Palio di Sonoma - Marathon Challenge on the Fairgrounds Racetrack

Footraces at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Racetrack

Marathon Challenge and Kids’ Fun Run

Inaugural Event- Monday, August 10, 2026

Marathon Challenge

• Time: 3:30–7:00 PM (Fair admission not included)
• Format: Run a single one-mile lap or as many as you can before the 7:00 PM cutoff!
• Start Time: Participants may start anytime after 3:30 PM.
• Awards: Last laps do not count: awards ceremony at 7:10 PM.

Kids’ Fun Run

• Time: 6:30 PM (Fair admission not included)
• Distance: A free 1/8-mile race for young runners.
• Heats: Three age-group heats begin at 6:30 PM, 6:35 PM, and 6:40 PM.
• Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in each division. Register at the racetrack at 6:15 PM.

Registration

• Empire Runners members: FREE (advance) includes a fair entry ticket! Join Empire Runners today! (Adult $36, 21 & Under $12, Family $48)
• General public: $5 (advance): $10 (day of event). Does not include fair entry $17.25! Order at Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
• Kids Run: FREE, Advance and day of event registration.
• City Challenge: Palio banner award presented to the North Bay city with the highest participation rate.* Runners self-identify the city they represent.

Contact Information

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