Santa Rosa Marathon

Location: Santa Rosa, California
Country: United States
Website: https://santarosamarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 24/08/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 23/08/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:26:26
% Sub-3s: 5–10%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Santa Rosa Marathon is a boutique road race set in California’s wine country, offering runners a scenic and well-organised event with a reputation for personal best potential. The course runs through the heart of Sonoma County, incorporating a mixture of urban streets, parks, and paved bike paths. The tranquil setting and mild climate often appeal to runners looking to escape the chaos of larger urban marathons.

One of the race’s strongest selling points is its flat and fast profile. While not entirely without turns or variation, the route is largely predictable and rhythm-friendly. This makes it attractive to runners chasing time goals, especially in late August when few alternatives offer such favourable conditions. The race starts early to beat the heat, and morning temperatures in this part of California tend to be cool and dry — ideal for sustained effort.

Santa Rosa has cultivated a loyal following over the years, especially among Californian runners and those from neighbouring states. The atmosphere is low-key and welcoming, with smaller crowds but high-quality organisation. Aid stations are regular and efficient, and the event has a reputation for good post-race hospitality, including wine-themed rewards that celebrate the region’s character.

For sub-3 marathoners, Santa Rosa offers a well-balanced proposition. It’s small enough to avoid congestion but large enough to provide pacing support. The fast course and consistent conditions give serious runners a solid platform to perform, especially if they’re coming off a summer training block and aiming for a pre-autumn peak. The race also offers a strong option for Boston Qualifiers, with many participants securing their BQ times here.

While it may not boast the scale or spectacle of the major-city marathons, Santa Rosa delivers a dependable, high-quality experience. For athletes looking for focus, calm and fast conditions, it’s a rewarding venue that quietly earns its place on the competitive calendar.