Running Fence Run - A Celebration of Freedom and Democracy
- Date Fri 4th July 2025 - Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 7:00AM PDT
- Location Cotati, California
- Price Free - $250.00
- Races 5 races
- Distances 10km, Marathon, 5km
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the Running Fence Run, a vibrant celebration of freedom and democracy happening from July 4th, 2025, to September 12th, 2026, in the picturesque Cotati, Sonoma. This unique event honors the 2,514th anniversary of the original marathon and the 50th anniversary of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's iconic Running Fence art installation. On Patriot Day Weekend, participants can choose to challenge themselves in a thrilling marathon (26.2 miles), a 10K, or a 5K, all set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills that once showcased this monumental work of art.
Join us on September 11th for a special memorial ceremony honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks, followed by an exhilarating race weekend filled with camaraderie and celebration. On September 12th, runners will traverse a scenic course lined with milestone markers reminiscent of the original art installation, while the Cotati hub will transform into a lively festival on September 13th, complete with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. This event is not just about running—it's a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of democracy, artistic expression, and community unity. Don
Join us on September 11th for a special memorial ceremony honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks, followed by an exhilarating race weekend filled with camaraderie and celebration. On September 12th, runners will traverse a scenic course lined with milestone markers reminiscent of the original art installation, while the Cotati hub will transform into a lively festival on September 13th, complete with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. This event is not just about running—it's a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of democracy, artistic expression, and community unity. Don
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
-
September 2025- Running Fence Run 10K
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (7:00AM PDT)
$100.00
-
2026- Running Fence Run Marathon
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (6:30AM PDT)
$250.00
OPENS 08 JAN 26 -
September 2025- Running Fence Run 5K
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (9:00AM PDT)
$50.00
-
Virtual Race - Celebrate the Marathons Role in Democracy Since 490 B.C. With a Historic 24.5 Miles Run
Incl. T-Shirt
$24.50
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. 24.5 miles was the distance for the original 1897 Athens Olympic Marathon. It was lengthened to 26.2 miles for the London Olympic Games from Windsor castle to the Royal Box in the Olympic Stadium. The Boston Marathon on Patriots Day was lengthened to 26.2 miles in 1924. 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. -
Free Untimed 400 Meter Kids Run
Sat 13th September 2025 (9:00AM PDT)
Free
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