Avalon, California (United States of America) - "Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run". The Avalon Benefit 50 Mile/50K Run, produced by Spectrum Sports Management, is returning for its annual event on Jan. 9, 2027. Since 1982, the event has provided the opportunity for runners to explore by foot one of Southern California’s most popular natural attractions. Participants will have the option of two distances: a 50K (31 miles) course or the 50-mile course, which stands as California's oldest ultra trail run. Both courses will start and finish in the city of Avalon. Along the courses, participants will experience scenic vistas, views of the Pacific Ocean, and the potential to see a bison or two, with experienced and high-quality volunteers and aid stations throughout. Following a sell-out 2026 event, registration for the 2027 trail race is expected to fill up fast, so early registration is highly encouraged. The event will also be raising funds on behalf of the Avalon Lions Club to benefit their charitable work and community assistance throughout the year for the residents of Catalina Island. The Avalon Lions provide annual scholarships to all graduating high school seniors who wish to continue their education, assist families with medical expenses, and help build and restore parks and playgrounds around Catalina Island. They also help maintain the natural environment of the island through support of the Catalina Island Conservancy. Race times: Saturday, January 9, 2027, 5 a.m. - 50 mile start time; 6 a.m. - 50K start time. Aid stations and drop bags: Aid stations: eight aid stations with water, Gatorade, defizzed cola, bananas, oranges, pretzels, and Gummi Bears among the assorted treats and nutrition that will be provided. Race nutrition will be provided by Gatorade. Drop bags: for 50 mile run only. Remember to bring clothing that will adapt to the weather and a flashlight for the early morning start and initial run. Be sure to label any articles you want back (drop bags at Little Harbor only). Drop bags will be back at the finish line at approximately 3 p.m. It is your responsibility to pick up all drop bag items at the finish line or in the morning at the group photo. The Lions Club and Spectrum Sports Management will do their best to return the equipment, but we are not responsible for your items. All 50M drop bags will go to Little Harbor only. At all the aid stations, there will be water, cola, bananas, Gatorade, salt, and some surprise food. Make sure you plan ahead for your aid station drop bags (extra change of socks, clothing, etc. for your added comfort during the run). https://go.evvnt.com/3517701-0?pid=4454

Key West, Florida (United States of America) - "Key West Half Marathon and Runfest". Key West, Florida | Saturday, January 16 to Sunday, January 17, 2027 | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 8K and Fun Runs. Rated as one of the top 15 scenic half marathons in North America by Runner's World and a top 10 half marathon by USA Today, the Key West Half Marathon and Runfest provides the opportunity for runners and walkers to take on a half marathon, 10K, 8K, 5K, Papa's Pilar Rum Stroll, the Key West Beach N Beer Mile, the Big Pecker Challenge, and the Lil Pecker Challenge. The half marathon, 10K, 8K, and 5K routes take participants along the scenic Key West waterfront with views of the ocean throughout. Participants of the Big Pecker Challenge will take part in the 5K, 10K, and half marathon, receiving medals for all three races in addition to a Big Pecker Challenge medal. Those who take part in the Lil Pecker Challenge will participate in the 5K, 8K, and 10K distances and will be awarded a medal for each distance run, as well as a one-of-a-kind Lil Pecker Hat. The Papa's Pilar Rum Stroll will take participants across six popular locations in Old Town Key West with a Papa's Pilar Rum drink to enjoy at each stop, while the Informal Beer Mile will feature an untimed fun run on the Southernmost Beach with four beers. After completing the mile run and tasting four beers, participants will be rewarded with awards for several categories and raffles. Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the festivities over the weekend. Packet pickup - Half Shell Raw Bar: Friday, Jan. 15, 2 - 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 16, 1 - 6 p.m. Race times: Saturday, Jan. 16, 7 a.m. - 5K start time, 8 a.m. - 10K start time. Sunday, Jan. 17, 7 a.m. - half marathon start time, 7:30 a.m. - 8K start time, 1 - 5 p.m. - Papa's Pilar Rum Stroll, 3 p.m. - Beach N Beer Mile start time. Participant perks: custom race T-shirts, custom medals, various prizes for costume contests and raffles. Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, top three master male and female finishers, and top three male and female finishers in each age group. https://go.evvnt.com/3582665-0?pid=6562