Community Corner
Watch for Marathon Runners on Local Roads Today
Racing against time and themselves, marathon and half-marathon runners pound the pavement in and around Healdsburg today; Grove St. closure downtown
The annual Wine Country Marathon got underway at 7 a.m. from its downtown Healdsburg location this morning, and runners are expected to be on roads up and down Dry Creek Valley until 2 p.m., according to race organizers.
Drivers are advised to be cautious, and Grove St. will be closed from North St. to Foss Creek Circle, according to the .
The event is a sanctioned qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.
Find out what's happening in Healdsburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to the website eventswithsole.com, the race is an "epic adventure through California's award winning wine region." The description continues:
"The first mile runs through the residential area of Healdsburg past 100 year old homes and quaint streets. Just outside town are miles of vineyards and dozens of wineries waiting for your viewing pleasure. Nice gently rolling roads with breathtaking views of Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley."
Find out what's happening in Healdsburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Both full marathon (26.2 miles) and half-marathon courses (13.1 miles) will be run. The half-marathon goes up Dry Creek Rd. to Lambert Bridge, then crosses over to West Dry Creek and returns to town. The full marathon goes up and back down the full length of West Dry Creek Rd.
Maps are available on the eventswithsole.com website.
In keeping with wine country location, a post-race wine and beer tent will be set up at the finish line. Several Sonoma County Wineries pouring include Chateau St. Jean, Kendall Jackson, Sheldon Winery, White Oak, Wilson Winery, Waddle Creek, Silver Oak, Twomey. Local breweries will be pouring samples for the athletes. A race logo wine glass will be included with the runners' entry fee.
