Whitcombe, Campbell Win Buffalo Run Half Marathon on Catalina Island
By Holly Laubacher
Posted Monday, 16 February, 2009
AVALON, Calif. - Rain, mud and plenty of puddles on
Saturday, February 7 could not stop hundreds of athletes from participating
in the
2009 Buffalo Run Half Marathon and 5K, the ultimate trail run on
the island of Santa Catalina off the coast of Southern California.
Sandwiched between two 1.5-mile stretches on the roads
of Avalon, the Buffalo Run took athletes on a nine-mile climb on the dirt
fire roads of the east end of Catalina Island; the trail run's elevation
reached nearly 1,600 feet at the top of the hill. Conditions were wet
and muddy on the trails, but runners enjoyed the challenge and said the
rain made the run all the more memorable.
Race director Jack Caress said of the event, "This
is a great race, a very challenging race. Athletes are tested on the hills
and trails, but are rewarded with gorgeous views of Catalina Island and
the Pacific Ocean. The view from the top of the course can't be beat."
Mike Whitcombe of Manhattan Beach, Calif. led the way
over the 13.1-mile course, finishing with a time of 1 hour, 27 minutes,
21 seconds. Ryan Chase of Lake Forest, Calif, was runner-up in 1:27:36.
Quan Campbell of San Diego, Calif. was the winner of the women's division,
crossing the finish line in 1:51:05 with Novato's Patty Alushin, 48, second,
just 6 seconds back.
In conjunction with the Buffalo Run Half Marathon was
a 5K event, an out-and-back 3.1 mile run through the center of Avalon.
The first finisher was Andres Gutierrez, a 15-year-old Avalon native,
in 18:59. Another teenager, Haile Brant of Cardiff, Calif., 13, won the
women's race in 27:12.
The laid-back Catalina Island atmosphere and tough
conditions made for a friendly, yet competitive race. And because the
athletes were able to beat the elements last weekend, the 2009 Buffalo
Run will be a race to remember.
For complete race results, go to: www.pacificsportsllc.com
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