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.
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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.
Fantastic Race
This was a really well organized race. The scenery was spectacular and the course was challenging. My one criticism was the signage and direction for runners near the end of … MORE
This was a really well organized race. The scenery was spectacular and the course was challenging. My one criticism was the signage and direction for runners near the end of the course. Direction for the full marathon was clear, but I was running the half and wasn’t sure if I was still on course, or if I was running the full. Otherwise this was a wonderful race, loved every mile of it.
Gorgeous run in the vineyards!
Only course where you run the whole course (roughly 11 of 13 miles) in the vineyards! Beautiful views, hard packed vineyard dirt, difficult course, but so pretty that you don't … MORE
Only course where you run the whole course (roughly 11 of 13 miles) in the vineyards! Beautiful views, hard packed vineyard dirt, difficult course, but so pretty that you don’t mind! The small town vibe is wonderful! I race it every year!
Beautiful setting for a race
Aid stations were great and the volunteers were always so positive.. The scenery at Asti is absolutely beautiful. Beer afterwards refreshing and cold, breakfast prepared wonderfully. MORE
Aid stations were great and the volunteers were always so positive.. The scenery at Asti is absolutely beautiful. Beer afterwards refreshing and cold, breakfast prepared wonderfully.
Unique breathtaking course
I've run many races in the wine country area and this one beat the rest for me in terms of course. You are running THROUGH the vineyards not simply alongside … MORE
I’ve run many races in the wine country area and this one beat the rest for me in terms of course. You are running THROUGH the vineyards not simply alongside the main roads. Really unique experience that is worth traveling for. The festival afterwards was a blast with real hot eggs and Bear Republic bear on tap. It was well organized and the finisher shirt has quickly become my new favorite long sleeve. Looking forward to doing the half marathon next year and exploring more of the course. OH and free photos was a total plus!
AMAZING course and event!
I recommend this race to everyone I talk to. This is a tough beautiful course. The atmosphere is outstanding and the people are so nice. I love running through the … MORE
I recommend this race to everyone I talk to. This is a tough beautiful course. The atmosphere is outstanding and the people are so nice. I love running through the vineyards. Looking up at the views is incredible. I’ve ran this event several times and I can’t get tired of it. It’s that good. Come join us and see for yourself.
Tough but beautiful!
This course was rough! The hills and foggy morning made conditions challenging, so I did not have a great finish time. The course was beautiful though, and the swag was … MORE
This course was rough! The hills and foggy morning made conditions challenging, so I did not have a great finish time. The course was beautiful though, and the swag was awesome! I really enjoyed the post-race breakfast as well! Very nice touch!
Most beautiful race!
Gorgeous race, challenging course but enjoyable. Fun trip through vineyards for @ 11of the 13 miles. Cold though, dress in layers. Great volunteers throughout and away finish. Loved it! We'll MORE
Gorgeous race, challenging course but enjoyable. Fun trip through vineyards for @ 11of the 13 miles. Cold though, dress in layers. Great volunteers throughout and away finish. Loved it! We’ll be back.
Super Organized and great Swag!
WOW! This was a fantastic race. The volunteers were very nice, the course was well marked, and the scenery was easy on the eyes. Oh and the swag - best … MORE
WOW! This was a fantastic race. The volunteers were very nice, the course was well marked, and the scenery was easy on the eyes. Oh and the swag – best shirt ever and the logo wine glass was appreciated.
It’s a trail run for a good cause !
Gravel and rolling hills...great rest stops, might be foggy,and take advantage of gear check...keep going..nice breakfast and beer at the finish!! Medals and T were great, swag bag would have … MORE
Gravel and rolling hills…great rest stops, might be foggy,and take advantage of gear check…keep going..nice breakfast and beer at the finish!! Medals and T were great, swag bag would have been a bonus, and maybe a course map
my favorite race!
-Beautiful safe course on dirt roads -SUPER nice volunteers -Easy parking, -Cute long-sleeve t-shirt, wine glass, delicious breakfast and free wine/beer -FREE PHOTOS! They even had print-outs of finish line … MORE
-Beautiful safe course on dirt roads
-SUPER nice volunteers
-Easy parking,
-Cute long-sleeve t-shirt, wine glass, delicious breakfast and free wine/beer
-FREE PHOTOS! They even had print-outs of finish line photos
-Substantial medal
-This is my favorite race (of about 20 different that I’ve done, mostly in Northern CA).
Running in the vineyards!
This was such a fun run! Before the race even started, there was coffee and donuts, plus an accordion player! While the day of our race was super foggy, it … MORE
This was such a fun run! Before the race even started, there was coffee and donuts, plus an accordion player! While the day of our race was super foggy, it was still very enjoyable running most of the race in the vineyards (I can just imagine what they would like in the sunlight!) Because the race is largely in the vineyards, there are quite a few hills. After the race, there was a free full breakfast for runners, beer, and a band playing. I really enjoyed this race, even if my legs were killing me the next day from those hills! But I’ll defintely be doing this race next year!
Beautiful Vineyard course!!
This was a well organized amazing race!!! I truly enjoyed running on the well groomed gravel packed roads through the vineyards and a little running on pavement!! Convenient location and … MORE
This was a well organized amazing race!!! I truly enjoyed running on the well groomed gravel packed roads through the vineyards and a little running on pavement!! Convenient location and ample parking. And to top it off… there was plenty of water/energy drinks along the way, bathroom facilities, fresh fruit, and gels!!! And if that wasn’t enough… we had a full breakfast and wine/beer tasting and music at the finish!!! Such a great race that I would totally come donit again!!! The amazing medals doubles as a wine bottle stopper ♥️
Awesome race with great vineyard views.
This race was only my second half marathon, but it was much harder than my first. Even thought the total elevation gain is less than 700 feet, it seemed like … MORE
This race was only my second half marathon, but it was much harder than my first. Even thought the total elevation gain is less than 700 feet, it seemed like you were constantly climbing or descending. I can’t say enough about the fall views of the vineyards.
Great challenging race.
This truly is a beautiful course, however the fog this year make running cool, it hampered the wonderful vineyard views. This was my second time running this race and they … MORE
This truly is a beautiful course, however the fog this year make running cool, it hampered the wonderful vineyard views. This was my second time running this race and they changed the course from two years ago. The last 1/4 mile down hill to the finished was great, although my Garmin showed the distance as 13.38. I do plan to do this race again.
Awesome Race!
This race had more than adequate aid stations and the terrain was great if you want a change from roads, but aren't quite ready for the steep hills of the … MORE
This race had more than adequate aid stations and the terrain was great if you want a change from roads, but aren’t quite ready for the steep hills of the trails. There are rolling hills but they weren’t bad at all. This is a small and great feel to it race…I loved it!
Small town race with great scenery
This is my third year running this race. I have done the half, the full, and this year I gave the 10k a shot. Being a Cloverdale native, I may … MORE
This is my third year running this race. I have done the half, the full, and this year I gave the 10k a shot. Being a Cloverdale native, I may be biased, but I think this race absolutely kicks ass.
First of all, the race is small. Even in a year with a huge turnout, it’s not one of those big anxiety-inducing madhouse type of events where you are already exhausting yourself just trying to use the porta-potty and find the start line. Packet pick-up is EASY, with an option to pick it up at the closest running store 15 minutes down the road Friday or Saturday, or just show up race morning and get it then. Many of the larger races do not offer race day packet pickup because it’s just not feasible for them with the number of runners participating. There is coffee and donuts next to the packet pickup stand and even a guy hanging around playing an accordion. Yeah, seriously.
I gave the course difficulty a three. Let me explain why. There are most definitely hills. Like, most of the time you are running, you are either running up or down. The hills are not ridiculously steep (like you’d find in San Francisco) but some of them are forces to be reckoned with. Keep this in mind when training. Particularly if you are doing a longer distance (half or full) you are going to want some hill training for this race. I PR’d my 10k simply because I haven’t raced a 10k in over a year and I’m much faster than I was then. In general, this course will not be your fastest. I have seen and heard complaints that the course measures long. I can’t speak for the longer distances, but the 10k was accurate this year. Be sure to run the tangents to avoid extra mileage. That can make a big difference when you are running on a wide road.
The course is almost entirely on packed gravel roads through the vineyards. It is very beautiful, and most of all, QUIET. You basically get the feel of running a hilly road race (although not exactly on pavement, it’s closer to road than a trail in my opinion) but without all the people and cars. If you absolutely thrive on cheering crowds and honking horns and funny homemade signs, this is not for you. This race is for those of us who want to get outdoors and enjoy a bit of nature. Volunteers were great this year. Lots of kids volunteering, which I love to see.
Race production is excellent. Easy packet pickup, fun starting line, clearly marked course, lots of aid stations, great post race festivities with live music, free beer and wine, and free race photos.
I look forward to running this race every year. It is my favorite thing that Cloverdale has to offer and I really can’t recommend it enough.
great october race
The weather started out with a light fog and that was just right, the fog burned off @ 11:30 and was partly cloudy but the temp was still nice. The … MORE
The weather started out with a light fog and that was just right, the fog burned off @ 11:30 and was partly cloudy but the temp was still nice. The course had the same hills as last year but the wind was absent so I finished the race strong even though it was my 3rd marathon in 23 days. The promotion of the race went on without a hitch and the volunteers were great.
Fun, small, and friendly race
This is my third year running at this event. The volunteers are friendly and welcoming even in the dark, cold morning. The course was beautiful, challenging, and clearly marked. The … MORE
This is my third year running at this event. The volunteers are friendly and welcoming even in the dark, cold morning. The course was beautiful, challenging, and clearly marked. The finish line looks great in the photos and is so much fun to run. And while I didn’t personally partake of the breakfast, I do love how generous the Bear Republic always is with their beer. All I missed this year were donuts at the finish line. I will definitely be running this event again.
Beautiful Race
This was one of the most fun races I have done yet. Beautiful course, great host, amazing after party!! I had an amazing time running this course. Will plan to … MORE
This was one of the most fun races I have done yet. Beautiful course, great host, amazing after party!! I had an amazing time running this course. Will plan to do it again next year!