The rugged trails and sweeping views of Catalina Island will continue to serve as a proving ground for endurance athletes, as the Run Catalina Island race series has announced an extended partnership with title sponsor Hi-Tec. The global footwear brand will remain the series’ primary sponsor through 2028, building on four successful years of collaboration aimed at enhancing the experience for race participants.
The renewed partnership also brings product innovation designed with Catalina Island’s demanding terrain in mind. To celebrate the sponsorship extension, Hi-Tec has launched three trail-running shoes inspired by the event’s iconic courses: the Avalon, the Catalina, and the Catalina II. Each shoe is engineered for running on dirt trails and technical surfaces like those featured in the Avalon 50, the Catalina Island Marathon, and the Catalina Island Half Marathon.
“The Run Catalina Island race series is truly something special, and we want to make sure that we carefully select our partnerships to ensure they benefit the overall experience of those who join us on Catalina Island,” said Mike Bone, President and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, which produces the event. “Hi-Tec has been an incredible sponsor through the years, and their continued partnership means so much to our events.”
Hi-Tec’s involvement has not only supported the race series but has inspired product development that reflects the spirit of the island’s rugged terrain and adventurous atmosphere. “Hi-Tec is proud to extend our partnership with Run Catalina Island, an event that perfectly reflects our brand’s spirit of adventure and community,” said Sara Nunez, Global Brand Director for Hi-Tec. “This collaboration has even inspired product innovation, with the Catalina and new Catalina II trail shoes developed for the spirit of this iconic race. As we enter our fifth year together, we remain committed to supporting the runners and the unforgettable experience this race delivers.”
Hi-Tec, which has been producing footwear, sportswear, and outdoor accessories since 1974, is known for using innovative design and technology to create products built for all terrains. With a legacy spanning five decades, the company’s mission continues to focus on inspiring people to get outside and experience the world from a new perspective.
The expanded partnership will also extend into the Run Catalina Island race challenge known as the Hi-Tec Triple Crown on Catalina Island. The challenge invites runners to complete all three Run Catalina Island events — the Avalon 50K or 50 Mile, Catalina Island Marathon, and Catalina Island Half Marathon — within a 12-month period. Runners can begin with any of the races, but once started, they must complete all three distances consecutively within a year. Finishers of the Hi-Tec Triple Crown on Catalina Island will receive exclusive rewards, including a finisher jacket, a pair of Hi-Tec shoes, and a one-of-a-kind belt buckle to commemorate the achievement.
Run Catalina Island has long been considered one of California’s premier trail racing destinations, offering scenic yet challenging courses that attract thousands of participants each year. The series is produced by Spectrum Sports Management & Timing Services, a Southern California-based company with over 50 years of combined industry experience producing endurance and sporting events across the region.
For more information about the race series, visit runcatalina.com or follow Run Catalina Island on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about Hi-Tec and its outdoor performance products, go to hi-tec.com.
