Course Tour

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Course tour

You won’t experience any “dead zones” on this course! Pristine rows of multi-colored vineyards and farmhouses surround this 13.1 mile route that winds through the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys and Russian River tributary. You’ll pass no less than twenty-one wineries on course, many offering some of the fruits of their labors at friendly water stops along the way. Be prepared for a total elevation change of over 1,000 ft. but the net elevation is a negative 75 ft. as you begin the course at 275 ft. above sea level and finish at 200 ft.

ROSSO & BIANCO
You begin your journey at the magnificent winery by Francis Ford Coppola Presents, Rosso & Bianco. Once you pass through the gates of the winery the course runs along a flat stretch of Hwy 101 frontage road past a row of old vines on the west side. Here you will enjoy views of the Alexander Valley. At the 1.6 mile mark you’ll take right turn onto Lytton Springs Rd. and begin a gradual ascent up your first and only significant hill on course which we call RIDGE HILL.

The RIDGE
Here you reach the crest of RIDGE HILL at the 2.2 mile mark separating Alexander Valley to the east from Dry Creek Valley to the west. You are then greeted by the first water station near Ridge Winery. A little farther down Lytton Springs Road you’ll pass Mazzocco Winery and the Healdsburg airport, where you will begin a one-mile descent into Dry Creek Valley.

DRY CREEK VALLEY
Just past the four-mile mark you’ll take a right turn onto Dry Creek Rd at Mauritson winery and the second water station. You are officially in Dry Creek Valley now! Shortly after you pass Amista winery on the left you’ll likely see a crowd gathered at Dry Creek General Store cheering you on as you take a left turn onto Lambert Bridge at mile 5.

LAMBERT BRIDGE
One of our favorite parts of the course runs from mile 5 to mile 6 as you zig-zag across Lambert Bridge and take a right turn onto West Dry Creek Road. You’ll pass numerous wineries as you approach your next water station at mile six next to beautiful Quivira Vineyards. Feel free to take a quick break here, snap a picture and and refuel with water PLUS an energy boost of homemade organic honey and 2 oz. wine tasters of Quivira Grenache Rose or Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc. Why not?

WEST DRY CREEK
Vineyards to the left and Vineyards. This is the most serene stretch of the course where you lose yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. No worries whatsoever back here, just follow the winding road and enjoy the peaceful sounds, sights and smells of wine country. You’ll find your next water stop at mile 8 next to Williamson Vineyards where your Aussie hosts may offer a surprise treat.

IRONSIDE
You’ll enjoy more twists and turns on this stretch of the course, a couple of rolling hills and a bend towards Dry Creek. Before you know it you are passing mile nine, which means you are more than two-thirds of the way. Shortly thereafter you will find a water stop next to the entrance to the winery discovered by detective Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) from the old emmy-winning TV series. Cool down and get ready for the next stage.

YOAKIM BRIDGE to FINISH – Final section
After crossing Yoakim Bridge, you’ll pass the ten-mile mark. There will be an aid station as you make a left turn onto Dry Creek Rd for the final stretch up Dry Creek Rd. Just before mile 12 you’ll savor one last water station at the fabulous Ferrari-Carrano winery on your left. The damn to Lake Sonoma looms closer in the distance as you take in the last views of the vineyards. Once you pass Sbragia Family Winery on your right there will be one more turn and you’ll cross the bridge into Warm Springs Recreation Area and the finish line is just ahead!

15 MILE OPTION
If you haven’t had enough of this gorgeous scenery then feel free to run the final 1.9 miles up to the Lake Sonoma Overlook. We’ll record your time and its no extra charge. Buses will be able to shuttle you back to the finish area after you’ve a chance to relax to the incredible views of Lake Sonoma and compete for the hill climb award, given the fastest time up to the Lake. OK, now its time to enjoy the post-race Wine & Music Festival.

Have dinner with Susan Loken - US Women's Masters Marathon Champion

We are proud to announce our first race dinner will be held at the Geyserville Inn, home of the Hoffman House restaurant. A fabulous multi-course meal is being prepared by the Hoffman House chef with a variety of entree options for hungry runners. View menu The setting is ideal as you'll dine at sunset with a view of the of Alexander Valley vineyards. Get inside course tips during Q & A with the event director and meet Susan Loken, a two-time US Masters Marathon Champion. Susan will talk about why she took up running in her mid-thirties and how its changed her life. Seating is limited to 40. Wine included! Sign up here

Shirt Options - Go Organic Cotton or Athleta Tech
All race participants receive a complimentary organic cotton event shirt in black or white. These shirts are better than your average T but if you want to upgrade to a high-quality Athleta running shirt you can do so for only $20, compared to the $35 retail cost at the event. This is the nicest running shirt you'll own, and the men's version comes in black, perfect for a Halloween running event! View shirt
ORDER ONLINE by OCTOBER 20th to get the discounted upgrade price!

IT's HALLOWINE - Run in Costume!!
Its that season when the grapes are picked, the leaves turn colors, and the glow of lanterns and pumpkins light the night. Get in the SPIRIT and dress the part. Celebrate wine harvest and Halloween by wearing your best running costume....something colorful, sexy or downright scary! Prizes awarded for best individual and best team costume.

Kids Pumpkin Run at Rosso & Bianco Winery - See Flyer
The Kids Pumpkin Run is a short loop through the vineyards at beautiful Rosso & Bianco Winery. Kids from 4 to 12 are invited to run in costume and play Halloween games on the property. Each kid gets a T-shirt and Halloween goodie bag sponsored by ParkPoint Athletic Club. SIgn up your kids now or register at Parkpoint Health Club or at the winery. The festivities start at noon after the post-race Wine & Music Festival and the run begins at 1pm. Cost is only $20 in advance. SIgn up online

Get a $10 discount coupon for registration at Heart & Sole running store
Heart & Sole is Santa Rosa's newest running store located downtown at 65 Brookwood (just off College and 4th St). Stop by to check out their great selection of running apparel and gear while you score a $10 off coupon at the store which can be mailed in with entry form by October 20, Or bring the coupon to the expo on Friday at Dry Creek Inn in Healdsburg where you can still register for the race.

Run for the fight against Cancer - Featured ACS Runner Josh Lipp
Join more than 4,000 athletes across the country who have experienced the journey of a lifetime by dedicating their participation in endurance events to the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society’s Charity Runner program. Charity Runner allows you to combine your passion for endurance events with a lifesaving commitment to those who have been touched by cancer. Josh Lipp of Redwood City, Ca raised more than $43,000 in donations – a wonderful tribute to the father who inspired him to run. Learn More

Parking and Transportation information
Less cars.....more running, walking, bicycling and carpooling please! The wine county is not especially automobile-friendly. Many of the roads are narrow and views are better experienced in fresh air rather than from behind glass or with the hum of a vehicle in the background. Please try to rideshare with friends or check out our new PickupPal program. Once here in the Healdsburg and Geyserville area we've provided you with multiple options to get to the start so you don't need to be driving all over. Please visit our Transportation and Parking page and print out the available maps so runners and spectators can be informed on where to go during race weekend.

PickupPal Rideshare Program a

Want to share a ride to the expo or race?
Interested in ride sharing to the event? Sign up here for an account and become a member of a growing and dynamic community. It is free to join and to use. PickupPals can track the number of rides they have given or taken and the number of miles they have traveled via ride sharing to any Destination Race. Save $ and keep track of the amount of carbon emissions we have collectively reduced as a result!

Check or hotel partners for rooms on the TRAVEL & LODGING PAGE
Making your travel reservations for a Wine Country Half has never been easier. Our completely new travel section allows you to view all our lodging properties, car and airline partners. Each has easy reservation links with discounted rates for our participants. Many fine resort properties are offering great deals so you can enjoy a longer stay on your wine country vacation. You'll also find links to maps and the visitors associations. Travel & Lodging Page

Event Poster
Each year French artist Jean-Pierre Got creates a unique poster design for the Wine County Half Marathon. This years version features three runners on course, two of which are in costume, passing an admiring lady sipping wine on the veranda of one of the many wineries on course. Can you guess which winery? These posters are collectibles so make sure you purchase one at the event.

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Destination Races E-Newsletter
Our quarterly e-newsletter, THE GRAPEVINE, will provide training and nutrition tips, information about our favorite wines and wineries to visit, things to do in the wine country and industry news. Plus we'll feature a new runner each month with an interesting and inspirational story.
The Grapevine Summer Issue

RealBuzz Blogs, Forums, Route Finder
We are partnering with Realbuzz.com to bring you runner forums, blogs and route planners that give you access to a myriad of training tools and information in our online community of runners. Check out this online community to help get you prepared for the event.