2003 Race Results
 

22nd Annual Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run Raises Over $13,000
 
One hundred thirty-seven runners started and 131 finished. Year after year these runners return for this magnificent event - one of the country's most challenging and scenic 50 milers. This event wouldn't be the same without a few diehard 50-mile runners: Kent Holder and Hal Winton, who have ran in this event 21 times for a combined total of 2100 miles. The only reason they missed the first year was that they didn't know about the race. A few other familiar faces were: Gene Joseph, Tucson, AZ; Brad Norris, Bakersville, CA; and Don Hoogerhyde, Hawthorne, CA who all have survived 17 years of running the Avalon 50 run.

So who gets to wear the number one race number? Well, traditionally Kent and Hal have taken turns every year. But this year somehow it fellthrough the cracks when the race organizers were putting together the runner's packets. When Hal Winton picked up his race packet, he was surprised with race number one again for the second year in the row. He gladly took the number after all he is the oldest of the two. It's all just fun n' games between the two runners. And this race wouldn't be the
same without them.

The runners woke up early Saturday morning to run the 22nd Annual Avalon Benefit 50-Mile Run. With overcast skies the weather was perfect for running. The course was a 50-mile out and back on scenic fireroads between Avalon and the Isthmus. The race started in Avalon and the runners ran out to the Edison Plant and back to Avalon for a quick warmup before heading up in elevation. They continued up Canyon Road to the Botanical Garden trail where they ran to the top and across the Divide Road to Airport Road.

The runners continued to the Airport-In-The-Sky. From the airport, the runners ran down Escondio road to the Little Harbor overlook. It was basically an out an back course through Little Harbor and to Two Harbors. But the runners wouldn't escape through the Little Harbor Aid Station without meeting the "Wacko Cafe" crew. Manning the cafe were Ralph and Pat Morrow, Susanna Gonzales, Tom and Maryann O'Hara, Don Feinstein and Joanne Austin. They made awesome peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the runners only to find out that one runner didn't like peanut butter. Well, there will have to be a special imported French jelly sandwich made for Bob Moses next year just to make up for the lack of peanut butter on his sandwich. The runners also enjoy the fun and games at the "Wacko Cafe" with the "best butt" and the "driving range" for the diehard golfers.

After returning through Little Harbor the runners ran the newly completed Middle Ranch Canyon Road back to Pump House Hill. Once the runners are back on the Airport Road, they finishedthe 50-mile run with a 3-mile downhill into town via the Stage Coach
Road.

Avalon's Jim Hinkley had an awesome run placing 23 overall with a timeof 8:34:38. Avalon's Kathy Valdez had an impressive run placing 63overall with a time of 10:01:04. She also took first place in here agegroup as well. Congratulations! The rest of the winners, in age groups, were:

18 - 29 Male: 1st, Jesse Peterson, 7:09:09; 2nd, A'a 'Pu 'u Kiddoo,7:11:10; 3rd, Peter Geren, 11:34:56.
18 - 29 Female: 1st, Tonsa Chagaris, 10:00:39 and Alli Lacroix, 10:00:39.

30 - 39 Male: 1st, and Overall Winner, Jorge Pacheco, 6:07:53; 2nd, Peter Park, 6:09:48; 3rd, Mike Swan, 6:16:26.
30 - 39 Female: 1st, and Overall Female Winner, Tracy Bahr, 8:01:32; 2nd, Maria Lemus, 9:33:54; 3rd, Camela Layson, 10:14:28.

40 - 49 Male: 1st, Al Valverde, 6:54:32; 2nd, Rob McNar, 7:34:11; 3rd, Devin Corcoran, 7:34:24.
40 - 49 Female: 1st, Tammy Stone, 8:21:21; 2nd, Diana Rush, 8:38:23; 3rd, Julie Arter, 8:45:46.

50 - 59 Male: 1st, Adalberto Mendoza, 7:19:24; 2nd, Daniel Kelly, 8:12:06; 3rd, Bob Ullon, 8:14:14.
50 - 59 Female: 1st, Kathy Valdez, 10:01:04; 2nd, Mary Handel, 10:05:32; 3rd Nancy Shura, 10:11:40.

60 - 69 Male: 1st, Kent Holder, 9:00:17; 2nd, Richard Vanderstukon, 9:13:11; 3rd, Fred Pollard, 10:32:47.
60 - 69 Female: 1st, Hwa Ja Andrade, 10:32:46; 2nd, Ilsebill Wolfe, 11:17:50.

70 - 79 Male: 1st, Hal Winton, 11:16:34: 2nd, Bill Price, 11:51:36.
70 - 79 Female: 1st, Yukie Mochida, 11:52:59.

15 year awards: Bill Harns and Bob Silverman. Ten year awards went to: Joe Magruder, John Stewart and Ilsebill Wolfe. Five year award went to: Hwa Ja Andrade, Vito Bialla, Kathryn Buchan, Jennifer Henderson, Joe Nowakowski, Jorge Pacheco, Nancy Shura, Bob Ulloa and Duane Arter.
After the run, the runners gathered together at the Riviera Room for the awards banquet and dinner. At the banquet the race director, John Regalado, and co-race director, Paul McIlroy passed out the overall trophies and age group awards. Pat Morrow awarded the "Wacko Cafe" awards. The Susie Feinstein Spirit Award in honor of Susie, who passed on too soon and gave so much of herself and to the sport, went to Pat Moses.

The race director and volunteers strive to provide each of the runners with an extraordinary running experience and a good old fun time. Without the runner's $13,000 in sponsor pledges this benefit run would not have been a huge success. This race benefits various Avalon local charities: the Avalon Municipal Hospital, Avalon School Scholarships, The Catalina Conservancy, The Little Red Schoolhouse at the Isthmus, the Bill Putnam Heath Care Fun, and other local Catalina Island charities.

Story by Jenny Mountz, Avalon Bay News