Sonoma Fall Classic

About the Event

The Sonoma Fall Classic returns to Healdsburg, California on October 17th, offering a blend of ultrarunning tradition and festival atmosphere in the heart of Northern California wine country during harvest season.
On race morning, runners will gather at Lake Sonoma's scenic trails. The crisp air and cool temperatures are typical for early fall in this part of California, with an average temperature around 18 degrees Celsius by dawn. As participants make their way to the start line along Stewart Point-Skaggs Springs Road, they'll be surrounded by rolling hills covered in vineyards and oak woodlands, a testament to the region's natural beauty.
Established as one of the premier trail running events on the West Coast, the Sonoma Fall Classic has been celebrated for over two decades. The event not only attracts runners from across the country but also supports local causes through its fundraising efforts for environmental conservation projects in Lake County and beyond. Each year sees an increase in participants drawn by a combination of challenging courses and vibrant community spirit.
The race offers several distance options, all set on rugged trails that wind through picturesque landscapes near Healdsburg. The course is known for being technical yet runnable with varying terrain including steep climbs and descents, making it both mentally and physically demanding. Aid stations are strategically placed along the routes to cater to runners' needs throughout their journey.
Weather conditions in late October typically feature mild temperatures ranging between 12 degrees Celsius at night and a high of around 25 degrees during midday hours. Humidity levels average about 63%, with occasional light rainfall expected but not severe enough to significantly impact the course's firm yet slightly soft trail surface. UV index tends to be moderate, encouraging runners to stay hydrated and protected from sun exposure.
The Sonoma Fall Classic features a variety of challenging distances including the Lake Sonoma 50 Mile (80.5K), the 100 Mile Sufferfest (160.9K) for those seeking an extreme challenge, as well as relay options like the 50 and 100 mile relays, and a trail marathon.

100 Mile Relay
160.9K • Start: 05:00:00 • Fee: $400.00

100 Mile Sufferfest
160.9K • Start: 05:00:00 • Fee: $405.00

50 Mile Relay
80.5K • Start: 05:00:00 • Fee: $300.00

Lake Sonoma 50 Mile
80.5K • Start: 06:30:00 • Fee: $215.00

Sonoma Trail Marathon
42.2K • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $160.00

To register for the Sonoma Fall Classic, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133833. Fees range from $160 for the Sonoma Trail Marathon to $405 for the 100 Mile Sufferfest with registration closing shortly before race day.
Bib pickup takes place at Healdsburg High School, located just off of West Street in downtown Healdsburg on October 12th and 13th from noon until 6 PM. Participants should bring a photo ID for verification purposes along with their confirmation email if applicable.
The start line is situated at the intersection of Stewart Point-Skaggs Springs Road near Lake Sonoma's shoreline, accessible via Highway 101. Age requirements vary by distance but generally open to runners aged sixteen and above. All first-time participants are advised to arrive early for parking and check-in procedures.
The Sonoma Fall Classic in Healdsburg, California on October 17th is a must-attend event for trail runners seeking challenging terrain and scenic beauty along with the chance to contribute positively to environmental conservation efforts locally through their participation fees.

Races Offered

100 Mile Relay

Oct 17, 2026

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Distance — 160.9K

terrain

Type — Running

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05:00

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$400.00

100 Mile Sufferfest

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 160.9K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

05:00

sell

$405.00

50 Mile Relay

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 80.5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

05:00

sell

$300.00

Lake Sonoma 50 Mile

Oct 17, 2026

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Distance — 80.5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

06:30

sell

$215.00

Sonoma Trail Marathon

Oct 17, 2026

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Distance — 42.2K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$160.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Healdsburg.

thermostat Temperature

11.6° / 25.1°

wb_sunny Feels like

10.4° / 23.4°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

9h 12m

water_drop Avg rainfall

1.2 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

5.0 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (4.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

62.6%

wb_twilight Sunrise

07:21

nightlight Sunset

18:31

About Healdsburg

Learn more about the host city, Healdsburg.

Healdsburg is a city of 12,000 people (2019) in Sonoma County in the Bay Area of California. It's lovely, quaint town that used to be an agricultural outpost. The three main areas of interest are the town plaza, around which you'll find boutiques, restaurants, and lodging; the Russian River; and the wineries along Westside Road and Dry Creek Road. The Healdsburg/Alexander Valley area is famous for its Zins, though you can't go wrong with goodies like sparkling wine from J Winery, Pinot Noir from Porter Creek, and the famous Petite Sirah at Foppiano's.