MyBESTRuns

Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon Cancelled due to Fire

We are sad to announce that we must cancel the Hallowine Run on October 26th due to the Kincaid fire which has burned over 10,000 acres in Northeast Sonoma County and forced evacuations in Geyserville, near our race start venue at Coppola Winery. Local law enforcement and other vital resources are needed to help with evacuations, road closures, fire fighting and other support duties over the next few days.

We would like to support the fire victims and responders who work so tirelessly to save lives, homes, businesses and natural habitat in the area. One way to show our appreciation - and YOURS - is come to our Race Expo in Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square from noon to 6:00pm tomorrow. We are asking all our exhibitors and other vendors to also show their support by coming to the expo tomorrow as planned. There will be wine and beer tasting, product sampling and demonstrations, food truck, music, a raffle, fun runs, games and more! Registered runners will be able to pick up their race shirt, wine glass, medal and even race bib if desired. We have plenty of product from our sponsors and exhibitors that will be offered to the race participants and also donated to those evacuated by the fire, and firefighters. Wine and beer tasting is complimentary for all registered runners and $15 for others (includes wine glass). The event is open to the public. Our staff and many of our volunteers will be there to manage the event.

While most of wine country in Northern California remains open and most wineries are not directly affected, those wineries in the Alexander Valley, including Coppola, are currently closed. Dry Creek Valley wineries and downtown Healdsburg tasting rooms are open today and not directly impacted. This weekend some of our participating wineries will be offering wine club member for a day benefits such as a complimentary wine tasting and a discount on wine purchases to registered runners. We will post those wineries on social and our website as soon as we learn which ones are open and making that offer. We hope this information is helpful for those of you traveling from out of town.

Once we’ve had a chance to confer with our charity partners, vendors, Active Network and suppliers, we’ll be sending another email next week explaining your options regarding your entry. Right now we are focused on dealing with logistics and communication to all our suppliers, wineries, hotels, etc. In times of crisis we have seen the local community, and the running community, come together to support those affected by this natural disaster that has become all too commonplace in recent years. Thanks again for your understanding, patience and support.

posted Saturday October 26th