It’s not exactly the New York City big apple or the Napa Valley, yet. Sonoma County’s biggest city is about to get its own, however, much like the national attention for long distance running events reserved for marathons from Maui, to San Francisco, and to Chicago.

Santa Rosa, California is home of the biggest city in the Sonoma wine making region. The first marathon and half-marathon event set to launch here takes place on August 30th, 2009. The design and passion behind the upcoming event originated with Arthur Webb, a 67 year old veteran distance runner who has finished the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon 10 times over, 9 times within the 60 hour race time limit.

The race welcomes beginners, intermediate runners, and advanced competitive athletes. A 12 week training program for the full marathon can be found by clicking here. For a 12 week training program for the half marathon, click here. To register for the race, please visit the Santa Rosa Marathon site.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco