Running Fence Run - A Celebration of Freedom and Democracy
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 9:00AM EST
- Location Cotati, California
- Price $35.00 - $250.00
- Races 4 races
- Distances 10km, 5km
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the Running Fence Run - A Celebration of Freedom and Democracy, taking place on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, in the charming city of Cotati, Sonoma. This unique event honors the 2,514th anniversary of the original marathon race, alongside the 50th anniversary of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's iconic Running Fence art installation. Participants can choose between a thrilling marathon (26.2 miles), a challenging 10K, or a spirited 5K, all set against the picturesque backdrop of rolling hills that once showcased this monumental work of art.
The festivities kick off on Friday, September 11th, with a heartfelt memorial ceremony honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks, emphasizing unity and remembrance. Then, on race day, join fellow runners in celebrating the enduring spirit of democracy and artistic expression as you traverse a course lined with milestone markers inspired by Christo’s vision. After the race, the Cotati hub will transform into a lively gathering spot featuring live music, delicious food trucks, and activities for families. This event is more than just a race; it's a vibrant celebration of community, physical achievement, and the powerful legacy of democracy. Don't miss out
The festivities kick off on Friday, September 11th, with a heartfelt memorial ceremony honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks, emphasizing unity and remembrance. Then, on race day, join fellow runners in celebrating the enduring spirit of democracy and artistic expression as you traverse a course lined with milestone markers inspired by Christo’s vision. After the race, the Cotati hub will transform into a lively gathering spot featuring live music, delicious food trucks, and activities for families. This event is more than just a race; it's a vibrant celebration of community, physical achievement, and the powerful legacy of democracy. Don't miss out
Organiser's Description
Celebrate Democracy and Art in an Epic Race honoring the 2,514th anniversary of the original marathon race and the 50th anniversary of the Running Fence Project on Patriot Day Weekend in 2026.
Running Fence Run is a unique marathon race along the rolling hills and public roads adjacent to Christo and Jeanne-Claudes famous Running Fence temporary art installation, a 18 foot high 24.5 mile long fabric fence that confounded the world in 1976. Tracing much of the art installations route from the Pacific Ocean to the Cotati Hub, the Running Fence Marathon features milestone markers- obelisks wrapped in the Christo-style.
Patriot Day Weekend marks the 2,514th anniversary of the original race that delivered the news of the victory at Marathon and rallied the fledgling democracy of Athens to resist an impending Persian naval attack. It is the 50th anniversary of Christo's Running Fence, a powerful symbol of artistic freedom and democratic debate that put the landscapes of Sonoma and Marin counties on the map.
The Running Fence Run commemorates these momentous events during a single historic weekend! Join us for a marathon (26.2 miles) or a 10K on a scenic course that winds through the rolling hills once adorned by Christo's iconic art installation.
On Friday, September 11th, we will honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks with a special memorial ceremony. Join us in paying our respects and remembering those who were lost.
On Saturday, September 12th, we'll continue the celebration with a marathon, 5K, and 10K race. Choose your distance and challenge yourself while supporting a great cause.
On Sunday, September 13th, head to the Cotati hub for a day of festivities! Enjoy live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
This is more than just a race, it's a celebration of:
THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY: We honor the Athenian victory that laid the foundation for modern democratic ideals.
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION: We pay tribute to Christo's masterpiece and the power of public discourse.
PHYSICAL ACHIEVEMENT: Challenge yourself and run alongside fellow enthusiasts on a beautiful course.
UNITY AND REMEMBRANCE: Honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks and stand together as a community.
Community spirit: Join us for a fun-filled day of celebration in Cotati.
Running Fence Run is a unique marathon race along the rolling hills and public roads adjacent to Christo and Jeanne-Claudes famous Running Fence temporary art installation, a 18 foot high 24.5 mile long fabric fence that confounded the world in 1976. Tracing much of the art installations route from the Pacific Ocean to the Cotati Hub, the Running Fence Marathon features milestone markers- obelisks wrapped in the Christo-style.
Patriot Day Weekend marks the 2,514th anniversary of the original race that delivered the news of the victory at Marathon and rallied the fledgling democracy of Athens to resist an impending Persian naval attack. It is the 50th anniversary of Christo's Running Fence, a powerful symbol of artistic freedom and democratic debate that put the landscapes of Sonoma and Marin counties on the map.
The Running Fence Run commemorates these momentous events during a single historic weekend! Join us for a marathon (26.2 miles) or a 10K on a scenic course that winds through the rolling hills once adorned by Christo's iconic art installation.
On Friday, September 11th, we will honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks with a special memorial ceremony. Join us in paying our respects and remembering those who were lost.
On Saturday, September 12th, we'll continue the celebration with a marathon, 5K, and 10K race. Choose your distance and challenge yourself while supporting a great cause.
On Sunday, September 13th, head to the Cotati hub for a day of festivities! Enjoy live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
This is more than just a race, it's a celebration of:
THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY: We honor the Athenian victory that laid the foundation for modern democratic ideals.
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION: We pay tribute to Christo's masterpiece and the power of public discourse.
PHYSICAL ACHIEVEMENT: Challenge yourself and run alongside fellow enthusiasts on a beautiful course.
UNITY AND REMEMBRANCE: Honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks and stand together as a community.
Community spirit: Join us for a fun-filled day of celebration in Cotati.
Races
-
Run and Vote! Celebrate the Marathons Role in Democracy From 490 B.C. To Today.
Incl. T-Shirt
$35.00
The Democracy Awareness Project is organizing the event in the spirit of the original race from the battlefield of Marathon to the cradle of democracy in Athens. This run is not just about athleticism it's about celebrating democracy. Let's honor the spirit of the Athenian runner and all who stand up for their communities. -
2026- Running Fence Run Marathon
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (6:30AM EDT)
$250.00
OPENS SOON -
September 2025- 10K From Liberty School
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (7:00AM EDT)
$100.00
CLOSED -
September 2025- 5K to Railroad Ave
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$50.00
OPENS SOON
Running Fence Run - A Celebration of Freedom and Democracy