Catalina Connection

Heavy Storms Cause Re-routing for Avalon 50k/50 Mile Run

By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS

AVALON— The 42nd Annual Avalon Benefit 50k/50 Mile Run took place on Jan. 7, but it didn’t go as planned. Due to heavy storms, event organizers promptly adjusted the race and had to route a new course.

“Part of creating the best experience for our runners is being flexible and adaptable, understanding that Mother Nature sometimes has other plans,” said Mike Bone, President, and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, in a statement.

Bone continued, “I’m proud of how quickly our team was able to update our courses in the final days leading up to the event. It allowed our runners to enjoy the beauty of the island while making their safety a priority.”

The event’s 42nd annual trek was the first chance in 2023 for participants to begin earning the Catalina Island Triple Crown belt buckle. This prize is awarded to those who complete all three Hi-Tec Run Catalina events within 12 months.

Shelby Farrell and Paul Sinclair crossed the finish line as the victors in the 50-mile event. Caitlin Healey and Cory Mayfield won the 50K. The 50K race joined the party five years ago and instantly became a California classic in trail running traversing all the same trails the older run uses.

The Avalon Benefit 50 Mile / 50K Run raises funds on behalf of the Avalon Lions Club to support its charitable work and community assistance throughout Catalina Island. The Avalon Lions provide annual scholarships to all graduating high school seniors who want to continue their education, help families with medical expenses, and help build and restore parks and playgrounds around the island. The club also helps maintain the island’s natural environment through the support of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

The Hi-Tec Run Catalina series also includes the Catalina Island Marathon on March 11 and the Catalina Island Half Marathon on November 11. Participants looking to earn the Catalina Island Triple Crown belt buckle must register and complete all three events. For more information, please visit https://www. catalinaislandmarathon. com/.

OCTOBER HARBOR ACTIVITY:

AVERAGE TEMP – HIGH: 61 AVERAGE TEMP – LOW: 50 AVERAGE SEA TEMP: 57 RAIN (INCHES): 2.11 RAIN DAYS: 10 WEATHER WARNINGS: 8 PEOPLE ABOARD BOATS: 1136 VESSELS MOORED: 284 VESSELS ANCHORED: 92 MOORINGS SOLD/TRANSFERRED: 1/0 CITATIONS ISSUED/DISCHARGES: 0/0 TOTAL CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS/VISITS: 29,393/9

The Avalon Benefi t, 50 Mile/50K Run, is California’s oldest ultra-trail run. It was originally just the 50-mile run. The 50K joined the event in 2018 and instantly became a California classic in trail running traversing the same trails that the older run uses.

Your continued support makes the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights possible. Thank You to Our Sponsors!

TOP SPONSORS

Flagship Cruises and Events The Marine Group The Bali Hai Restaurant Tom Ham’s Lighthouse USS Midway Royal Caribbean International Silvergate Yacht Club Southwestern Yacht Club Sheraton Harbor Island San Diego Unified Port District Hornblower Cruises Dona Jenkins Maritime Docs Coronado Yacht Club Seaport Village San Diego Marine Exchange San Diego Yacht Club Shelter Cove Marina Kona Kai Resort & Spa The Sheraton Hotel & Marina P&E Marine Jeff Brown Yachts Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego San Pasqual Winery Safe Harbor Marinas H&M Landing San Diego Working Waterfront Marine Group Boat Works

You can find our complete list of sponsors and links to their websites at sdparadeoflights.org. Please support all of our sponsors who make this parade possible (and feel free to thank them when you patronize their business).

CALENDAR FEATURE

Make Way for King Tides

DANA POINT— Mark your calendars. From Jan. 21-22, King Tides will take over Dana Point. King Tides occur twice in the Earth’s rotation when the Earth is closest to the moon and closest to the sun and typically last for three to four days. This occurs around the winter and summer solstice. Winter king tides may be amplified by weather and ocean conditions making these events more dramatic. In the northern hemisphere, the term king tide is used to describe each of these winter high tide events.

The gravitational pull between the sun or moon and the Earth is what causes king tides, a non-scientific name often used to describe exceptionally high tides that can reach as high as seven feet tall.

When the tides are high, it makes for great surf, and the waves are a phenomenon worth watching. When the tides are low, it opens an exploration of tide pools where you can find creatures like urchins, sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, and octopuses.

Tides are long-period waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is “pulled” back and forth by the moon and the sun’s gravitational pull as these bodies interact with the Earth in their monthly and yearly orbits. Higher than normal tides typically occur during a new or full moon and when the moon is at its perigee or during specific seasons around the country.

The Ocean Institute in Dana Point offers educational walking tours where guests can learn, see, and experience the dramatic bi-annual waves.

By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Dana Point Harbor Partners and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive on Jan. 26 Shutterstock image from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Dana Point Harbor. Participants can join in the Red Cross’s mission by scheduling an appointKing tide is a popular term for an exceptionally high tide. King tides are simply the very ment at RedCrossBlood. highest tides. Conversely, the low tides that occur at this time are the lowest. org. Streamline your donation experience and save up to time by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Crossword

ACROSS

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Greek Wedding” 43. Riddle 46. City area of Baghdad 47. Jack of “Rio Lobo” 48. The 21st, e.g. (Abbr.) 49. Call 50. Ann Arbor educational institution 51. Triage sites, briefly 52. Like a PIN

DOWN

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