Overall Rating
Overall Rating (76 Reviews)
4.4
(76 Ratings)  (76 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.4
SCENERY
4.1
PRODUCTION
4.2
SWAG
4.4
Grab your partners in wine and get ready to run through the heart of California wine country at the annual Santa Rosa Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K this August! Race across scenic miles of dazzling vineyards and bottleful pastures on one of the four distance options—all with mostly flat … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Aug 24):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  81  81  75  87  83
L (°F)  61  53  54  56  57
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Recent reviews

    joeymegill FIRST-TIMER '23

    Mile 10 through the vineyard and barrel room. Not many hills overall fast start. Felt too good before mile 17 and overdid my pace slowing me dramatically on the last MORE

    Mile 10 through the vineyard and barrel room. Not many hills overall fast start. Felt too good before mile 17 and overdid my pace slowing me dramatically on the last 10k.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    jayojeda FIRST-TIMER '23

    I absolutely loved this marathon. The city was welcoming, the packet pick-up was smooth and the course was beautiful. Also to add- The course is asphalt, cement and loose gravel … MORE

    I absolutely loved this marathon. The city was welcoming, the packet pick-up was smooth and the course was beautiful. Also to add- The course is asphalt, cement and loose gravel as well. I had some issues with the uneven portions and wish I has moved to the top or bottom of the path to even it out for me. Other than that, it was a great run.

    The weather is pretty great but be advised the race starts at 53 degrees and ends in the mid to upper 80’s. So bring an undershirt you can donate along the way and you will be fine. Many of the runners were wearing tank tops.

    The post-race party is nice. Bring shade. There is not much provided buy the event or nature. Wish I had brought an umbrella.

    Parking may be the best and easiest I have ever seen at a race. I arrived 30 mins ahead of time and parked within 2 city blocks of the start line.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    finchy711 FIRST-TIMER '23

    I ran the half marathon and loved it! The weather was great, especially coming in from Georgia where it was still hot and humid all the time. The course is … MORE

    I ran the half marathon and loved it! The weather was great, especially coming in from Georgia where it was still hot and humid all the time. The course is pretty easy, some inclines but nothing much. It’s a really nice course. A little bit of downtown and then mostly on a nice trail that’s mostly paved. The start/finish area was great and enjoyed sitting in the grass with my beer after the race. Race swag was great – the hoodie is so comfy!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Jake Rowley
    jmrowley90 FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was my first marathon. Course was good, did not expect little bit of hilly areas past half way so that took a lot of my energy. The only thing … MORE

    This was my first marathon. Course was good, did not expect little bit of hilly areas past half way so that took a lot of my energy. The only thing I did think was weird is that they let the A group go and then they stopped the B group for 20 seconds and then let us go I don’t feel like that is necessary. Over all I think it is a really nice race and I will be doing it again!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    marybethvo FIRST-TIMER '23

    I loved this beautiful race through gorgeous vineyards and the picturesque Russian River Valley. Love this race and the friendly people of the Sonoma region. We had a blast! MORE

    I loved this beautiful race through gorgeous vineyards and the picturesque Russian River Valley. Love this race and the friendly people of the Sonoma region. We had a blast!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Hamsco FIRST-TIMER '23

    Very easy course, with plenty of water stops and friendly volunteers. Great staging area and after race area with music and a great atmosphere. MORE

    Very easy course, with plenty of water stops and friendly volunteers. Great staging area and after race area with music and a great atmosphere.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    sportinggirl8 FIRST-TIMER '23

    As a first time marathoner, I did not know what to expect. Fellow runners, spectators, and volunteers were so kind and encouraging. Lots of aid stations. VERY flat! The barrel … MORE

    As a first time marathoner, I did not know what to expect. Fellow runners, spectators, and volunteers were so kind and encouraging. Lots of aid stations. VERY flat! The barrel room was cool too.. even got some chardonnay! The post race party was great. Swag was even better. Appreciated not being shoved/yelled at in the finishing chute like I have been in the past.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    yanan103 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Majority of the course was flat and easy to run but there was about 15% of the course in rocky conditions. The scenery and swag were all great. Staff, runners … MORE

    Majority of the course was flat and easy to run but there was about 15% of the course in rocky conditions. The scenery and swag were all great. Staff, runners & their friends and families, and pacers were all super friendly and helpful. I felt so encouraged throughout the race.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    Ali6184 FIRST-TIMER '21

    The aid stations were awesome. There were volunteers that helped with filling my water up when necessary and motivating me to run faster. The most unique aspect of the race … MORE

    The aid stations were awesome. There were volunteers that helped with filling my water up when necessary and motivating me to run faster. The most unique aspect of the race was running through the Vineyards. The race could be improved with more snacks.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    VinVJO FIRST-TIMER '19

    You get the beer fest & pancake breakfast after you run. Santa Rosa has a nice downtown, and it's an easy race on pavement. You run by a river there, … MORE

    You get the beer fest & pancake breakfast after you run. Santa Rosa has a nice downtown, and it’s an easy race on pavement. You run by a river there, at least for 2019.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    My Report
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    cheryldoubledee FIRST-TIMER '19

    I was so very very pleased with this race! I had heard very good things about it and decided to make this my second marathon. I am not a fast … MORE

    I was so very very pleased with this race! I had heard very good things about it and decided to make this my second marathon. I am not a fast runner as you can tell by my race results. However, the aid stations were well supplied and there was plenty of support for those of us toward the back of the pack. The swag was great, the beer festival after it was a lot of fun. The only thing I didn’t particularly like was that at the end of the race, water was quite a distance away from a large truck. No bottles. Plus, by the time I finished, pancake breakfast was basically over and the post race snacks were nonexistent.. There were quite a few people after me, however, so I would suggest they have a larger supply next year. With regard to scenery, this race was beautiful! A large portion was down a running path that had a beautiful stream flowing parallel. The section through the vineyards was lovely. A few rolling hills, but nothing major by any means. Running through the DeLoach winery was really fun! And the little glass of Chardonnay at the aid station was delicious. Overall, I would say this was a great race! I had a fantastic time, and would definitely consider running it again.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    JunS FIRST-TIMER '19

    Because this was my first race, this review is not a comparison with any other races. I enjoyed the race a lot and would come back - probably longer distance. … MORE

    Because this was my first race, this review is not a comparison with any other races. I enjoyed the race a lot and would come back – probably longer distance. Once you leave Downtown Santa Rosa, the course is along the creek for 5K, 10K and Half. Only Full goes to Wine Country.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    sameerkhurana FIRST-TIMER '18

    Excellent support from the staff and very well marked course. There were plenty aid stations and loved the perfect running weather conditions with the mist! Can't expect more which helped … MORE

    Excellent support from the staff and very well marked course. There were plenty aid stations and loved the perfect running weather conditions with the mist! Can’t expect more which helped me PR!! YAY!! Great medal and a free bottle of wine!! Will repeat and come back each and every year!! Very Happy SRM Runner!! 🙂

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    For a half marathon the start time was perfect considering the weather was cloudy and let down some mist of water here and there. There were plenty of water stations. … MORE

    For a half marathon the start time was perfect considering the weather was cloudy and let down some mist of water here and there. There were plenty of water stations. The course was on a fantastic creek trail that featured a there and back with half going downhill and returning uphill. Great volunteers that cheered everyone on. The medal and swag were fantastic. No peanut medals were featured this year which is one of the downside of the race. The location for packet pick up at a sporting’s goods store was a great idea especially if you want to grab more running gear with a discount because you are in the race. All and all will be returning next year for another round.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    At about mile 10.3, gotta love running through the wine cellar with its ambient lighting made of wine barrels with holes in them. The taste of Chardonnay topped off the … MORE

    At about mile 10.3, gotta love running through the wine cellar with its ambient lighting made of wine barrels with holes in them. The taste of Chardonnay topped off the whole experience and kept me running relaxed to the finish.
    The finish line festival was awesome with great live rock music and awesome beer tasting.
    The swag is great with jacket and bottle of wine to each finisher.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    baker.allison REPEAT RUNNER '18

    great volunteers from Santa Rosa High School cross country team at aid stations, lots of police presence for course safety, good food at end, lightly rolling hills in one area MORE

    great volunteers from Santa Rosa High School cross country team at aid stations, lots of police presence for course safety, good food at end, lightly rolling hills in one area

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    RDavis FIRST-TIMER '18

    Great Race, fun to run, and lots of options to participate! The packet pick up was different, a little odd being inside a store but worked out fine. The race … MORE

    Great Race, fun to run, and lots of options to participate!
    The packet pick up was different, a little odd being inside a store but worked out fine. The race day set up was nice, clearly marked course, and great water stops. The course is mostly flat with a few small hills. Its quiet and mostly run through the country vineyards. The swag is decent, (the wine is nice!) And the medal was beautiful!

    Overall I would recommend for a small but well organized race!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
    My Media

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    simshc REPEAT RUNNER '18

    I’ve run this race before but this time it was MUCH better. Loved the expo and the location. Yay, there was parking! The swag was bomb. It was a great … MORE

    I’ve run this race before but this time it was MUCH better. Loved the expo and the location. Yay, there was parking! The swag was bomb. It was a great jacket. So nice to get something other than just another shirt. There was even a bottle of wine and a discount at the huge sporting good store where the expo was held. The pacers were pretty decent but too fast for the time they were planning. The course was perfect. There was just enough of incline and descents to keep it from being boring. The scenery was excellent. There were plenty of aid stations. The beer festival was great. Breakfast had way too long a line for me to bother with. And, we got lucky and had perfect marathon weather! One improvement I’d suggest it a BQ bell or something similar.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    Brita FIRST-TIMER '18

    Well marked, well supported, beautiful race! The course was very well marked with colored tape arrows on the ground as well as multiple volunteers at all intersections and forks in … MORE

    Well marked, well supported, beautiful race!
    The course was very well marked with colored tape arrows on the ground as well as multiple volunteers at all intersections and forks in the road.
    Although it is 3.5 hours from home, I would do it again.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    Profile photo of Tiffany Moore
    tiffany.moore FIRST-TIMER '18

    I had such a blast running the Santa Rosa half marathon for my very first half!!! The scenery is beautiful, mostly flat trails, plenty of water/aid stations. Would absolutely recommend … MORE

    I had such a blast running the Santa Rosa half marathon for my very first half!!! The scenery is beautiful, mostly flat trails, plenty of water/aid stations. Would absolutely recommend for anyone’s first half or full marathon. I plan to do this one every year now as I work up to more hills.

    I even ran the race with my mom, which was so cool. I highly recommend this race to everyone of all abilities!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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