Lake Sonoma Race Series Changes For Growth, Sponsors, Media, And To Help Western State Qualifiers!

October 1, 2025

LAKE SONOMA (October 1, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — In response to the expanding popularity of the Lake Sonoma Race Series and the vibrant running community in Wine Country, organizers are excited to announce significant changes for the 2026 race calendar. These modifications aim to enhance participant experience, attract sponsors, and accommodate the needs of those seeking qualifying races.

In April 2026, the Lake Sonoma Race Series will feature a revamped lineup, directed by Gina Lucrezi of Trail Sisters. The California Fall Classic 100K will now take place in April as the TERREX Lake Sonoma 100k, alongside a brand-new 50K race. This exciting addition will be paired with the growing Trail Sisters Women’s Half Marathon. Notably, the late-season Western States qualifier 100K will also move to April, providing ultra runners with an early-season qualification opportunity. This challenging 100K, boasting nearly 15,000 feet of elevation gain, will be streamed live by Mountain Outpost, solidifying its status as both a qualifier and a championship race. “I’m so excited to host the new TERREX Lake Sonoma 100K in April and as a Western States Qualifier race! This early season qualifier provides runners aiming to nab their WSER qualifier in springtime weather, while celebrating Lake Sonoma’s legendary single track trails and lake views, along with its storied history with Western States as qualifier (and past golden ticket event). A relentless course paired with a relentless community of runners and volunteers ready to put on NorCal’s best trail running party.” – Gina Lucrezi

Adidas TERREX, known for its premier trail running shoes, will join as a second-year sponsor, helping to transform these events and elevate their profile within the ultra-running community. The changes are anticipated to increase participation in the Western States qualifier, allowing more runners to enter the lottery while maintaining a high percentage of finishers.

With these changes, the April and October races are poised to attract nearly 1,000 participants over their respective weekends. In October 2026, the Lake Sonoma 100-Miler (Sufferfest) will be joined with the original Lake Sonoma 50-Miler and Lake Sonoma Marathon. The Lake Sonoma 100 and 50 mile relays (Shitshow) will makeup the California Classic Trailfest.

Sam Karthan, Co-race director for the California Fall Classic and the new race director for the Lake Sonoma 100-Miler is “looking forward to building the 100-Miler in the fall, with more vert, more single track, more opportunities for live streaming, trail running shops, run clubs who need free camping at the four day Fall Festival with all distances and even relays throughout the weekend.”

The Sufferfest 100-Miler, featuring an impressive 26,000 feet of vertical gain, aims to attract ultra runners with cooler weather, free camping, and enhanced live streaming, thanks to new partners and existing sponsors. The fall series is set to establish itself as the premier destination for ultra running in Wine Country during October.

Skip, the Series Executive Director, says “These changes are designed not only to accommodate those seeking qualifiers (Western States and with Hardrock being a future goal) but also to enhance the original Lake Sonoma 50-Miler as a launch pad for young runners eager to kickstart their ultra careers.”

Tropical John Medinger, the original founder of the race, will lend his expertise to carry on this historic event complete with new sponsors and the nostalgic (old school) feel that runners cherish.

Sam Karthan will serve as the race director for the 100-Miler, relays, and the OG LS50, with guidance from Tropical John Medinger and support from Healdsburg Running Company’s Skip Brand. Together, they will ensure that the California Fall Classic 100-Mile and 50-Mile races grow in stature and participant interest within the ultra community.

Join us in embracing these exciting changes as we continue to celebrate the spirit of the Lake Sonoma Race Series!

For more information, please contact:

Skip Brand – Executive Director Lake Sonoma Race Series
skip@healdsburgrunningcompany.com

Gina Lucrezi – 100k, 50k, TS Half Marathon
gina@trailsisters.net