Annual 50-Mile Run a success

The annual Avalon 50-Mile Run was held last weekend under cloudy and sometimes rainy skies.

The winner in the men’s column and overall winner of the race was once again Fabrice Hardel, who has chalked up several consecutive wins over the past few races.  Hardel’s time was 6:31:15.

Hardel was followed up a few minutes later by Fernando Blanco, who turned in a time of 6:39:30.

Slots 3, 4 and 5 in the men’s column were filled by Paul Sinclair, Ruperto Romero and Robert Vorhees.

The annual Avalon 50-Mile Run was held last weekend under cloudy and sometimes rainy skies.

The winner in the men’s column and overall winner of the race was once again Fabrice Hardel, who has chalked up several consecutive wins over the past few races.  Hardel’s time was 6:31:15.

Hardel was followed up a few minutes later by Fernando Blanco, who turned in a time of 6:39:30.

Slots 3, 4 and 5 in the men’s column were filled by Paul Sinclair, Ruperto Romero and Robert Vorhees.

In women’s competition, Stacey Stern crossed the finish line first with a time of 8:12:10.  She was followed by Christy Baker with a time of 8:35:20.

Third, fourth and fifth places in the women’s competition were claimed by Melissa Kurek, Sierra Brown and Molly Kassouf.

The race began well before sunrise at 5 a.m. at the corner of Catalina Avenue and Crescent Streets.  From there, the course wound its way along Airport Road to the Isthmus and as far as Fourth of July Cove on the West End.

But that was only half the trip.  On the return trip, runners diverted through a muddy Middle Ranch and then back up to Airport Road.

The annual event is organized by Claremont-based Spectrum Sports with logistical assistance from a number of private and governmental organizations, including the Avalon Lion’s Club, the Catalina Island Conservancy, Americorps, as well as local fire and law enforcement agencies.

The event is a fundraiser for such organizations as the Lion’s Club, Avalon High School Scholarships, Avalon Hospital, the Bill Putnam Health Fund and others.