Catalina Marathon

Registration is open through RunSignup and is available year-round, including walk-up registration on race morning. Spots are limited, so registering early is advisable, and pricing increases in August 2026.

No. The course is not USATF certified and does not qualify for Boston entry. It is a trail and fire-road course with significant climbing, not designed with PR or qualifier performance in mind.

The course gains over 4,300 feet across the point-to-point route with no meaningful net downhill to offset it. The terrain peaks above 1,600 feet on the island's interior ridge. Expect multiple climbs across unpaved fire roads and trail.

Most runners fly into LAX or travel to San Pedro and take the Catalina Express ferry to Avalon, about an hour from Long Beach. Overnight lodging in Avalon is required, then a second ferry takes you to Two Harbors for the start. Plan logistics early as the island has no rental cars and limited accommodations.

The time limit is 8 hours, which is generous and reflects the difficulty of the course. Most runners finishing on the tougher end of the field will be well within the cutoff.

Temperatures in mid-March are typically mild, with cool conditions at the start warming into the mid-60s. The exposed ridge section can be windy, so light layers are a good idea. Conditions can shift on the island, so check the forecast the morning of the race.

The course runs primarily on unpaved fire roads and dirt trail across the island's interior. Road running shoes and pacing strategies do not translate well here. Trail running experience is a real advantage.