20th Annual Petaluma River Marathon/Half-Marathon
North Bay Rowing Club
625 2nd Street
(707) 888-6960
Sunday September 1, 2024
06:30 am - 12:00 pm
Free
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. 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. 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.
Spectators: The race can be viewed from Petaluma River Park (start/finish); along the river trail through Alman Marsh (from the Sheraton) and from the lookout at Shollenberger Park and along the riverside portion of Shollenberger trail. Gilardi’s Lakeville Marina is a good place to view the half-marathon turnaround as well as marathoners as they head out and back. Sundrop Sauna now has a semipermanent sauna and plunge out there. There’s also a picnic table and restrooms. The NBRC boatyard will not be able to host spectators.
The races begin launching at 6:30 AM and will finish before noon.