In 89 days · Sat, Sep 12, 2026
When
Saturday, September 12th, 2026
Where
6775 Moro Street, Bloomfield CA
Distances
Marathon · 10K · 5K · 1 Mile
About this race
Race Overview
A 2,516-Year Echo: Marathon to Running Fence
On September 12, 490 BC, the Athenians defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. A messenger—Pheidippides—ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory. His route measured 24.5 miles, the distance of the first Athens Olympic Marathon in 1896. The distance was changed to 26.2 miles for the 1908 London Olympics.
Running Fence Overview
In 1976, Christo & Jeanne-Claude’s "Running Fence" stretched 24.5 miles across Sonoma and Marin — the same length as Pheidippides’ legendary run. Christo conceived of the "Running Fence" in October 1972, following American Frank Shorter’s graceful marathon victory at the Munich Olympics.
- Controversial Project: Required years of public debate before installation permits were approved.
- Memorialization: The Running Fence - Watson School Historic Park memorializes the project.
Running Connection
Runner's World magazine revealed a key running connection: Bob Urie, who supplied fabric for Christo's projects, was both a marathon runner and an organizer of the 1976 New York City Marathon. Despite critical dismissal of the "Running Fence" at the time as being "meaningless", it embodied themes of running and the democratic freedoms that originated in ancient Athens.
- Freedom Themes: Christo characterized his creation as "a scream of freedom."
- More Details: More details at RunningFenceRun.org.
2026 Celebration
On September 12, 2026, Runners return to the beautiful Sonoma County rural landscape of Running Fence to celebrate:
- 50th Anniversary: The 50th anniversary of Christo & Jeanne-Claude’s "Running Fence" exhibited in 1976 from September 10th - 21st.
- Battle of Marathon: The 2,516th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon - September 12, 490 BC.
Choose Your Distance
Choose your distance, 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon, or modern 26.2 Mile Marathon, and challenge yourself while supporting great causes.
Exhibition Visit
Visit the Museum of Sonoma County's exhibition.
Race Details
Location: 6775 Moro Street, Bloomfield, CA
Date: September 12, 2026
URL: Running Fence Run
Course map
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