Details Released on 48th Annual Catalina Island Marathon

The 48th annual Catalina Island Marathon, 10K, 5K has revealed this year’s medals, designed by Robin Cassidy of Silverado Pottery, a local artist on Catalina Island. The design typically highlights famous parts of the course, or animals of Catalina Island. Every year, the Catalina Island Marathon unveils a new design for its finisher medal, and this year’s medal highlights the Catalina Island Marathon finish line positioned in front of the historic Wrigley Fountain. The bright colors, ocean view and palm tree on the medal face capture well-known features of Catalina Island. The race will take place on March 8, and is expected to attract over 1,400 participants, who will all go home with this year’s unique medal.
 

The 2025 Catalina Island Marathon medals will once again be made of sustainable materials, as the race continues its effort of building a memorable event that has a minimal impact on the environment. At their 2024 event, the Council of Responsible Sport attended the race to evaluate their sustainability efforts. Some of these efforts included partnering with sustainability-focused vendors and ensuring vendors don’t use packing peanuts or plastic, making the event a cupless race, using bungee cords over zip ties and having participants sign a “leave no trace behind” pledge. After their evaluation, the Council of Responsible Sport awarded the Silver Certificate to the Catalina Island Marathon, which is awarded to events and organizations that have achieved 60% or more of the total best practices promoted in the standards for responsible sport.
 

“We are so excited to be working with Robin again on this year’s medal design,” said Mike Bone, President and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, which produces the Catalina Island Marathon. “She has done an incredible job designing our finisher medals for over 10 different events, and we look forward to seeing what fun twist she incorporates each year that highlights the unique beauty of Catalina Island.”
 

This year’s event will offer four different races all taking place on the island, including California’s oldest trail marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a Kids Run. Participants of the marathon will journey through the scenic trails of Catalina Island, starting in Two Harbors and finishing in Avalon. The vistas and challenging climbs have been enjoyed by thousands of runners for close to five centuries. The 10K and 5K courses will start and finish in Avalon, and take participants on a journey through historic areas and scenic viewpoints on the island.
 

The Catalina Island Marathon is a part of Run Catalina Island’s Triple Crown Challenge. The challenge involves completing all three Run Catalina Island events within a 12-month period. This includes the Avalon 50K or 50 Mile, Catalina Island Marathon and Catalina Island Half Marathon. Runners may begin their Catalina Island Triple Crown journey with any one of these races, but all specified distances must be completed within a 12-month period, meaning they must finish all three races consecutively once they begin. Athletes who complete the challenge receive a Triple Crown finisher jacket, Hi-Tec shoes and a one-of-a-kind belt buckle.
 

This year’s event will also be benefiting the Catalina Island Conservancy and Avalon Lions Club, which supports numerous local causes and non-profit organizations. Each year, the Avalon Lions guarantee a scholarship to all graduating students from Avalon High School who wish to continue their education.
 

For more information on The Catalina Island Marathon, visit www.catalinaislandmarathon.com. Follow the event on Instagram and Facebook.