We’ve got some exciting news to share today as we announce a partnership with Healdsburg Running Company and Tropical John Medinger to introduce the Sonoma Fall Classic.
This event will feature a mixture of legacy and new events held around the infamously beautiful Lake Sonoma in Northern California. This is wine country in the midst of Fall harvest (October 17-18, 2026) and sure to be a can’t miss weekend of trail running.
This event will replace the California Fall Classic weekend, and instead play host to the classic Lake Sonoma 50 Mile race alongside some new distances including the 100 Mile “Sufferfest”, a Trail Marathon & 50/100 Mile Relays. This new race weekend will offer free camping, live race coverage, festivities & more.
The classic Lake Sonoma 50 Mile was previously hosted by Trail Sisters as part of their April event which now features a 100K, 50K & Trail Half. We look forward to supporting their event on April 11, 2026 with a live broadcast and encourage you to check them out as well!
We want to welcome Lake Sonoma local Sam Karthan as Race Director for the Sonoma Fall Classic, Skip Brand of Healdsburg Running Company as our local community host & Tropical John for his trust to continue the legacy of the Lake Sonoma 50 Mile. Of course we couldn’t do this without all of the amazing volunteers & sponsors that make the Lake Sonoma events possible & Wilson Wineries for their local partnership & venues. The event will continue to support the local vineyard worker’s scholarship fund.
Bookmark January 1st for open of registration and give us a follow over at the Sonoma Fall Classic Instagram page for all of our updates. We hope to see you in wine country in 2026!
Sincerely,
Jamil Coury
& the Aravaipa Running Team
If you want the full press release we’ve also included it below for the full details on this exciting announcement:
Aravaipa Running Partners with Lake Sonoma and Healdsburg Running Company to Launch the Sonoma Fall Classic
December 23, 2025 — Aravaipa Racing, a premier U.S. race production company, is proud to announce a new partnership with the iconic Lake Sonoma 50 and the Healdsburg Running Company to launch the Sonoma Fall Classic, debuting in October 2026.
This collaboration unites ultrarunning pioneer Tropical John Medinger with Jamil Coury and the Aravaipa Running team. With more than four decades in the sport, Tropical John emphasizes that Aravaipa’s proven excellence and innovative race management make them the ideal partner to guide the next chapter of the Lake Sonoma Race Series, ensuring the event’s special character is preserved. “Aravaipa Running has shown deep respect for the traditions of California trail racing and the Lake Sonoma community,” Tropical John states. “The classic Lake Sonoma 50 Mile now enters a new chapter – one that blends community, authenticity, and fun, ensuring an unforgettable weekend for runners and crews alike.
The Sonoma Fall Classic will replace the California Fall Classic on the race calendar and feature a new mix of distances. The weekend will now be held October 17-18 in Wine Country and will carry forward the legacy of Tropical John’s original Lake Sonoma 50 Miler (moving from its traditional April date) alongside three other unique trail events: the Sufferfest 100 Mile, Trail Marathon, and 100 Mile and 50 Mile relays.
The April race will continue under the leadership of Trail Sisters & Gina Lucrezi as the Lake Sonoma 100K, 50K & Trail Sisters Half. Gina, founder and president of Trail Sisters notes, “Jamil and Aravaipa will honor the Lake Sonoma vibe while creating new opportunities for growth and an even better experience for all runners”.
At its core, the Sonoma Fall Classic is designed to protect and preserve the tight-knit community, volunteer culture, and authentic spirit that have long defined the series. Organizers are committed to maintaining the welcoming, grassroots feel runners know and love, while pairing it with Aravaipa’s nationally recognized production, media reach, and athlete-first experience.
Skip Brand, founder of the Healdsburg Running Company and Executive Director of the Lake Sonoma Race Series, believes this balance is key to the event’s future. “When sustainable growth is rooted in local authenticity, the potential for the Sonoma Fall Classic is immense through Jamil’s team ownership,” Brand said.
Sam Karthan, the Race Director for the Lake Sonoma 100 Mile & California Fall Classic 100K will continue as Race Director for the Sonoma Fall Classic. “We look forward to working with Aravaipa and Coury to deliver an elevated race weekend that remains inclusive and community-driven. The event will now feature a festival-style atmosphere that brings added excitement not just for runners, but for crews, volunteers, and spectators as well.”
The Sonoma Fall Classic aims to blend old-school ultrarunning tradition with the high-energy, entertaining experience Aravaipa is known for. With music, celebration, and thoughtfully produced race elements woven into the weekend, it promises to be an experience that extends far beyond the finish line.
Coury adds, ”We are excited to partner with Healdsburg Running Company & continue the legacy of incredible running events at Lake Sonoma crafted by Tropical John this upcoming Fall at the Sonoma Fall Classic. The Lake Sonoma 50 Mile has such a rich history and we want to preserve that legacy into the future for the next generation of ultra runners.”
About Aravaipa Running
Aravaipa Running is an event management company based in Phoenix, Arizona, and is recognized as North America’s largest and most respected race management and media organization. A premier U.S. race production company, Aravaipa is known for its proven excellence, innovative race management, athlete-first experience, and high-energy, entertaining events.
About Healdsburg Running Company (HRC)
Healdsburg Running Company (HRC) is a trail running specialty retailer based in Sonoma County, California. Founded by Skip Brand, HRC acts as the local host and community partner for the Sonoma Fall Classic, serving as a pillar for the local running community and preserving the authentic, grassroots feel of the Lake Sonoma Race Series.
About the Sonoma Fall Classic
The Sonoma Fall Classic is an annual trail running festival debuting in October 2026, owned and managed by Aravaipa Running in partnership with Healdsburg Running Company. The event is designed to protect and preserve the community, volunteer culture, and authentic spirit of the legacy Lake Sonoma races, blending old-school ultrarunning tradition with a high-energy, festival-style atmosphere.
About Tropical John Medinger
Tropical John Medinger is an ultrarunning pioneer with more than four decades in the sport and is credited as the founder of the original Lake Sonoma 50 Miler. He has served on the Western States Board for 30 years and remains committed to ensuring the event’s special character and traditions are preserved.
About Trail Sisters
Trail Sisters, founded and led by Gina Lucrezi, is an organization focused on increasing women’s participation and representation in trail running. Trail Sisters will continue to lead the April Lake Sonoma race under the name Lake Sonoma 100K, 50K & Trail Sisters Half.