Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack is a running race on August 10, 2026 in Santa Rosa, CA, with an entry fee of $5.
From the Organizer
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.
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
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
82°
Typical Low
53°
Chance of Rain
2%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Santa Rosa, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
177,216
as of 2023
City Elevation
173 ft
Nearest Airport
STS
Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport · 7 mi
Major Hub
OAK
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport · 57 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
7
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack
Aug 10, 2026