Santa Rosa Marathon and Other Sonoma County Races

Sonoma County is a runner’s paradise with beautiful back-country roads and varied terrain. This is why many major running events are held here every year, like the ever-popular Santa Rosa Marathon. 

If you’re a runner, sign up for a race and an excellent experience in Sonoma Wine Country. You’ll return home with the best souvenir — a finisher’s medal, healthy bragging rights, and inspiring memories of scenic Sonoma County, California.

Below is the annual lineup. For dates and information on this year’s races, check out our calendar of events.

Annadel Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

April

Held in beautiful Trione-Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa, this event features a challenging half marathon on a hilly course with a more than 1,500-foot elevation. A 10K and an easy-going, out-and-back 5K are also offered. A complimentary post-race meal is served to all contestants. The event is slated for April.

Windsor Run & Wine

May

This Sonoma Wine Country race offers a beautiful half marathon course and 10K and 5K flat courses where walkers are welcome. All events start and finish under the oaks at Keiser Park in Windsor, a family-friendly spot full of small-town charm. The post-race beer and wine festival will feature many favorite local wineries and breweries.

Armstrong Redwoods Trail Run

May

Take a thrilling run along California’s most beautiful coastal trails among ancient redwood trees more than 300 feet high! Wind through the picturesque Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and the Austin Creek State Recreation Area, which include a few challenging creek crossings. Choose the 50K, 36K, 26K, or 10K. This event is capped at 200 runners and fills up fast for this beautiful route through the redwoods in Guerneville.

Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon

July

With Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country providing the breathtaking setting, it’s no wonder this race is named by Forbes as one of the top 7 most scenic half marathons in the U.S. Choose the Rosé 5K, a Half Marathon, or pick “The Pairing” and run both the 5K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday. The post-race wine festival in the town of Sonoma features a curated selection of local wine plus swag for all the finishers.

Kenwood Footrace

July

The oldest 10K footrace in California, the Kenwood Footrace also includes a U.S. Track and Field sanctioned/certified 3K race. Held in the Sonoma County village of Kenwood, both races start and finish at Kenwood Plaza Park. A post-race event in the park features live music, food, beer, and games. The race is always held on July 4, and the run is on a beautiful course in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country.

Salt Point Trail Run

July

Run the ancient trails of the Pomo people and take in the gorgeous scenery of Sonoma County’s rugged coastline, cliffs, coves, tide pools, and pygmy forests in the scenic town of Jenner. Sign up for the 9K, 15K, 26K, or 50K and finish in Salt Point State Park, where a barbecue atmosphere awaits. The event is capped at 200 runners to keep its intimate appeal.

Santa Rosa Marathon

August

Getting bigger and better each year, the anticipated Santa Rosa Marathon returns to celebrate spectacular running through scenic vineyards and pastoral country along mostly flat routes. The race offers a 5K and 10K on Saturday and a half marathon and marathon on Sunday. 

The full marathon is a U.S. Track and Field-sanctioned and certified course. Whichever you sign up for, you’ll be rewarded with a fun after-party in downtown Santa Rosa, where two complimentary beers (21+) await finishers. Details are subject to change, but the goodies are looking to include quality swag like commemorative medals for all runners, plus bottles of wine from DeLoach Vineyards.

Petaluma Clo Cow Half Marathon & 5K

September

The half marathon, 10K, and 5K races are beautiful courses through rural Sonoma County farm country and rolling hills dotted with cows. The inclines may be challenging, but they make the views even more rewarding. Everything starts and ends in historic, downtown Petaluma. There’s plenty of post-race food to refuel, including Clover Sonoma chocolate milk, and finishers receive a very cool cowbell medal.

Cloverdale Vineyard Races

October

As the sun rises on race day, you’ll head into the beautiful Alexander Valley from the tiny town of Cloverdale. With a mix of flat and gently rolling terrain, the course will take you among vineyards with views of the Russian River Valley and along pleasant paved country roads and groomed dirt or gravel trails. Get swag like shirts, finisher’s medals, logo wine glasses, hearty brunch, live music, and awards like vineyard-themed baskets.

Hallowine Run

October

Run through the scenic Alexander and Dry Creek valleys for an end-of-wine harvest and Halloween-themed event in Healdsburg. The fall-colored vineyards glow in the sunshine, and you’re bound to see some fun characters on the course. The Half Marathon is easy to medium difficulty, with gently rolling terrain on backcountry roads. There’s also a 10K, 5K, and a Kids & Dogs Costume Run! A wine and music festival follows the race, so stick around for the costume contest and awards.

IPA 10K

November

Dubbed The World’s Best Beer Run, Sebastopol‘s IPA 10K is more than just a race. This one-of-a-kind event held at The Barlow features the acclaimed IPA 10K, plus a 3K, and newly added half marathon. To top it off, participants and guests are invited to a rocking post-race Brewfest, that includes viewing of the Beer Mile Invitational and Brewery Relay Challenge. All races begin with a starter’s beer/cider toast, before sending runners on a scenic loop course north of The Barlow. The Brewfest features the region’s finest craft brewers pouring their finest beers, ciders, kombucha and wine, with lots of great food options, bands and exhibitors. During the Brewfest you’ll be able to watch the all the beer mile action while sampling the best of this iconic craft beer region. This is a bucket-list event with capacity limits, so register early to get best pricing and avoid a sellout.

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez