Called "the ultimate in trail running" by race organizers, the Buffalo
Run Half Marathon takes runners on a hilly, challenging up-and-down
trail route through the hills of Santa Catalina Island, which lies just
off the coast of California's Huntington Beach.
Made up of a mix of
some stretches of paved roads with rocky and hilly terrain on trails
through the eastern end of the island, the race is also part of the
American Trail Championship series of races, which also includes the
Catalina Marathon and the Rose Bowl Half Marathon.
From the starting line in the town of Avalon, which lies in a cove on
the island's eastern side facing the mainland, the race follows an
out-and-back loop course in a clockwise fashion, proceeding out along
Sumner Avenue toward Beacon Street, Canyon Terrace Road and Wrigley
Road. Runners follow the course all the way around and southward along
Avalon Canyon Road, and back into town for the finish. All told,
runners will experience a roughly 1,600-foot elevation change over the
course of the trail race, which starts at sea level and finishes at sea
level.
This
course is a very challenging, hilly course and includes about eight
miles along dirt fire roads to the descent back into Avalon, Calif. The
race's first two miles and last two miles are on pavement.
Race
Weather & Climate
Located just off the coast of Southern California, Santa Catalina
Island (commonly known as Catalina Island) enjoys mild and mostly dry
weather conditions virtually year-round, with plenty of sunshine and
few clouds. In January, average monthly temperatures range between
65°F and 49°F, while rainfall amounts average about
2.76 inches for the month.
Fees
$90 for the half marathon, if registered by October 31, 2010
$110 between November 1 - January 22, 2011
Registration
To reserve your spot in the winter 2011 running of Santa Catalina
Island's Buffalo Run Half Marathon,
register online at Active.com.
Website
www.pacificsportsllc.com
Course Map
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