There’s a race for every level of fitness in Sonoma County — from professional runners to former couch potatoes.
July 4: The Kenwood Footrace: With over 500+ runners last year, the Kenwood Footrace is one of the most popular running events in Sonoma County. It takes place in the very heart of Wine Country, and begins at noon in Kenwood Plaza Park. The first 100 runners finishing the 10K race will be rewarded with a stainless steel pint glass. Runners will also receive $5 off a pancake breakfast at the Kenwood Community Church and entry to the Kenwood Rotary Club event with live music, food and games. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
July 15 & 16: Salt Point Trail Run: Those looking for a coastal breeze to cool them as they run, should look into this Pacific-side marathon. The race begins at Salt Point State Park in Jenner and runs through the sandstone cliffs, tide pools and forests of the Sonoma County coastline. The event takes place over two days in order to accommodate more runners. Saturday will hold 50K, 26K, 15K and 9K runs, while Sunday will host a 15K and 9K. Turn this run into an active retreat by reserving a camp ground spot at Ocean Cove Campground only a few yards from the beach. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
July 16: Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon: This marathon is the flagship of the Wine Country Marathon series. You’ll start out at Napa’s Cuvaison Carneros Winery and eventually make your way into historic Sonoma Plaza. There is also a 5K version, beginning at Gundlach Bundschu Winery. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful vineyard vistas. In addition, the entire running course is paved, making it easier on your feet. (Photo by Erik Castro)
July 29: Ironman Santa Rosa: Relocating from Windsor to Santa Rosa, this race will include a 2.4 mile single-loop swim in Lake Sonoma, a 112 mile cycling course through wine country and a two-loop marathon along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail. Like the Half Ironman which took place in May, the Ironman adventure will end in the new Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess)
August 6: Water to Wine Half Marathon: This half marathon begins and ends at Kendall Jackson Wine Estate and is 90 percent paved with two sections going through vineyards. There is also a 10K course available with the same start time. After the race, participants are encouraged to visit the tasting bar and tour the vineyards. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
August 27: The Santa Rosa Marathon: The Santa Rosa 5k/10k takes place throughout downtown Santa Rosa. Runners will be awarded with free pancakes, a well-earned drink (either a beer or glass of wine), and watermelon. There will over 25 local vendors featuring breweries and food. Aid stations are strategical placed along the course to help all cross the finish line. The day before, there will be family-focused 5K and 10K walks/runs with Peanuts characters entering the race. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
September 17: The Clo-Cow Half Marathon: Pull out your favorite pair of cow-printed leggings and run down the historic downtown streets of Western Avenue in Petaluma and through the hills of farm country on Middle 2 Rock Road. In ode to the marathon’s mascot and sponsor Clover Sonoma, participants will receive a cowbell medal around their neck after finishing. There will be a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K starting five minutes apart.
After months of downpours and floods, it finally stopped raining in Sonoma County. With no more bad weather excuses, it’s time to soak up some sun and take those unused sneakers for a test run. Lack motivation? Sign up for a running event with your friends. In Sonoma County, there’s a race for every level of fitness — from professional runners to former couch potatoes. Click through the gallery above for more details about upcoming running events in Sonoma County.
