The Cloverdale Kiwanis Vineyard Races is a true, small-town, runner-focused foot race. You can run a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon. It's not a wine-tasting event with a race attached to … MORE
The Cloverdale Kiwanis Vineyard Races is a true, small-town, runner-focused foot race. You can run a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon. It’s not a wine-tasting event with a race attached to it, as some races in this area tend to be, or a race event that relies on gimmicks — like Disney characters, Halloween-themed costumes, or Tiffany charm necklaces — to reel in runners.
What you get is way more than enough: a beautiful, challenging run through the vineyards, free race photos(!!), and a full breakfast — eggs, pancakes, sausage — from the Kiwanis Club of Cloverdale afterwards! You can also get a freshly poured glass of tasty beer from Bear Republic (based in Cloverdale) which you can sip as you’re being serenaded by a Dixieland jazz quartet. A bunch of round tables were set up at the race end so you don’t have to balance your breakfast on your knees. Thumbs up!
My husband and I ran the 10K and the route had lots of rolling hills. Some parts of the course had loose gravel so you had to be careful running downhill as it was very easy to take a spill (rhyme intended :). The race is well-supported with volunteers handing out water and everyone was clapping and smiling.
The long-sleeved race shirt is very smart — black with the green Cloverdale Vineyard Races on the front and the back of the shirt is blank — which I like. It’s not cluttered with the names of a gazillion sponsors. And the photos were excellent — kudos to the photographer(s), who took pains to capture the best photos of every runner. Very much appreciated. I have nothing negative to say about this race — it’s now my standard bearer for other local races.
I do have just one suggestion: Even though my husband and I were near the start of the race line, we couldn’t hear what the race director was saying through her bullhorn. It would be helpful if she could have spoken into a microphone so more people could have heard her.
I only wish Greg Carter, who started this race, was still here. He started this race to get more kids reading — the race is a fundraiser for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Unfortunately, he died much too soon in 2021. But his wife, Julie, is now the race director, so many, many kudos to her and every single person involved in this race.
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Beautiful & well-supported + breakfast!
The Cloverdale Kiwanis Vineyard Races is a true, small-town, runner-focused foot race. You can run a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon. It's not a wine-tasting event with a race attached to … MORE
The Cloverdale Kiwanis Vineyard Races is a true, small-town, runner-focused foot race. You can run a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon. It’s not a wine-tasting event with a race attached to it, as some races in this area tend to be, or a race event that relies on gimmicks — like Disney characters, Halloween-themed costumes, or Tiffany charm necklaces — to reel in runners.
What you get is way more than enough: a beautiful, challenging run through the vineyards, free race photos(!!), and a full breakfast — eggs, pancakes, sausage — from the Kiwanis Club of Cloverdale afterwards! You can also get a freshly poured glass of tasty beer from Bear Republic (based in Cloverdale) which you can sip as you’re being serenaded by a Dixieland jazz quartet. A bunch of round tables were set up at the race end so you don’t have to balance your breakfast on your knees. Thumbs up!
My husband and I ran the 10K and the route had lots of rolling hills. Some parts of the course had loose gravel so you had to be careful running downhill as it was very easy to take a spill (rhyme intended :). The race is well-supported with volunteers handing out water and everyone was clapping and smiling.
The long-sleeved race shirt is very smart — black with the green Cloverdale Vineyard Races on the front and the back of the shirt is blank — which I like. It’s not cluttered with the names of a gazillion sponsors. And the photos were excellent — kudos to the photographer(s), who took pains to capture the best photos of every runner. Very much appreciated. I have nothing negative to say about this race — it’s now my standard bearer for other local races.
I do have just one suggestion: Even though my husband and I were near the start of the race line, we couldn’t hear what the race director was saying through her bullhorn. It would be helpful if she could have spoken into a microphone so more people could have heard her.
I only wish Greg Carter, who started this race, was still here. He started this race to get more kids reading — the race is a fundraiser for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Unfortunately, he died much too soon in 2021. But his wife, Julie, is now the race director, so many, many kudos to her and every single person involved in this race.
5K was actually 5.6 miles!
The published course map showed 3.6 miles, and so did my Apple watch - ½ miles farther! My official finishing time was for 3.1 miles, but my real time was MORE
The published course map showed 3.6 miles, and so did my Apple watch – ½ miles farther! My official finishing time was for 3.1 miles, but my real time was an additional 6 minutes.
Beautiful views Challenging race
This was my second time running this race and I’ll keep coming back for the beautiful scenery! It’s a bummer that the course was short this year. I’m thinking we … MORE
This was my second time running this race and I’ll keep coming back for the beautiful scenery! It’s a bummer that the course was short this year. I’m thinking we were suppose to run a little further out on the road? The finish area with the music and booths and food is set up so wonderfully! Such a fun environment whether you’re racing or supporting.
Beautiful day
Nice course but some rocks and small hills. Perfect weather and beautiful scenery! The food at the end was really good. I really appreciate the vegan sausage. MORE
Nice course but some rocks and small hills. Perfect weather and beautiful scenery! The food at the end was really good. I really appreciate the vegan sausage.
A Fun Race by Vineyards
The aid stations were awesome. The volunteers let me fill my bottle of water, and kept me hydrated. The most unique aspect of the race was the course through the … MORE
The aid stations were awesome. The volunteers let me fill my bottle of water, and kept me hydrated. The most unique aspect of the race was the course through the vineyards. The race could be improved with more runners.
Great Race!
This race has a wonderful and friendly atmosphere! All the details were well planned and executed. Course was beautiful and very well marked for each distance. Pancake breakfast was hot … MORE
This race has a wonderful and friendly atmosphere! All the details were well planned and executed. Course was beautiful and very well marked for each distance. Pancake breakfast was hot and delicious. Thanks to the director, sponsors, and all of the helpful and friendly volunteers!
It's not your city race!
Beautiful course in the rolling hills of a vineyard. Run along packed dirt roads. Organizers and volunteer are great and you'll feel welcome from check-in all the way through the … MORE
Beautiful course in the rolling hills of a vineyard. Run along packed dirt roads. Organizers and volunteer are great and you’ll feel welcome from check-in all the way through the finish line brunch, which was very tasty blueberry pancakes. If you need the roar of a crowd and basting music at the finish, this may not be the race for you. But if want a well organized race and new challenge in a serine setting, do it.
Terrific Race and Venue
Extremely Organized Difficult course, lots of hills Great aide stations. I would strongly recommend this race, it was my first race and will definitely go back. It was a terrific … MORE
Extremely Organized
Difficult course, lots of hills
Great aide stations.
I would strongly recommend this race, it was my first race and will definitely go back.
It was a terrific experience for both the spectators and the runners. Talking to fellow runners they said it was difficult, but overall one of the best they have ran in.
DO THIS RACE!
This race is a seriously fabulous experience. I came down from Alaska to run the marathon with friends who ran the 10K and 5K and all 3 of us had … MORE
This race is a seriously fabulous experience. I came down from Alaska to run the marathon with friends who ran the 10K and 5K and all 3 of us had an amazing time. First, you will not beat the views running on lovely packed dirt roads through rolling hills covered in vineyards bathed in warm golden sunlight. Second, the race organization was top-rate; everything was well-planned and executed from registration to course marking to post event fun. Finally, the variety of race options offers something for everyone.
Can't wait to do again!
This race was simply wonderful. The footing on the course was fantastic and was a nice change of pace with some rolling vineyard hills. Even without and elevation map, I … MORE
This race was simply wonderful. The footing on the course was fantastic and was a nice change of pace with some rolling vineyard hills. Even without and elevation map, I felt like I understood what I was getting myself into. There was one small out and back that was on the road which was not my favorite part of the race, but for a short two or so miles of the half marathon; not that bad. The signage was perfect and there were so many beautiful vistas where they had added signs to enjoy the view which was perfect. Highly recommend!
Beautiful Vineyard Race
Starting out on a cool morning in the vineyards, the day opens up the Russian River vista as the miles go by. A great mix of gentle hills and beautiful … MORE
Starting out on a cool morning in the vineyards, the day opens up the Russian River vista as the miles go by. A great mix of gentle hills and beautiful vistas make the work of the run enjoyable.
Gravel road conditions were great to run on. Aid stations and pancake finish breakfast were well supplied. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. All in all a great race.
WONDERFUL race/event!!!
I LOVE running on fire road dirt surface, so much better than road, love the rolling hills, love the scenery -- SO beautiful, through the vineyards. Race organization is superb, … MORE
I LOVE running on fire road dirt surface, so much better than road, love the rolling hills, love the scenery — SO beautiful, through the vineyards. Race organization is superb, medals are wonderful, swag is great, post-race food is great, and hanging out on the Asti grounds — volunteers are lovely.
Gorgeous course
This course is stunningly beautiful. It's a challenging course with many rolling hills but worth it. The race is well organized. There is an option to pick up your race … MORE
This course is stunningly beautiful. It’s a challenging course with many rolling hills but worth it. The race is well organized. There is an option to pick up your race packet the morning of the race, which I love. The course is well marked so you’ll never make a wrong turn. There are many aid stations that are well stocked and have very friendly volunteers. While you’ll likely have a slower run, it’s very worth it. I love this race and will be back again!
Beautiful, hilly course
Many aid stations and port-a-potties. (I would suggest a caffeine gu at aid stations in addition to non-caffeinated gus.) Love the packed dirt/gravel roads (except for just 2 miles or … MORE
Many aid stations and port-a-potties. (I would suggest a caffeine gu at aid stations in addition to non-caffeinated gus.) Love the packed dirt/gravel roads (except for just 2 miles or so on Chianti asphalt road). I would recommend this race to friends.
The most beautiful race in Sonoma County
The race literally runs through vineyard fire roads, not on paved roads alongside vineyards. Very hilly and beautiful course! Excellent organization with free pancakes, wine and beer afterward, unlike the … MORE
The race literally runs through vineyard fire roads, not on paved roads alongside vineyards. Very hilly and beautiful course! Excellent organization with free pancakes, wine and beer afterward, unlike the Destinations Races that gouge you in pricing and provide no real food afterward. Also bonus is a nicely designed long sleeve race shirt! Don’t miss this race!
great location and fun post-race stuff
i would definitely do it again. the run was fun and i liked the early start time to see the sunrise. the post race support and activities were great, and … MORE
i would definitely do it again. the run was fun and i liked the early start time to see the sunrise. the post race support and activities were great, and the food (pancakes and sausages) were also great. I would definitely do this again and it was well worth the 1.5 hour drive.
Overall best race I've ever ran!
Well organized, all the volunteers were friendly and informative Quality shirt and medal - loved the color and texture Beautiful scenery - can't get better than the vineyards in the … MORE
Well organized, all the volunteers were friendly and informative
Quality shirt and medal – loved the color and texture
Beautiful scenery – can’t get better than the vineyards in the fall…
Nice relaxing atmosphere after finish, pancake breakfast (as much as you wanted), wine and swag.
Not to crowded, they kept the numbers down.
Amazing race. Well organized, great view
Amazing race. Spectacular views and amazing course. The race shirt is awesome. Well organized race. Great food, beer and wine. The volunteers were great. I will definitely do it again … MORE
Amazing race. Spectacular views and amazing course. The race shirt is awesome. Well organized race. Great food, beer and wine. The volunteers were great. I will definitely do it again next year. I highly recommend this race to everyone.
Gorgeous run along the vinyard edges
Start at sunrise - see the fog in a few places lift. Circling the lakes and vineyards on the dirtpaths. Signage worked well, lots of space and good discussions with … MORE
Start at sunrise – see the fog in a few places lift. Circling the lakes and vineyards on the dirtpaths.
Signage worked well, lots of space and good discussions with Fellow runners. Waving to each other when meeting again. Finnish through the Palm esplanade was fantastic as was the panncake breakfast with wine or beer!
Spectacular Venue, Incredible Production
From start to finish this was a classy, well managed race. I have paid twice the price for a race and gotten half the satisfaction. First, the good stuff: Great … MORE
From start to finish this was a classy, well managed race. I have paid twice the price for a race and gotten half the satisfaction. First, the good stuff: Great swag from the long sleeve tech shirt, to the breakfast (pancakes and eggs were tasty!), beer and wine, snacks, live music, and many many happy faces greeting us. Free photos were a great addition. Proceeds going to charity, amazing. A lot of on-course support. Loved it. Many distances offered, very inclusive of all abilities. The folks at packet pick-up and Healdsburg Running Company were great as well. Once again, very smooth and easy process.
The drawbacks: agree with another reviewer in that all points throughout the race were well marked with the exception of the final trip out of the vineyards for the half-marathon. I spoke with someone on the staff after the race and was assured that they would look into that (I fully believe that it won’t happen again) He also apologized if it caused confusion. It certainly wasn’t enough that it would have affected my time by more than a second or two. Also, as this event increases in attendance and popularity, more porta-potties are going to need to be made available. In the hour leading to the start of the marathon and half, the line was pretty long and I would have to guess that the wait exceeded 20 minutes. Something else that will be easy to overcome at future events.
On the fence: I spoke with someone on staff about not having at least an elevation chart available for the longer races and he said that they are looking into having that for next year. There is a bit of an allure to “going in blind” for those that are first timers, however not knowing if it will flatten out or get more hilly as the miles wear on make it a little tough on energy use/conservation.
Out of control: The weather! The cool temp I didn’t mind, even coming north from San Diego where our daily low is still in the 60’s, but the fog stole what would have been even more spectacular views on this great course. Maybe next year I will be able to take more of it in. I’m sure I will be lacing up for this one come October.
Great event and many “thank you”s to all involved.