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
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 courses in beautiful Sonoma County!
Wine A Little, Run A Lot!
After pouring your heart out on the 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon course, make your way across the finish line and into the post-race party in Old Courthouse Square, where two complimentary beers (21+) will be waiting for you! PLUS all marathon and half marathon finishers will also take home a complimentary bottle of wine from DeLoach Vineyards.
Whether you get the performance quarter zip (5K/10K) or the stylish Santa Rosa premium windbreaker (half/full marathon), you’ll have the best swag to go along with the commemorative finisher’s medal you’ll receive once you cross the finish line—all included in your Santa Rosa Marathon registration!
The Santa Rosa Marathon starts and finishes at the Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa. The flat and fast half marathon course runs through downtown Santa Rosa and along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Prince Memorial Greenway. The full marathon course also extends into west Sonoma County passing by scenic vineyards and even running through the barrel room of DeLoach Vineyards!
Both courses are USATF-certified (CA17048RS) and the full marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier!
Runners seeking a shorter distance have the opportunity to participate in our 5K and 10K races that run through downtown Santa Rosa and along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail and the Prince Memorial Greenway. The 5K and 10K races are perfect events for families, newer runners, and those just looking for a great way to spend a sunny wine country morning out and about.
LESS
Easy course (minor hills), fast race
Race course started off at the Old Courthouse Square, took us along the Santa Rosa creek trail, and right through a winery! It was honestly such a really cool experience! … MORE
Race course started off at the Old Courthouse Square, took us along the Santa Rosa creek trail, and right through a winery! It was honestly such a really cool experience!
It’s a very easy race – perfect for any first timers like me or people who want to set a new PR. I definitely found it to be much easier in terms of terrain compared to many of my training runs.
Aid stations were also really well-distributed, and it was clear that the race organizers were really taking care of all the participants! Only real issue is that running through farmland means sometimes there can be traffic going through the race course itself, but luckily any such interruptions were handled smoothly.
Lovely jog through wine country
Race expo was in a weird location and not much to it. The race route was lovely. Smaller race but the crowd was enthusiastic. The post race snacks and beer … MORE
Race expo was in a weird location and not much to it. The race route was lovely. Smaller race but the crowd was enthusiastic. The post race snacks and beer were fantastic. My watch and others confirm that the race distance was quite a bit longer than HM.
Awesome race with some awesome weather!
Running in Santa Rosa is always a great experience. The weather is awesome, and the locals are always so nice. There are plenty of places to eat before and after … MORE
Running in Santa Rosa is always a great experience. The weather is awesome, and the locals are always so nice. There are plenty of places to eat before and after the race. On race day there’s plenty of parking, especially if you get there early. Plenty of porta potties and handwashing stations. The half-marathon racecourse was fairly flat but towards the end had some slight vert. I would say to train on all terrain because in Santa Rosa you will get road, gravel, and cement, but that’s what makes a great race. I will definitely be back.
Perfect for my first marathon!
I felt like I was set up for success with this being my 1st marathon. Although the course itself had some challenging rolling hills and the gradual uphill at the … MORE
I felt like I was set up for success with this being my 1st marathon. Although the course itself had some challenging rolling hills and the gradual uphill at the last 6ish miles were gnarly, it felt mostly manageable as a 1st timer.
Pros:
–Packet pick-up was straightforward.
–Parking was easy to find the day of the race. I arrived 40 minutes early to catch one of the last few spots at the parking garage at 3rd and D Street. This garage is right next to Old Courthouse Square.
–The aid stations were well-stocked throughout, and the volunteers were amazing and brought the energy.
–They give you wine (if you’re into it) after you run through the barrel room around mile 10.
–The weather at the start is nice and cool in the 50s.
–The first 6 miles are a chill downhill.
–The pacer helped me achieve my goal!
Cons:
–The design of the race. As a previous review mentioned, at the last 6 miles, the marathon overlaps with the half marathon course. It was very exhausting weaving around those who were walking, while already battling an uphill run and rising temperatures.
–Not enough porta potties at the starting line. There were long lines minutes before the national anthem and people left the line, not using the restroom, as the singer started.
–I heard other marathons are more lively and loud. This one can be seen as pretty quiet overall, but the vibes were there at the aid stations and with the spectators every so often.
Overall, I’d highly recommend this race! The production was organized and the swag/medal is pretty cute.
Wow! A perfect first half
Really wonderful course! I'll be running it next year too! Aid stations were placed well, the race is shaded for a good 85%, after party was awesome! MORE
Really wonderful course! I’ll be running it next year too! Aid stations were placed well, the race is shaded for a good 85%, after party was awesome!
Fun race with great energy!
Pros: - Fun Race. - Great Energy. - Flat for the most part! - Swag was amazing, also a free wine bottle and 2 free beers! - Run through Vinyard … MORE
Pros:
– Fun Race.
– Great Energy.
– Flat for the most part!
– Swag was amazing, also a free wine bottle and 2 free beers!
– Run through Vinyard was awesome!
– Race photos are free.
– Bathroom situation was good!
– Medals were gorgeous and functional as a wine stopper.
Cons:
– Hot towards the end of the race.
– Ground was cracked gravel with potholes for most of the Marathon.
– Water stations were not fully prepared and some had nobody handing out water which made getting the cups difficult.
– Congestion towards the last mile or two of the race.
WINE NOT?!
As a newer runner, this was my first race that I traveled to. The course itself was very scenic and the energy of the crowd was what kept me going. … MORE
As a newer runner, this was my first race that I traveled to. The course itself was very scenic and the energy of the crowd was what kept me going. I will definitely be back next year. This is my favorite race.
Felt good to finish the first one
Super fun atmosphere. Great race for first timers, loved the city, the location, the energy. They provided pacers for the full Marathon so that was awesome! Already signed up for … MORE
Super fun atmosphere. Great race for first timers, loved the city, the location, the energy. They provided pacers for the full Marathon so that was awesome! Already signed up for next year.
Well-Managed, Friendly Race in a Pretty
The course was easy, a few streets through the city center then up and back on the river trail. Friendly environment and a lovely area to visit in August. Race … MORE
The course was easy, a few streets through the city center then up and back on the river trail. Friendly environment and a lovely area to visit in August. Race time start temperature was 59 degrees, partly sunny. I enjoyed the race and the visit to Santa Rosa
Great First Full Experience
Absolutely beautiful course through the vineyards, excellent aid station volunteers, some spectators brought Gus for those who needed them which was super thoughtful. Some negatives: -- The expo was a … MORE
Absolutely beautiful course through the vineyards, excellent aid station volunteers, some spectators brought Gus for those who needed them which was super thoughtful.
Some negatives:
— The expo was a bit underwhelming at Sports Basement though the shakeout run at FleetFeet ended up being a mini expo which was awesome, got free snacks, socks, demoed new Hokas.
— Road camber and condition wasn’t great out in wine country, the one suburban road of 3ish miles was a nice smooth even break.
— The last 10k along the trail was rough since the trail itself was already a bit crumbly AND we converged with the 2+ hour half runners who didn’t always stay to the right on a pretty standard yet narrow multiuse bike path.
— Beer lines were way too long and Courthouse Square was way to crowded and hot to stick around much. I really hope they fix this by bringing more shade tents, seating, and maybe closing off another street for more space.
Positives:
–Beautiful pretty flat course. Only reason it’s not a 1 difficulty is the road condition and camber.
–Running through the winery was a nice pick me up
–Aid stations were absolutely fantastic as were the volunteers
–Communication, packet pickup, shakeout at Fleet Feet were great.
–In a beautiful area too, I flew down from Seattle and had fun chilling at Bodega Bay and Marin County.
–Crowd support especially near downtown was nice. Vineyards were a bit lonely though aid stations were like every 2 miles and honestly was so peaceful I went into zen mode.
–Loved the windbreaker and also ended up buying a merch shirt at the expo, really cool design, not too expensive like other race merch.
Just being super nitpicky, overall really great summer race especially if you’re already in NorCal since the SF Marathon is going through some challenges. Definitely pretty hot temp wise for the last 10 or so miles but to be expected for being away from the coast in August. If you’re looking to run fast that’s what CIM and Eugene are for.
Great!
This race is on its 16th year and is a great local race for me. This was my 4th time running it (2010, 2011, 2023, 2024), only because other years … MORE
This race is on its 16th year and is a great local race for me. This was my 4th time running it (2010, 2011, 2023, 2024), only because other years I had other things going on that weekend.
I mostly rate this race highly. The event itself was well executed and a lot of fun. Pre and post race festivities were great. Medal was awesome. They gave out a windbreaker jacket instead of a shirt, a nice alternative.
My only negative is regarding the bike path we ran on…it’s kinda torn up, lumpy, lots of cracks, tilted… the camber made it a little difficult and I spent a lot of time looking down at the ground in some areas to avoid doing an ankle twist. Not the race’s fault, but just something to consider. It wasn’t the worst course I have been on (it didn’t have potholes or pits) but it was by no means smooth.
This event is an entire weekend with a 5K or 10K on Saturday and Half or Full on Sunday. You can do both days for a challenge medal. My only gripe on this is that for the smaller Saturday distances they DO NOT ALLOW packet pickup that morning. (Most organizations who do a weekend of events allow for Saturday morning pickup, do the race, then get your stuff for Sunday.) So, in order to do the Saturday race, I would have to drive up on Friday for Saturday’s stuff (and Sunday’s), thereby driving up 3 days? Not happening.
All in all a great half marathon, pancake flat and worth doing if you’re local and want a great quality event.
Some Significant Issues and Strengths
The race is a good event and has some positives, which I will try to end with. But there are also some MAJOR negatives. The first three aid stations weren't … MORE
The race is a good event and has some positives, which I will try to end with. But there are also some MAJOR negatives.
The first three aid stations weren’t set up properly and had no water or electrolytes. At the first aid station, I was handed an empty cup!
The bike path which is much of the course is pretty torn up. The camber on the road sections of the course was hard. And it was pretty hot.
On the bright side the vibes at the finish line were great and the swag was excellent. I also appreciate the free photos! I’m unlikely to do this race again.
Great weather and overcast
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.
Hidden Gem
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.
Great race in wine country!
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!
First marathon!
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!
Running through paradise
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!
Very well run race
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.
Incredible Race for a First Timer!
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.
A nice and chill race
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.