10 Reasons the Lake Sonoma 100 is the Most Unique and Exciting 100 Mile Race Around

1. The Vert: Lake Sonoma offers unique terrain with significant elevation gain on 90% singletrack, not commonly found without venturing deep into the mountains.

The Sea Level Monster -- Elevation gain: ~26,000 feet

2. Runnability: Lake Sonoma is not technical for seasoned trail runners. This allows for fast running if you have the legs. As Tropical John Medinger says, "Run when you can, walk when you can't".

3. Festival-like atmosphere: With the Little Baby backyard run - a 2-mile loop every 30 minutes or until marathon distance is reached - located right off the visitor center and start/finish area of the 100-mile and 100-mile relay, it will be a party. The start/finish area will have live music, drinks, food and a high-energy ambiance. The backyard loop will be rowdy. There will be free vehicle and tent camping for all runners at the start/finish area.

4. Runner Friendly: The runner’s experience is prioritized over everything else. This means generous cutoff times, amazing aid stations, flawless trails, and outstanding volunteers.

5. SWAG: Quality over quantity; one to two nice objects per race event. Something memorable and something that runners will want to wear/use.

6. COVWSF: Charity race -- Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund

7. Wine Tasting & Food Truck: At the start/finish area there will be a wine tasting & food truck for friends, family, crews, and Little Baby runners.

8. Trail Shops & Run Clubs: Comped and discounted entries for trail shop workers and run club runners. With Run Club and Trail Shop award categories (Top 3 Trail Shops; Top 3 Run Clubs)

9. Trail Surfing Conditions; 75 and Sunny OR Rainy and Muddy: More likely than not you will get muddy, you will get dirty, that’s trail surfing, that’s Lake Sonoma in the winter. A 100-mile running event in the winter is still something new. This will only make the experience more memorable. Aid stations and aid station volunteers will be prepared for the weather. As the runner, you must be prepared too; bring a rain jacket, gloves, and extra layers.

10. Pre and Post Race Things to Do: Party with sponsors at Thursday shakeout run, Friday morning shakeout run with sponsors present. Fun bib-pickup atmosphere. Post-race celebration. Pre-race dinner.

Course Map

About the Lake Sonoma 100 Mile Race Committee

Skip Brand is the founder of the Healdsburg Running Company, President of Friends of Lake Sonoma, and initially directed all races in the Lake Sonoma Race Series. He currently serves as the Managing Director of the Lake Sonoma Race Series. Skip is a captivating storyteller, a 22-time Ironman and 15-time 100-mile finisher.

Tropical John Medinger is the founder of the Lake Sonoma 50, former publisher and owner of Ultra Runner Magazine as well as the former President of Western States Endurance Race. John and his wife Lisa have moved back to Healdsburg and are excited to add their expertise to the Lake Sonoma Race Series.

Sam Karthan, co-Race Director of the Lake Sonoma 100 mile, is affiliated with the Healdsburg Running Company and Salt Lake Running Company, where he contributes to organizing events across all their stores. Sam strives to enhance the quality of race experiences and make long-distance running accessible to everyone.

Thomas Nolan, co-Race Director of the Lake Sonoma 100 mile, works in Humboldt County conserving the redwoods and enjoys epic running adventures. Known for pushing his limits on the trails, he is also a finisher of the Tahoe 200 mile race.

Daniel Lingenfelter, co-Race Director of the Lake Sonoma 100 Mile, is a dentist and passionate runner. He co-owns Fitch Mountain Dental, a race sponsor based in Healdsburg, CA, with his wife Krista Kappus. Daniel's enthusiasm was instrumental in launching the inaugural 100-mile run at Lake Sonoma in April 2024.

Krista Kappus, co-Race Director & co-Chief of Food and Wine, is a dentist, co-owner of Fitch Mountain Dental, and an endurance runner and wine lover. Known for her Midwest humor, she adds lively energy to every event.

Krissy Pieczynski, co-Race Director & co-Chief of Food and Wine, works as a Lab Technician at Rack & Riddle and enjoys sharing her passion for wine during group runs. After recently completing her first ultra at the Mendocino 50K, she is now exploring longer distances.

Event's current local time: 8:54 AM PT