The Buffalo Run is the ultimate in trail running using the East End trails of Catalina Island. This half marathon course takes you from sea level to a 1600 foot elevation then returns to sea level. You will experience spectacular views of San Clemente Island and Avalon. The race also features the popular flat and fast 5k course. Many parts of the half marathon course are in areas that are not accessible by the public without permits. The course is beautiful, with unbelievable vistas and pristine trails that few get to traverse.
2010 Buffalo Run results are posted HERE, and a video produced by eCatalina.com can be viewed HERE.
2011 Race Date
January 22, 2011
The NEW and IMPROVED American Trail Championship!
Click HERE for more information about this great series of trail runs!
Distances
Half Marathon: Very challenging, hilly course on the East End of Catalina Island. Approximate 8 mile climb on
dirtfire roads until the descent back into Avalon. The first two miles and the last two miles are on pavement (approximately). The picture to the right shows the east end of the Island, where the half marathon run takes place. Avalon is the cove to the right in the middle of the photo where you see a white dot in the water. It gives you some idea of the terrain of the race and the beauty of the views.
Buffalo Run 5K: The 5k course will be an out-and-back route down Avalon Canyon Rd via Sumner Ave. The turn around point is at the Wrigley Memorial. Please see our maps page for a detailed route.
Start Times
Half Marathon: 9:00 am
5K: 9:15 am
Start line is located on Sumner Street. We'll ask you to come to the start line at 8:45 for a mandatory racer meeting. Please pin your bib on your front stomach or chest and do not pin the bottom pull tag. Stay in order at the finish line and when you finish, we will ask you to stop at the end of the chute to pull your bib number tab. You must stay in order until we pull off your bib number tag.
Registration & Packet Pick-Up Information
FRIDAY:
In Avalon from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. at the Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa, the host hotel of the Buffalo Run. Please see information below about the hotel and instructions on how to make a reservation there.
SATURDAY:
Avalon: 7:00 - 8:30 am at the Wrigley Stage, which is located on the water at the start/finish line on Sumner Avenue. From the boat docks, just walk into the center of town and you will see the registration area.
If you can't make it to packet pick-up and you are having someone else pick up your packet, please download the waiver (posted shortly), sign it and have that person bring it with them. They will be able to get your packet and race number.
How do I get to the Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa?
888 Country Club Drive • Avalon, CA 90704 Phone: 310.510.0325
- Resort Shuttle: The Resort offers complimentary shuttle service from the Catalina Express boat dock, the
helicopter landing and the Downtown Plaza (Plaza pick-up located on the green bench next to Von's Express on Catalina Street). Approximate travel time = 3 minutes. - Walking: From the Green Pier walk south on Catalina Street (away from the water) 2 blocks to Tremont
Street. Turn right. At the intersection follow signs towards The Country Club (uphill). Follow road to the left, continue pass the Country Club and the hotel will be your right-hand side. Approximate travel time is 10 minutes. For additional information, contact the hotel at (310) 510-0325.
Age Groups and Special Divisions
Age Groups: Male & Female
- 14 & under
- 15-19
- 20-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60-64
- 65-69
- 70-74
- 75-79
- 80+
- Islander Division: (residents of Catalina): Male and Female
- Buffalo: Men 200-220 lbs.
- Super Buffalo: Men over 221 lbs
- Male Master Buffalo: Men 40+yrs and 200+ lbs
- Lady Buffalo:: Women over 140 Lbs.
- Lady Master Buffalo: Women 40+ yrs and 140+ lbs
PLEASE NOTE: You can race in one category only. Your age group OR in the Islander Division OR in the Buffalo Division. You are eligible for only one award.
Sanctioning
The Buffalo Run is USA Track & Field sanctioned.
Race Records
Male – Jason Kolb, 1:17:13 (2004)
Female – Anissa Seguin, 1:30:09
Race Goodies
All half marathon participants receive a long sleeve t-shirt, post race refreshments and an excellent goody bag. All 5k participants receive a short sleeve t-shirt, post race refreshments and a goody bag.
Awards
The award ceremony will be at Wrigley Stage. Special awards go to the overall male and female finishers in the half marathon and the 5k. Awards also go to the top three males and females in each age division in each event, the top three males and females in the Buffalo Divisions and the overall male and female in the Islander Divison.
Unofficial results will be posted at the front of Leo's Drugstore ½ hour after the first finisher crosses the line, then updated every 30 minutes. Awards ceremony will follow once the majority of entrants are in. No awards can be handed out prior to the awards ceremony. Awards are given 3 deep in all categories (except top islander male and female) and to the top male and top female overall.
Aid Stations
Not including the Start and Finish, there are 8 aid stations on the half marathon course and one aid station onthe 5k. The half marathon map indicates where the aid stations are (on both the 5k and half marathon). They are shown by the white triangles with circles around them.
Gatorade Endurance Formula is the Official Fluid Replacement and Hammer Gel is the Official Gel. The aid stations will have Arrowhead water, Gatorade fluid replacement drink, and Hammer Gel.
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Island Information
Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau: If you need information on anything about travel, hotel or the island in general, check out the 310.510.1520. They can tell you hotels that have vacancies at the time you call. You can also check vacancies online on their web site.
ECatalina.com: An excellent source for information about Catalina
Donations
Pacific Sports LLC has donated over $125,000 to Catalina Island Charities through our events on Catalina Island
since 1995. A percentage of all proceeds from the Buffalo Run will help support the protection and restoration of Santa Catalina Island Conservancy’s wildlands. By participating in this recreational event, you are aiding in the preservation of numerous rare and endangered species found on the Island and nowhere else in the world! All half marathon fees include a $7 donation to the Catalina Conservancy.
Training Resources
A Running Experience Club (A.R.E.C.) in Long Beach offers a training program for the Catalina Marathon and Buffalo Run Half marathon, choosing select trails throughout Southern California to simulate the terrain covered by these races. AREC has vast trail running experience, certified running coaches and delivers a program that combines physical preparedness with an individual strategic plan. Trial runs begin the first Saturday in November and all levels of runners are welcome. AREC has been a year-round non-profit running club since 1982.
Contact Trail Coordinator Bob Filacchione at rfilacchione@earthlink.net for more information or consult the AREC website at www.arec-lb.com.
