20TH ANNUAL PETALUMA RIVER MARATHON/ HALF-MARATHON

Since 2004, the Petaluma River Marathon has served as the West Coast flat-water marathon/half marathon championship. It is one of the most beautiful and fun races on the west coast. This year marks our 20th Anniversary!

Participants have ranged in age from 13 to near 80, with an array of experiences from ocean rowers, Olympians, and super paddlers to enthusiastic  beginners. Bring plenty of water and food to get you through the race, then we’ll relax together afterwards on the  adjacent Foundry Wharf green with a potluck feast. The race takes advantage of:  

• Excellent conditions: Typically cool with flat water at the start, and minimal interference with motorboat wakes. 
• Beautiful venue: The river flows through a nature preserve that conveys an impression of early California. Competitors are amidst native plants and wildlife of a large wetland, and in the background the California coastal range rises to define the horizon. 
• Fortunate coincidence: The river stretches 13.1 miles from the NBRC dock near downtown Petaluma to the 100+ year-old railroad bridge near the entrance to San Pablo Bay. Accordingly, those navigating from the NBRC dock to this bridge and back will cover the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Half Marathon participants, will reverse their course around an orange buoy anchored that morning in the center of the river at the halfway point.