Sold-Out Hi-Tec Catalina Island Marathon Welcomes Record Number of Participants to Iconic Island

March 20, 2026

Participants experienced ideal racing conditions, scenic trails and local flavor at the historic trail race

AVALON, Calif. (March 20, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 48th annual Hi-Tec Catalina Island Marathon, the oldest trail marathon in the state of California, welcomed a sold-out crowd at its 2026 event on March 14. Over 1,400 participants took part in the event, with ideal weather providing them with great sightseeing opportunities and racing conditions as they journeyed through Catalina Island’s famous trails. Full results are available on the event’s website.

The marathon distance saw high demand leading up to race day, offering a unique trail-running experience with challenging yet rewarding climbs and scenery. Alex Heuchert, the men’s marathon champion and overall first-place finisher, completed the 26.2 miles in 3:12:45, followed by the men’s marathon second-place finisher, Matthew Meinema. Ben Collins took the third-place spot. The women’s marathon course was led by Katya Meyers, who finished with a time of 3:42:07. Second and third-place finishers for the women’s division were Lindsey Young and Renee Tng.

“Trail running is such a special sport within our endurance industry, and the community really shows up and supports one another, especially at our Run Catalina events,” said Mike Bone, President and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, producer of the Hi-Tec Catalina Island Marathon. “It’s no surprise to me that the sport is becoming more and more popular and that we are seeing sold-out fields across our events. Once you experience this amazing destination and its trails, you’re going to want to come back year-after-year.”

The men’s and women’s 10K division was led by Hunte Gallaher, who finished with a time of 44:42, and Carly Weaver in 43:25. Rounding out the podium for the 10K were the men’s second and third place finishers, Xander Corcoran and Dax Ross, as well as Andrea M Anez and Sheri Wilson for the women’s division.

Daniel Silva Rios, an Avalon resident, took home first place in the 5K men’s division with a time of 24:00, and Dara Laprease led the women’s division, finishing the 3.1-mile course in 29:23.

After crossing the finish line, runners celebrated their accomplishments at the finisher festival located in the historic city of Avalon and had the opportunity to explore the local island businesses. Race organizers have continued to schedule Run Catalina race events on Saturdays to allow for participants to enjoy a true ‘race-cation’ experience and spend extra time on the island after wrapping up their race.

The Catalina Island Marathon was recently nominated to USAToday’s 10Best Marathon list as a part of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards program. The 10 recognized marathons are selected by the publication’s editors, along with a panel of subject matter experts, and the final standing is decided by general public voting. Voting is currently open, and will close on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:59 am EDT. Those interested in voting can submit a new vote every day.

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

ABOUT THE HI-TEC CATALINA ISLAND MARATHON AND SPECTRUM SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Managed by Spectrum Sports Management, the Hi-Tec Catalina Island Marathon provides the opportunity to run one of Southern California’s most popular natural attractions, and participate in California’s oldest trail marathon. A recognized leader in endurance and sporting events in Southern California, Spectrum Sports Management & Timing Services creates a wide range of events and has over 50 years of collective industry experience. Spectrum Sports Management emphasizes delivering a premiere, professional and world-class service to their clients, their participants and the communities in which they work. To learn more, visit www.SpectrumSports.net.