Running Fence Run - Celebrating Christo & Jeanne-Claude's "Running Fence" temporary art project - a 24.5-mile fabric fence in Sonoma & Marin Counties installed in September 1976
- 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 art, history, and community! Taking place from July 4, 2025, to September 12, 2026, in Cotati, Sonoma, this unique marathon event honors Christo and Jeanne-Claude's iconic "Running Fence" installation, a 24.5-mile fabric masterpiece that captivated the world in 1976. Participants can choose from a marathon distance of 26.2 miles, or opt for the 5K and 10K races during the inaugural weekend on September 13, 2025, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of the Running Fence and the 24th anniversary of 9/11.
Join us for this historic weekend where art and athleticism intertwine! The scenic route winds through the beautiful rolling hills that once showcased Christo's landmark installation, complete with milestone markers reminiscent of the artwork itself. On September 11, 2026, we will honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks with a poignant memorial ceremony in Cotati Plaza. The celebration continues on September 12, 2026, with races that pay homage to both the original Marathon and the enduring legacy of artistic
Join us for this historic weekend where art and athleticism intertwine! The scenic route winds through the beautiful rolling hills that once showcased Christo's landmark installation, complete with milestone markers reminiscent of the artwork itself. On September 11, 2026, we will honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks with a poignant memorial ceremony in Cotati Plaza. The celebration continues on September 12, 2026, with races that pay homage to both the original Marathon and the enduring legacy of artistic
Organiser's Description
The 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.
The inaugural year of the Running Fence Run in 2025 will have a 5K and 10K race with fun runs on Patriot Day Weekend, Saturday September 13th. This is the 49th anniversary of the Running Fence and 24th anniversary of the 9/11. A small memorial ceremony will be held Thursday 9/11/2025 in the Cotati Plaza.
2026 Patriot Day Weekend marks the 2,514th anniversary of the original race that delivered the news of the victory at Marathon. On Sept 12, 490 BC Pheidippides 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, 2026 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, 2026 we'll celebrate with a marathon, 5K, and 10K race. Choose your distance and challenge yourself while supporting great causes.
The inaugural year of the Running Fence Run in 2025 will have a 5K and 10K race with fun runs on Patriot Day Weekend, Saturday September 13th. This is the 49th anniversary of the Running Fence and 24th anniversary of the 9/11. A small memorial ceremony will be held Thursday 9/11/2025 in the Cotati Plaza.
2026 Patriot Day Weekend marks the 2,514th anniversary of the original race that delivered the news of the victory at Marathon. On Sept 12, 490 BC Pheidippides 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, 2026 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, 2026 we'll celebrate with a marathon, 5K, and 10K race. Choose your distance and challenge yourself while supporting great causes.
Races
-
September 2025- Running Fence Run 10K
Sat 13th September 2025 (7:00AM PDT)
$100.00
-
Coming in 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
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 original race from the Battlefield of Marathon to Athens was run by Pheidippides after the surprise defeat of the Persian Army on September 12, 490 BC. Pheidippides arrived ahead of the Persian Fleet and rallied the assembly to not surrender. The Greek concept of "demos-cracy" or "government by the people" survived and inspired America's Founding Fathers. 24.5 miles was the set 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 Virtual Race is not just about athleticism it's about celebrating democracy. Let's honor the spirit of the Athenian runner Pheidippides and all who stand up for their communities. Get out and run! -
Free Untimed 400 Meter Kids Run
Sat 13th September 2025 (9:00AM PDT)
Free
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