you will need to obtain a permit through the Catalina Island Conservancy.
May I exchange my event shirt for a different size at packet pickup?
Yes! If the shirt you receive doesn’t fit the way you like, you can exchange on the spot at packet pick up.
Is there an official race photographer?
The event is photographed by SCS Photoworks. Here is SCS Photoworks's website: https://scsphotoworks.zenfolio.com/
Will there be water and medical stations on the course?
Yes, each water station will contain water, GU Energy products, and various nutritional snacks such as bananas, oranges, M&Ms, and pretzels. All stations will contain a first aid kit. A list of water station locations can be found on the Course Map. For your comfort, please plan ahead and bring what you have trained with.
Will gels be offered on the course?
No, gels will not be offered on the course. In the past, gels have been left scattered around the course and the island. Over 85% of Catalina is a protected conservancy.
Will there be Aspirin on the course?
No, there will not be pain reliever medications on the course. For medical liability reasons, we are not allowed to offer them.
What does it mean that Run Catalina races are cupless?
This means that we do not provide any cups at our aid stations. In 2015, we decided to lessen the impact our races place on the scarce resources of the island. For all distances of a half marathon or greater, our participants are required to carry their own cup/bottle throughout the race. This allows us to not waste over 20,000 cups a year on Catalina.
We sell reusable and collapsible cups. These have been a big hit with our participants! Others opt to carry their own bottles they used during training. We recognize that carrying your own cup/bottle may be a small inconvenience, but we firmly believe that this step is worth taking for the long-term health of Catalina Island.
How do I get to the island and is this included in my entry fee?
The most common transportation to Catalina Island is via the Catalina Express which serves Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. Travelling with the Catalina Express is not included with your registration fee. Please visit our Travel tab to see the other options to travel to Catalina.
Are the streets in Avalon/Catalina closed to traffic?
No, it is not necessary to shut down the roads to the finish line. There are very few cars in Avalon and most vehicular traffic is from golf carts.
Will there be vehicles throughout the interior of the island?
There are very few cars on Catalina, and very few of these cars are allowed into the interior. There may be some traffic from the Catalina Island Conservancy Rangers, Eco Tours, and light traffic to and from the Airport and Two Harbors. Do not expect to see too many vehicles throughout the course.
Are dogs allowed on the course?
There are no dogs allowed on the course as it is a wildlife sanctuary and our aim is to keep this natural and thus not include domestic animals.
