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- The Palio banner award is 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.

Free Fair parking at the Bennett Valley lot until 1pm. 

FOOD BANK DAY - Monday, August 10th until 6 p.m.
Bring at least 3 non-perishable(non-expired) food items from the Food Bank's 'Most Wanted List' to donate to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and receive $1 General Admission.  Most Wanted: Canned Tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, pasta, rice, oats, dry beans, and low sugar cereal.  No expired food, no glass jars, and no opened containers.  

Sonoma County Fairgrounds - Race Track

1350 Bennett Valley Rd

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

For race details, email to: sponsorship@empirerunners.org