The Running Fence Run: A Run of Freedom- Celebrating Christo's 1976 "Running Fence” art project
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 7:00AM PDT
- Location Bloomfield, California
- Price $45.00 - $110.00
- Races 4 races
- Distances Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km
Event summary
Join us for an unforgettable celebration at The Running Fence Run: A Run of Freedom on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the breathtaking hills of Petaluma, Sonoma County. This unique event honors the 50th anniversary of Christo & Jeanne-Claude's iconic Running Fence art installation and the historic 2,516th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon.
Embrace the spirit of freedom by choosing your own running challenge—whether it’s a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or the full 26.2-mile marathon. As you traverse the stunning landscape that once showcased Christo's mesmerizing art, you'll feel the connection between art and endurance, echoing the journey of the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides. This vibrant event promises to not only celebrate the beauty of art and nature but also the joy of running. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a truly special day that honors history, creativity, and the enduring spirit of freedom!
Embrace the spirit of freedom by choosing your own running challenge—whether it’s a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or the full 26.2-mile marathon. As you traverse the stunning landscape that once showcased Christo's mesmerizing art, you'll feel the connection between art and endurance, echoing the journey of the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides. This vibrant event promises to not only celebrate the beauty of art and nature but also the joy of running. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a truly special day that honors history, creativity, and the enduring spirit of freedom!
Organiser's Description
THE RUNNING FENCE RUN: A RUN OF FREEDOM
On September 12, 2026, runners return to the stunning Sonoma County hills to celebrate two milestone anniversaries:
* The 50th anniversary of Christo & Jeanne-Claude's Running Fence art installation September 10-24, 1976
* The 2,516th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon September 12, 490 BC
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ART AND RUNNING
In September 1976, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude stretched a 24.5-mile ribbon of white fabric across the hills of Sonoma and Marin counties for just two weeks. That distance echoes the original marathon: the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce a stunning military victory, one that saved the cradle of democracy. That run inspired the marathon we race today.
Christo fled communist Bulgaria in 1957, seeking freedom in the West. He called the Running Fence "a scream of freedom" art that answered to no one, funded entirely by the artists themselves, rippling in the open California wind.
Featured in _Runner's World_ magazine (Nov. 1976), a few runners ran the length of the fence, including Christo's fabric supplier, Bob Urie, a marathoner who helped organize the 1976 New York City Marathon.
RUNNING IS FREEDOM! LIKE A LONG RUN, FREEDOM TAKES ENDURANCE, COURAGE, AND THE WILLINGNESS TO GO THE DISTANCE.
Choose your challenge 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or full 26.2 and run through the same beautiful landscape where the Running Fence once stood.
RACE PACKET DISTRIBUTION:
SPORTS BASEMENT -SANTA ROSA [https://www.sportsbasement.com/blogs/stores/santa-rosa]
Saturday, September 5, 10am-2pm & Friday, September 11, 4PM 7 PM
_20% discount for Basementeers, [https://www.sportsbasement.com/products/basementeer-membership-1] valid for both days of Running Fence Run Packet Pickup._
On September 12, 2026, runners return to the stunning Sonoma County hills to celebrate two milestone anniversaries:
* The 50th anniversary of Christo & Jeanne-Claude's Running Fence art installation September 10-24, 1976
* The 2,516th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon September 12, 490 BC
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ART AND RUNNING
In September 1976, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude stretched a 24.5-mile ribbon of white fabric across the hills of Sonoma and Marin counties for just two weeks. That distance echoes the original marathon: the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce a stunning military victory, one that saved the cradle of democracy. That run inspired the marathon we race today.
Christo fled communist Bulgaria in 1957, seeking freedom in the West. He called the Running Fence "a scream of freedom" art that answered to no one, funded entirely by the artists themselves, rippling in the open California wind.
Featured in _Runner's World_ magazine (Nov. 1976), a few runners ran the length of the fence, including Christo's fabric supplier, Bob Urie, a marathoner who helped organize the 1976 New York City Marathon.
RUNNING IS FREEDOM! LIKE A LONG RUN, FREEDOM TAKES ENDURANCE, COURAGE, AND THE WILLINGNESS TO GO THE DISTANCE.
Choose your challenge 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or full 26.2 and run through the same beautiful landscape where the Running Fence once stood.
RACE PACKET DISTRIBUTION:
SPORTS BASEMENT -SANTA ROSA [https://www.sportsbasement.com/blogs/stores/santa-rosa]
Saturday, September 5, 10am-2pm & Friday, September 11, 4PM 7 PM
_20% discount for Basementeers, [https://www.sportsbasement.com/products/basementeer-membership-1] valid for both days of Running Fence Run Packet Pickup._
Races
-
September 2026- Running Fence Run - Marathon
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:00AM PDT)
$110.00
-
September 2026- Running Fence Run - Half Marathon
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:10AM PDT)
$90.00
-
September 2026- Running Fence Run - 10K
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:20AM PDT)
$54.00
-
September 2026- Running Fence Run - 5K
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:30AM PDT)
$45.00
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6775 Moro Street, Bloomfield, 94952, CA, United States
The Running Fence Run: A Run of Freedom- Celebrating Christo's 1976 "Running Fence” art project
