Save 15% w/code RAVES26***Lace up your sneakers and grab your friends—it’s time to run through the heart of California’s iconic wine country at the annual Santa Rosa Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Race through scenic vineyard-lined paths and picturesque rolling hills, all while enjoying mostly flat courses in stunning …
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Save 15% w/code RAVES26
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Lace up your sneakers and grab your friends—it’s time to run through the heart of California’s iconic wine country at the annual Santa Rosa Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Race through scenic vineyard-lined paths and picturesque rolling hills, all while enjoying mostly flat courses in stunning Sonoma County.
Wine A Little, Run A Lot!
After giving it your all on the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Marathon route, cross the finish line and head straight to the post-race celebration at Old Courthouse Square. 5K and 10K runners will enjoy one complimentary beer, while half marathon and marathon runners receive two complimentary beers and a bottle of wine from DeLoach Vineyards.
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 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.
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Fun race in downtown Santa Rosa
This was my second half marathon to date. The course itself was fairly easy on a mix of terrain ranging from asphalt to gravel walking trail paths. Overall I enjoyed … MORE
This was my second half marathon to date. The course itself was fairly easy on a mix of terrain ranging from asphalt to gravel walking trail paths. Overall I enjoyed the scenery and the fellow runner!
Great local Norcal summer race!
Chill but organized! Great support and organization from pre-race to post race celebration. Easy to park and the early start makes for perfect running conditioning for those looking to sneak … MORE
Chill but organized! Great support and organization from pre-race to post race celebration. Easy to park and the early start makes for perfect running conditioning for those looking to sneak in a fast summer marathon.
Prefect for a First
This being my first Marathon, and having run many races prior on road and trail, this was at the top of the list in terms of how well supported the … MORE
This being my first Marathon, and having run many races prior on road and trail, this was at the top of the list in terms of how well supported the course was, how beautiful the surroundings were and how perfect the weather was. All stacked up nicely. If there was one thing to improve it would be to do without all the cups at the hydration stations. We’ve moved beyond all that waste for events.
Not my favorite half marathon
Registration seemed to confuse me for obtaining swag and ended up clicking no swag (since online had wanted me to click add-ons for the swag button which I did not … MORE
Registration seemed to confuse me for obtaining swag and ended up clicking no swag (since online had wanted me to click add-ons for the swag button which I did not want). They shoo’d me away when I tried to ask if I could purchase swag from bib pick up.
Course was ok. Be prepared to run in gravel for 2+ miles. Otherwise pretty flat with only some small dips under the bridges.
Photographers were awful. I wish they hired better ones – they took a photo of me crossing the finish line but only half my body was pictured. Would not do this again tbh.
I was expecting more
Sufficient communication leading up to race day. Packet pickup was at a sporting goods store which was helpful if you needed any last-minute supplies. The course lost 100 feet over … MORE
Sufficient communication leading up to race day.
Packet pickup was at a sporting goods store which was helpful if you needed any last-minute supplies.
The course lost 100 feet over the first 8 miles and gained it back in the last 5. A significant portion of the course is on a relatively narrow bike path that feels like it hadn’t been maintained in a while – not all paved. To make matters worse, at one point that narrow bike path was expected to handle 2-way traffic.
Overall, this race fit with my schedule and allowed me to check CA off the 50 state list, but I would suggest going somewhere else for CA.
More than a last chance BQ
This is a very well organized race with more than expected crowd support and great aid-stations/volunteers all along the way. The scenery is top notch, running through the DeLoach Winery … MORE
This is a very well organized race with more than expected crowd support and great aid-stations/volunteers all along the way. The scenery is top notch, running through the DeLoach Winery (and the bottle of wine they give you) is a fun bonus, and the course is mostly flat. There are a few small rollers here and there but all very doable– just need to save a “little something” for the last 3 miles which are uphill. My goal was to try and add to my BQ cushion with this race but an injury in July forced me to change my plans. I’m glad I still ran it and really enjoyed the experience (despite not racing it).
Great race through Santa Rosa
Overall a great race. Most of the HM is run along the Santa Rosa Creek through the Prince Memorial Greenway. The course is well marked and relatively flat and has … MORE
Overall a great race. Most of the HM is run along the Santa Rosa Creek through the Prince Memorial Greenway. The course is well marked and relatively flat and has plenty of water/aid stations. There were lots of spectators along the way which is always appreciated.
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.