Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack
About this race
Footraces at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Racetrack
Marathon Challenge and Kids’ Fun Run
Inaugural Event- Monday, August 10, 2026
Marathon Challenge | 3:30–7:00 PM (Fair admission not included)
Run a single one-mile lap or as many as you can before the 7:00 PM cutoff! Participants may start anytime after 3:30 PM, and the runner with the most completed laps by 7:00 PM wins. (Laps not finished by 7:00 PM do not count.) Awards ceremony at 7:10 PM.
Kids’ Fun Run | 6:30 PM (Fair admission not included)
A free 1/8-mile race for young runners. Three age-group heats begin at 6:30 PM, 6:35 PM, and 6:40 PM, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in each division. Register at the racetrack at 6:15 PM.
Registration
Empire Runners members (advance) FREE includes a fair entry ticket! Join Empire Runners today! (Adult $36, 21 & Under $12, Family $48). For registration discount code contact sponsorship@empirerunners.org
General public (advance) $5; (day of event) $10. Does not include fair entry $17.25! Order at Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Kids Run is FREE, Advance and day of event registration.
City Challenge- Palio banner award presented to the North Bay city with the highest participation rate.*
*Based on the number of runners (including kids) relative to the city’s population. Runners self-identify the city they represent.
For race details, email to: sponsorship@empirerunners.org
Pick your distance
Running
Marathon Challenge - run as many laps as you can on the one-mile track
Run a single one-mile lap or as many as you can before the 7:00 PM cutoff! Participants may start anytime after 3:30 PM, and the runner with the most completed laps by 7:00 PM wins. (Laps not finished by 7:00 PM do not count.) Awards ceremony at 7:10 PM.
Kids Run - Furlong Sprint (1/8 mile)
Kid’s FREE, day of event registration.
Run the Full Marathon Challenge
Runners aiming to run 26 laps register here. We may stay open an extra half-hour if you are close to completing 26.2 miles. Run as many as you can before the 7:00 PM cutoff! Participants may start anytime after 3:30 PM, and the runner with the most completed laps by 7:00 PM wins. (Laps not finished by 7:00 PM do not count.) Awards ceremony at 7:10 PM.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 2 years of historical conditions on this event's race dates in Santa Rosa.
About Santa Rosa
Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack takes place in Santa Rosa, California, United States. The local timezone is America/Los_Angeles.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Santa Rosa
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- Santa Rosa 5K Races Best Santa Rosa routes for beginners and speed work.
- 10K Run Events in Santa Rosa The most popular local distance in California.
- Santa Rosa Running Calendar 2026 See all upcoming race dates.
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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