In 40 days · Sat, Sep 12, 2026
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Saturday, September 12th, 2026
6775 Moro Street, Bloomfield CA
Marathon · Half · 10K · 5K
55–76°F · low rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 0 of the last 10 years
2025
55–79°F
dry
2024
51–79°F
dry
2023
53–80°F
dry
2022
58–77°F
dry
2021
53–82°F
dry
2020
56–77°F
dry
2019
57–86°F
dry
2018
52–72°F
dry
2017
60–79°F
dry
2016
52–68°F
dry
Best months to race in California →
About this race
The Running Fence Run: A Run of Freedom
On September 12, 2026, runners return to the stunning Sonoma County hills to celebrate two milestone anniversaries:
- 50th anniversary: Christo & Jeanne-Claude's Running Fence art installation — September 10-24, 1976
- 2,516th anniversary: The Battle of Marathon — September 12, 490 BC
The Connection Between Art and Running
In September 1976, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude stretched a 24.5-mile ribbon of white fabric across the hills of Sonoma and Marin counties — for just two weeks. That distance echoes the original marathon: the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce a stunning military victory, one that saved the cradle of democracy. That run inspired the marathon we race today.
Christo fled communist Bulgaria in 1957, seeking freedom in the West. He called the Running Fence "a scream of freedom" — art that answered to no one, funded entirely by the artists themselves, rippling in the open California wind.
Featured in Runner's World magazine (Nov. 1976), a few runners ran the length of the fence, including Christo's fabric supplier, Bob Urie, a marathoner who helped organize the 1976 New York City Marathon.
Running is freedom! Like a long run, freedom takes endurance, courage, and the willingness to go the distance.
Your Challenge Awaits
Choose your challenge — 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or full 26.2 — and run through the same beautiful landscape where the Running Fence once stood.
Race Packet Distribution
Saturday, September 5, 10am-2pm & Friday, September 11, 4PM – 7 PM
20% discount for Basementeers, valid for both days of Running Fence Run Packet Pickup.
For More Information
Visit the official race page: Running Fence Run.
Course map
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Run clubs near Bloomfield to train with before race day.
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