Lake Sonoma has a certain reverence to it in the trail running world. For decades, the trails around the lake inside Lake Sonoma Recreation Area have served as a proving ground for some of the best athletes in the sport. But this October there will be an evolution of that legacy as the Sonoma Fall Classic comes to life. This new event will combine the original Lake Sonoma 50 Mile race with a new 100-mile event, a trail marathon, and new four-person relays.
I chatted with race director Sam Karthan to talk about why he believes this fall festival will be so special. While acknowledging the storied history that has made Lake Sonoma a legendary racing venue through the years, he is certain the October 17-18 Sonoma Fall Classic will be a full-scale celebration of the trail running community at the peak of the local harvest season.
10 reasons why the Sonoma Fall Classic should be on your race calendar
1. A Legacy Reborn
Lake Sonoma has long held a special place in the hearts of trail runners, and this year, the local trail running community is honoring everything that has made it legendary. If you’re toeing the line at the “OG” Lake Sonoma 50, you’re in for something truly special—the return of the beloved 2008-style start at the Ranch. “It will be an instant classic,” Karthan says.
2. The Aravaipa “Level Up”
To ensure a world-class experience, the event has partnered with Jamil Coury and the team at Aravaipa Running. As Karthan puts it, “I knew we needed to level up the entire production,” Karthan says. “Putting the production in Aravaipa’s hands is the best way to ensure every runner has a world-class experience on these trails.”
3. The Definitive “Sufferfest” 100-Miler
If you’re ready to take on the ultimate challenge, welcome to the crown jewel of the weekend. The 100-miler is a monumental journey, and thanks to Aravaipa’s deep technical expertise and what Karthan calls their “deep understanding of the 100-mile spirit,” this is set to become the gold standard for the distance at Lake Sonoma. You’ll earn every mile—and every moment will be worth it.
4. Celebrate Together on a 4-Person Relay
What truly transforms this from a race into a festival are the 100-mile and 50-mile 4-person relays. This addition allows teams of friends and running clubs to share the experience together. It builds a high-energy atmosphere at the transition points and ensures that the camaraderie on the trails matches the celebration at the finish line.
5. Relentless Vert and the Magic of Pritchett Peaks
Fair warning: Lake Sonoma doesn’t do flat. The course rolls and climbs with a joyful relentlessness—think punchy ascents at Bummer, Madrone, and now the iconic Pritchetts. For 100-mile and relay runners, you’ll get the rare opportunity to tackle the ascent to Pritchett Peaks, a rugged section of trail closed to the public nearly all year. As Karthan notes, these are his daily training grounds; they are designed to test a runner’s power and persistence rather than their technical footwork.
6. The Beauty of Harvest Season
You’ll be visiting at the best possible time. October is the heart of Wine Country’s harvest season—the vineyards are alive, the air smells incredible, and the whole region is buzzing with the spirit and energy of the season. It’s not just a race weekend; it’s an experience you’ll be talking about long after you cross the finish line.
7. Wilson Winery: Raising a Glass to You
In the heart of Wine Country, the post-race celebration has to match the landscape. The Sonoma Fall Classic has been partnered with Wilson Winery since its inception in 2008 as its major wine partner to ensure the finish line festivities feature the very best of Sonoma County viticulture. Raise a glass, you earned it.
8. Explore the Best of Sonoma County
The adventure doesn’t stop at the finish line because the festival extends far beyond the trails. The area around Lake Sonoma and the charming small towns along the Russian River are packed with world-class wineries, tasting rooms, boutique shops, art galleries, craft breweries, and incredible restaurants. “We encourage you to stay, explore, and soak it all in,” Karthan says. “It’s a place worth savoring.”
9. Your Home Base: Healdsburg Running Company
The heart of race weekend meets at the Healdsburg Running Company, one of the most beloved trail-focused shops in the country—and the place where Karthan himself works when he’s not out on the trails. Stop in, say hello, and feel the community vibe that makes this event so much more than a race.
10. Running for Something Bigger
Perhaps the most compelling reason to run is the impact you leave behind. Every step you take here makes a difference. Proceeds from the event benefit the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund, because, as Karthan eloquently puts it, “our love for these trails directly benefits the local community that makes Sonoma County so special.” Sign up for the Sonoma Fall Classic and you’ll be a part of an event you’ll never forget.
Register for the Sonoma Fall Classic here →
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