The Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon falls squarely on Halloween this year and is set to be a frightful field day, with a costume contest for runners and other family-friendly fun.
Hosted by Sonoma County-based Destination Races, the Healdsburg Half Marathon annually celebrates the wine harvest and covers 13.1 miles amidst the dazzling fall colors of Alexander Valley vineyards and backroads. This year, spectators will have even more sights to see, as all participating runners are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costume; meaning ghosts and ghouls will be sharing the roads with superheroes and princesses. Prizes will be awarded for the best individual, duo and team costumes.
In addition to the half marathon’s mass of hydration stations, runners who want to get a buzz can stop at one of two wine stops on the path, a Sauvingon Blanc offering at Mauritson Winery, and Zinfindel at Mazzocco Winery. A special “Hallowine” 5K race is also on hand for the whole family.Â
The post-race Wine & Music Festival at Trentadue Winery features 18 local wineries pouring signature varietals and a beer garden with Lagunitas and others sipping suds. Live music from Sonoma Sound Syndicate, exhibitor booths, face painting for the kids and a plethora of other activities also await.
Registration for the half marathon is still open on the event website, and can be purchased at the Race Expo, held at Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa on Friday. The expo is open to the public. Â
