Overview
The Santa Rosa Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each August on a wine-country road in Santa Rosa, United States. Its summer date works because the race begins early before Sonoma County heat builds. The route passes vineyard-lined roads, rural bike paths, and shaded stretches along Santa Rosa Creek. Vineyard-lined roads, rural bike paths, and shaded stretches along Santa Rosa Creek make August's early-start Sonoma County race workable before summer heat builds.
Santa Rosa Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Santa Rosa Marathon 2026 race day
The next Santa Rosa Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 August 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Santa Rosa Marathon course route
Starts and finishes at the Sonoma County fairgrounds district. The route passes vineyard-lined roads, rural bike paths, and shaded stretches along Santa Rosa Creek. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Santa Rosa Marathon elevation profile
The Santa Rosa Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Santa Rosa Marathon uses open online registration at santarosamarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the August race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Santa Rosa Marathon elevation profile?
- The Santa Rosa Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Santa Rosa Marathon?
- The Santa Rosa Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Wine-country road starting and finishing at the Sonoma County fairgrounds district.
- What time does the Santa Rosa Marathon start?
- The 2026 Santa Rosa Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 August 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on santarosamarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Santa Rosa Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes at the Sonoma County fairgrounds district. Updated course maps are published at https://santarosamarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Santa Rosa Marathon and how do I register?
- Santa Rosa Marathon is typically held in August. Registration opens through https://santarosamarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Santa Rosa Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Santa Rosa Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Santa Rosa Marathon pass?
- The route passes vineyard-lined roads, rural bike paths, and shaded stretches along Santa Rosa Creek.
- What weather should runners expect at Santa Rosa Marathon?
- Typically cool at dawn with dry air, then warming steadily into a sunny wine-country morning.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
