The recent storms forced race organizers to alter the 50-mile course, but with quick changes, the 42nd Annual Avalon Benefit 50-miler and 50K went off with little trouble. Distance runners from around California, at minimum traveled to Catalina to take on the endurance run over the island terrain.
“Part of creating the best experience for our runners is being flexible and adaptable, understanding that Mother Nature sometimes has other plans. I’m proud of how quickly our team was able to update our courses in the final days leading up to the event,” said Mike Bone, President and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, which produces the series. “It allowed our runners to enjoy the beauty of the island while making their safety a priority. Thank you to each of you who joined us at the Avalon Benefit 50 Mile / 50K Run!”
The top three runners in each race were:
Paul Sinclair, Men’s 50-mile winner with a time of 6:44:59
Connor Jackson, 2nd place in the Men’s 50-mile with a time of 6:49:44
Robert Webber, 3rd place in the Men’s 50-mile with a time of 6:59:33
Shelby Farrell, Women’s 50-mile winner with a time of 7:32:54
Sofie Blicher, 2nd place in the Women’s 50-mile with a time of 7:35:31
Veronica Alaniz, 3rd place in the Women’s 50-mile with a time of 7:44:03
Cory Mayfield, Men’s 50K winner with a time of 3:46:44
Reyeoul Lakeshore, 2nd place in the Men’s 50K with a time of 4:03:23
Gary Gellin, 3rd place in the Men’s 50K with a time of 4:08:15
Caitlin Healey, Women’s 50K winner with a time of 4:37:06
Catherine Leclair, 2nd place in the Women’s 50K with a time of 4:46:38
Julie Johnson, 3rd place in the Women’s 50K with a time of 4:51:39
One of the finishers of the 50K run was Michael DeMers, of Sacramento, who ran the 50-mile race for the first time and finished in just over 10 hours. But it wasn’t DeMers’ first trip to the island. He grew up here. He is the grandson of Rosie Cadman and attended Avalon School through the ninth grade. DeMers said that returning to these events offer more than just a race because he gets to visit family and old friends.
“These are great runs and very meaningful for me,” DeMers said. “I did my first 50k on the Island last year and finished my first 50 miler this year.”
His uncle and aunt, Mike and Earlene Solly were part of the group that started the race 41 years ago. DeMers said that his aunt and uncle were both avid runners and put up fast times in these types of ultra run. He expects he will make this run a tradition for himself to follow in their footsteps.
“In most ways my inspiration and thoughts come from their pioneer spirits into the 50-mile journey,” DeMers said.
The men’s 50K winner, Cory Mayfield is transitioning from a water to a land competitor. Mayfield is from Palos Verdes and was a swimmer at Palos Verdes High and at Brown University. He was also a top 10 finisher in the 5K USA Swimming Open Water Nationals in 2012 and also finished in 18th place in the 10K.
For complete results, visit avalon50.com.
