VALON, CA - (February 9, 2008) - Ben Brown of La Mirada (CA) successfully defended his title on Saturday morning at the Buffalo Run on Catalina Island. Brown, 26, finished the half-marathon distance of 13.1 miles in 1:24:19 seconds - 17 minutes in front of the pack. This win sets up Brown to defend his American Trail Championship crown at the 31st Catalina Marathon on Saturday, March 15. Wadley Wad (Los Angeles) was runner-up, followed by Mike Whitcombe (Manhattan Beach).

On the women's side, Buffy Jones led the way with a time of 1:48:07. Hope Hall (Sherman Oaks, CA) placed second. American Trail Championship defending champion Amy Micheletti (Hermosa Beach, CA) clocked in at 1:59:04 to round out the top three.

Age proved to be nothing but a number in the 5K course. 10-year-old Chance Weston (Redondo Beach) was victorious in 19:56. 14-year-old Zachery Rice of Carlsbad, CA followed Weston in second, and Tim Young of Brea, CA took third.

For the 5K women, Jane Buskirk (Talkeetna, AK) garnered the top spot with a time of 23:19. Michel Perlin of Irvine and Catalina resident Alexis Romero followed her to finish in the top three.

Nature could not have provided a more perfect setting for the 450 athletes that headed out to Catalina this past weekend. 70-degree weather and clear skies made for beautiful scenic views as participants trekked up the interior of the island.

The finale of the American Trail Championship, the Catalina Marathon, takes place on Saturday, March 15. There are already approximately 750 participants registered to compete in the Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kid's Run courses. It is a hilly, challenging marathon, but worth every mile! Register at www.PacificSportsLLC.com to take part in the "#1 Off Road marathon in the world" (Runner's World Magazine).

Buffalo Run Half-Marathon Avalon, Catalina Island, CA, Saturday, February 9, 2008

MEN
1) Ben Brown (CA), 1:24:19
2) Wadley Wad (CA), 1:41:08
3) Mike Whitcombe (CA), 1:45:06

WOMEN
1) Buffy Jones (CA), 1:48:07
2) Hope Hall (CA), 1:57:12
3) Amy Micheletti (CA), 1:59:04

Complete results available at: www.pacificsportsllc.com/BuffaloRun/brresults.html