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 $55.00 - $160.00
- Races 3 races
- Distances Marathon, 10km, 5km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Join us on September 12, 2026, in Petaluma, Sonoma, for The Running Fence Run: A Run of Freedom! This unique event celebrates the 50th anniversary of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's iconic Running Fence art installation, which captivated audiences from September 10 to 24, 1976, as well as the 2,516th anniversary of the historic Battle of Marathon. Participants can choose from three exciting race distances: a full marathon (26.2 miles), a 10K, or a 5K, all set against the stunning backdrop of Sonoma County's rolling hills.
The race will take place on county asphalt roads, allowing runners to experience the same beautiful landscape where the original art installation once stood. With a limited capacity of just 36 runners per distance, this intimate event promises an unforgettable experience. Celebrate endurance, courage, and the spirit of freedom as you run through this historic area, and be sure to capture the moment at the small section of the Running Fence installed at the Start/Finish in Bloomfield. Don't miss out on this extraordinary blend of art and athleticism!
The race will take place on county asphalt roads, allowing runners to experience the same beautiful landscape where the original art installation once stood. With a limited capacity of just 36 runners per distance, this intimate event promises an unforgettable experience. Celebrate endurance, courage, and the spirit of freedom as you run through this historic area, and be sure to capture the moment at the small section of the Running Fence installed at the Start/Finish in Bloomfield. Don't miss out on this extraordinary blend of art and athleticism!
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
PLEASE NOTE: THE COURSE IS ON COUNTY ASPHALT ROADS. This is not on private ranch land, which has no running trails and many barbed fence crossings. Only one runner actually attempted to run the cross-country route. Several runners ran on the roads where the public viewed the Running Fence. The _Running Fence_ was only installed for two-weeks in 1976 and is not on the hills any more.. There will be a small section of _Running Fence_ installed at the Start/finish in Bloomfield for photo opportunities, but the 24.5-mile installation will not be recreated.
THE RACE WILL BE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM 36 RUNNERS IN EACH DISTANCE PER AGREEMENT WITH CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL.
COURSE LINKS ARE BELOW.
Marathon route [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6693828761/]
10K route [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6698763874]
5K route [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6698771137]
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, 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]
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
PLEASE NOTE: THE COURSE IS ON COUNTY ASPHALT ROADS. This is not on private ranch land, which has no running trails and many barbed fence crossings. Only one runner actually attempted to run the cross-country route. Several runners ran on the roads where the public viewed the Running Fence. The _Running Fence_ was only installed for two-weeks in 1976 and is not on the hills any more.. There will be a small section of _Running Fence_ installed at the Start/finish in Bloomfield for photo opportunities, but the 24.5-mile installation will not be recreated.
THE RACE WILL BE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM 36 RUNNERS IN EACH DISTANCE PER AGREEMENT WITH CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL.
COURSE LINKS ARE BELOW.
Marathon route [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6693828761/]
10K route [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6698763874]
5K route [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6698771137]
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, 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]
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)
$160.00
-
September 2026- Running Fence Run - 10K
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:20AM PDT)
$60.00
-
September 2026- Running Fence Run - 5K
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 12th September 2026 (7:30AM PDT)
$55.00
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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
