Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack
- Date Mon 10th August 2026
- Time 3:30PM PDT
- Location Santa Rosa, California
- Price Free - $6.30
- Races 3 races
- Distances Marathon, Sprint
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of fun and fitness at the Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack! On Monday, August 10, 2026, join fellow runners at the scenic Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa for an unforgettable inaugural event. Participants can take on the Marathon Challenge, where they’ll have the chance to run as many one-mile laps as possible between 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM, with the winner being crowned at the awards ceremony following the race. There’s also a Kids Fun Run at 6:30 PM, featuring a free 1/8-mile race with exciting age-group heats, ensuring that young athletes can showcase their speed and spirit!
This event is not just about running; it's a community celebration! Bring your family and friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere, and don’t miss the opportunity to support the Redwood Empire Food Bank by donating non-perishable food items to receive discounted entry. With free parking available and a focus on community engagement, the Palio di Sonoma is set to be an inspiring day for runners and spectators alike. Lace up your shoes and be part of this fantastic event that promises to bring families and friends together for an inspiring day of healthy competition and
This event is not just about running; it's a community celebration! Bring your family and friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere, and don’t miss the opportunity to support the Redwood Empire Food Bank by donating non-perishable food items to receive discounted entry. With free parking available and a focus on community engagement, the Palio di Sonoma is set to be an inspiring day for runners and spectators alike. Lace up your shoes and be part of this fantastic event that promises to bring families and friends together for an inspiring day of healthy competition and
Organiser's Description
FOOTRACES AT THE SONOMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS RACETRACK
MARATHON CHALLENGE AND KIDS FUN RUN
INAUGURAL EVENT- MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2026
MARATHON CHALLENGE | 300 PM (FAIR ADMISSION NOT INCLUDED)
Run a single one-mile lap or as many as you can before the 7:00 PM cutoff! Participants may start anytime after 3:30 PM, and the runner with the most completed laps by 7:00 PM wins. (Laps not finished by 7:00 PM do not count.) Awards ceremony at 7:10 PM.
KIDS FUN RUN | 6:30 PM (FAIR ADMISSION NOT INCLUDED)
A free 1/8-mile race for young runners. Three age-group heats begin at 6:30 PM, 6:35 PM, and 6:40 PM, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in each division. Register at the racetrack at 6:15 PM.
REGISTRATION
EMPIRE RUNNERS MEMBERS (ADVANCE) FREE includes a fair entry ticket! JOIN EMPIRE RUNNERS TODAY! _(Adult $36, 21 & Under $12, Family $48)_. [https://www.empirerunners.org/membership] For registration discount code contact sponsorship@empirerunners.org
GENERAL PUBLIC (ADVANCE) $5; (day of event) $10. DOES NOT INCLUDE FAIR ENTRY $17.25! Order at Sonoma County Fairgrounds. [/Sonoma%20County%20Fair]
KIDS RUN IS FREE, Advance and day of event registration.
CITY CHALLENGE- The Palio banner award is presented to the North Bay city with the highest participation rate.*
*Based on the number of runners (including kids) relative to the citys population. Runners self-identify the city they represent.
FREE FAIR PARKING AT THE BENNETT VALLEY LOT UNTIL 1PM.
FOOD BANK DAY - Monday, August 10th until 6 p.m.
Bring at least 3 non-perishable(non-expired) food items from the Food Bank's 'Most Wanted List' to donate to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and receive $1 GENERAL ADMISSION. Most Wanted: Canned Tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, pasta, rice, oats, dry beans, and low sugar cereal. No expired food, no glass jars, and no opened containers.
Sonoma County Fairgrounds - Race Track
1350 Bennett Valley Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
For race details, email to: sponsorship@empirerunners.org
MARATHON CHALLENGE AND KIDS FUN RUN
INAUGURAL EVENT- MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2026
MARATHON CHALLENGE | 300 PM (FAIR ADMISSION NOT INCLUDED)
Run a single one-mile lap or as many as you can before the 7:00 PM cutoff! Participants may start anytime after 3:30 PM, and the runner with the most completed laps by 7:00 PM wins. (Laps not finished by 7:00 PM do not count.) Awards ceremony at 7:10 PM.
KIDS FUN RUN | 6:30 PM (FAIR ADMISSION NOT INCLUDED)
A free 1/8-mile race for young runners. Three age-group heats begin at 6:30 PM, 6:35 PM, and 6:40 PM, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in each division. Register at the racetrack at 6:15 PM.
REGISTRATION
EMPIRE RUNNERS MEMBERS (ADVANCE) FREE includes a fair entry ticket! JOIN EMPIRE RUNNERS TODAY! _(Adult $36, 21 & Under $12, Family $48)_. [https://www.empirerunners.org/membership] For registration discount code contact sponsorship@empirerunners.org
GENERAL PUBLIC (ADVANCE) $5; (day of event) $10. DOES NOT INCLUDE FAIR ENTRY $17.25! Order at Sonoma County Fairgrounds. [/Sonoma%20County%20Fair]
KIDS RUN IS FREE, Advance and day of event registration.
CITY CHALLENGE- The Palio banner award is presented to the North Bay city with the highest participation rate.*
*Based on the number of runners (including kids) relative to the citys population. Runners self-identify the city they represent.
FREE FAIR PARKING AT THE BENNETT VALLEY LOT UNTIL 1PM.
FOOD BANK DAY - Monday, August 10th until 6 p.m.
Bring at least 3 non-perishable(non-expired) food items from the Food Bank's 'Most Wanted List' to donate to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and receive $1 GENERAL ADMISSION. Most Wanted: Canned Tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, pasta, rice, oats, dry beans, and low sugar cereal. No expired food, no glass jars, and no opened containers.
Sonoma County Fairgrounds - Race Track
1350 Bennett Valley Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
For race details, email to: sponsorship@empirerunners.org
Races
-
Marathon Challenge - Run as Many Laps as You Can on the One-Mile Track
Incl. $1.30 Fee
Mon 10th August 2026 (3:30PM PDT)
$6.30
CLOSEDRun a single one-mile lap or as many as you can before the 7:00 PM cutoff! Participants may start anytime after 3:30 PM, and the runner with the most completed laps by 7:00 PM wins. (Laps not finished by 7:00 PM do not count.) Awards ceremony at 7:10 PM. -
Kids Run - Furlong Sprint (1/8 Mile)
Mon 10th August 2026 (6:30PM PDT)
Free
CLOSEDKids FREE, day of event registration. -
Run the Full Marathon Challenge
Incl. $1.30 Fee
Mon 10th August 2026 (3:30PM PDT)
$6.30
CLOSEDRunners aiming to run 26 laps register here. We may stay open an extra half-hour if you are close to completing 26.2 miles. Run as many as you can before the 7:00 PM cutoff! Participants may start anytime after 3:30 PM, and the runner with the most completed laps by 7:00 PM wins. (Laps not finished by 7:00 PM do not count.) Awards ceremony at 7:10 PM.
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1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, 95403, CA, United States
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Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack
