Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, was greeted in Avalon by 1,139 excited runners. The 50-mile run from Avalon to Two Harbors and return saw 450 runners lined up for the 5 a.m., start ready go. An additional 689 runners were getting ready for the 6 a.m. start of the 50 Kilometer run to the Littler Harbor Overlook and back to Avalon through Middle Ranch. This Lions Club Avalon Benefit Run was the largest attended trail run in California for the preceding year. That is outstanding because this run is not advertised so the runners hear about it from other long-distance runners and friends.
One of the reasons this run is so popular is the wonderful vistas of Catalina and the friendliness of the people who live here. One thousand runners and their families, supporters amount to over two thousand people visiting Avalon for this run. Thank you islanders. The nine runner aid stations, on the course, are operated by Catalina Island groups including the Humane Society, Avalon Schools Athletic Teams, Catalina Saddle Club and the Avalon Lions Club. This year the Catalina Express put on extra boats to get runners and others home after the high wind conditions on Saturday. Thank You Catalina Express.
The 50-mile Men’s results are: 1st Michael Ruff 6;30;47; 2nd Robert Webber 6:46:53; 3rd Cody Leventhal 6:51:05. The 50-mile women’s results are: 1st Heley Hasty 7:33:21; 2nd Veronica Alaniz 8:33:33; 3rd Amanda Sena 8:36:32. The 50 Kilometer men’s results are: 1st Sam Condon 4:00:08; 2nd Matt Powers 4:00:12; 3rd Cody Powers 4:04:05. The 50 Kilometer women’s results: Laura Beresford 4:24:24; 2nd Margret Tbautner 4:37:45; 3rd Amenda Betancub 4:54:47. For more information about Catalina Island running events check out “Run Catalina” at runcatalina.com.
Once again, this year there were runners from all over the United States and from other countries who finished the 2024 Lions Benefit Run. The Lions Club calls this a run so that people can enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Catalina Island. There are age group plaques given to the first, second and third place finishers in several age groups to keep things interesting. These beautiful plaques are hand made by Robin Cassidy of Silver Canyon Tile, Avalon. Thank You Robin.
For the past 39 years this annual benefit run has helped the Avalon Lions Club Members provide money to Catalina Island Residents and those from Catalina Island with financial support and or a helping hand when needed. The Avalon Lions Club Provides scholarships to each Avalon School Graduate, food baskets at Christmas, commuter books for emergency mainland travel. Eye exams and glasses. Hearing aids, medical equipment and support by Lions Club Members. In 2023 the Avalon Lions Club donated $25,000 to the six Maui fire victim families from Avalon.
Any Avalon Resident who has a heart for community service the Avalon Lions Club needs you. Please ask any Avalon Lions for information or call Burney Ramming at 310-422-1406 or Dave Thompson at 310-702-7153 for meeting dates and times.
