AVALON BENEFIT 50 MILE
29 YEAR SUMMARY from Kent Holder

January 16, 2010
179 starters, 158 finishers.

I was 1st of 6 in the 70+ age div. Beat half of the 60+ too! We had nice weather: 50-60 degrees, mostly sunny & a bit windy.  1st time in 6 years with no physical problems!

January 17, 2009
178 starters, 169 finishers.

Once again hot-dry Santa Ana wind conditions ruined the times for most of us. Now living in the Pacific North West I have major problems in 90 deg, 15% humidity conditions. I mostly walked to finish from Eagles Nest.

January 12, 2008
167 starters

Warm & dry (semi-Santa Ana’s) I fought off hamstring cramps all day but still got 3rd in 60-69.  I’m afraid my faster times are now history, but it’s still fun! At age 68 & with all my health problems I’m happy just to be able to finish.

January 13, 2007  
158 starters, 153 finishers.

My 25th! Somehow I’ve survived all these years. Cold & very windy with some snow!  Pebbly Beach was closed so we ran out to Cherry Cove, it was nice. We hope to keep this part of the course permanently.

January 14, 2006
138 starters,  134 finishers.

Great weather.  No training since November, got my slowest time in 24 years!

April 2, 2005
97 starters, 93 finishers.

80+ degree weather made finishing a real challenge. This race was re-scheduled for April after being cancelled by storms in Jan.

January 10, 2004
133 starters,  125 finishers.

Hot & dry. Was happy just to finish.

January 11, 2003
137 starters,  131 finishers.

Great weather, 49-55 degrees & overcast. Returned to original course changed after storm damages in ‘93’.   RD Paul McIlroy retired due to illness. Mike Bone & John Regalado are the new co-RDs.

January 12, 2002
159 starters,  154 finishers.

Warm & dry. Sheer determination got my 20 year, 1000 mile buckle.

January 13, 2001
162 starters,  150 finishers.

Event’s 20 year Anniversary.  Great weather, some mud.

January 8, 2000
110 starters,  107 finishers.

Perfect weather, 44-60, no wind, no mud. Last year dancing at Casino.

January 9, 1999
144 starters, 133 finishers.

Nice weather. Lots of 1^st-timers & rookie ultrarunners, enjoyed visiting with them & old friends.

January 10, 1998
145 starters,  133 finishers.

Light rain & muddy. 1st race without injuries since ‘92! Ann got computerized help at finish line for 1st time.

January 11, 1997
184 starters, 174 finishers.

Good conditions between storms.  Course measured & adjusted to accurate 50 miles including detour around Eagles’ Nest.  Saw dozens of buffalo. Got my 15 year jacket.

January 6, 1996
126 starters,   110 finishers.

Near perfect conditions.  Course change through Empire

Landing,  Black Jack,  Cape Cyn. due to washouts.  Great banquet/awards at Casino.

January 7, 1995
108 starters,  92 finishers.

Storm with wind, rain & mud.  3” fell on Fri. and 2” fell during the race.  Lots of creek crossings.  No buffalo!

January 8, 1994
109 started,   100 finished.

My 75th Ultramarathon.  Best weather in 13 years.  I was expecting a sub 8 hour PR until my hip socket went south on me in after Eagles’ Nest.  I walked to the finish.

January 9, 1993
82 starters, 80 finishers.

Rain for 2 weeks right up to the start then let up. We had nice conditions except for the considerable mud!  By Middle Ranch my legs were dead from all the extra effort. The banquet was at the Galleon & was lousy.

January 4, 1992
127 starters, 121 finishers.

Run at age 52, this remains my course PR to date in 2006.  Cool & damp, but no wind or rain.  Only the usual muddy sections prevented me from a sub-8 hour.

January 5, 1991
127 starters,  119 finishers.

Great weather but lots of mud after storm on Thur/Fri.   Recovering from bicycle accident. Lots of aspirin!

January 6, 1990
100 starters,  96 finishers.

Superb weather,  Ann  was honored for her work at aid stations and finish line coordinator. Only Millie, Bob Holtel,  Bob Moses,  Hal Winton & I remain from the original runners from 1982-83. .8 mile added to course at Pebbly Beach to ensure the course is a full 50 miles.

January 7, 1989      
? starters,  81 finishers.

Very cold & gusty 35MPH+ winds from North.  Ran much of the course with Bob Moses & Bob Holtel.

January 9, 1988
84 starters, 76 finishers.

Perfect conditions!  No Wacko Cafe due to washouts.  A wonderful awards banquet at the Casino.

January 17, 1987
66 starters,  58 finishers.

Clear & cold with strong winds, icy roads.  Bob O’Guin & Marty Thomas take over as RDs from Mike & Earlene Solly.

January 4, 1986
64 starters,  61 finishers.

Nearly perfect weather.  No one passed me the entire race!  I received an award for most sponsorship in race’s history.

January 5, 1985
78 starters,  60 finishers.

Very nice weather, great awards/buffet at Country Club.

January 7, 1984
40 starters,  39 finishers.

Cool & overcast.

January 8, 1983
26 starters,  24 finishers.

This was my 1st 50 mile ultra. Cool at start, hot in Middle Ranch, dense fog at finish.

January 1982

Inaugural running of Avalon Hospital Benefit 50 Mile Run.
I heard about it at the Catalina Marathon in March.