Plans for the 2010 event

The 2010 Petaluma River Marathon/Half Marathon will be an informal outing on what may be the most beautiful long stretch of water in California, if not the West Coast.

Here are some relevant details

• This is a non-supported event, please plan accordingly.
• We will have an incoming tide, which means the earlier and faster we row out, the more advantageous the conditions will be. Plus, we'll have a good push homeward. While the (non-) official start time is 8am, please feel free to set-off earlier, within reason, coordinating the as-yet-to-be-determined timer if you want to know your time.
• The post-race festivities are potluck
• There are two options for the half marathon

1. For those who want an out-and-back course, there will be buoy at the 1/4 marathon distance, about 6.55 miles downstream from the start.
2. For those who want a one way experience, there is a pull out at the Highway 37 bridge, about 13.1 miles downstream from the start. Boat pick-up arrangements are to be made individually by participants choosing this option.
   

• A $10 donation is welcomed.

The river is one of the most beautiful rowing and paddling venues in California, and this stretch just happens to be almost precisely the length of a half marathon. In normal circumstances the water is quite flat because the wind is calm, the scenery is stunning and there are very few motorboat wakes.

The full marathon (26.2 miles) will begin in Petaluma, go downriver 13.1 miles to the Highway 37 bridge at the mouth of the river, and return to Petaluma. The half marathon will begin at the same point, and turn half way to the Highway 37 bridge.

Enter 38.2314° N,122.6294° W in the search box on Google Maps to see the start and finish points. Enter 38.115° N, 122.505° W to see the downstream turn for the marathon.

The Petaluma River has significant tidal currents. This year people will be starting around ebb-to-flood slack, and the flood current (from the Bay towards Petaluma) will make the outbound legs longer and inbound legs shorter.

Rowing the half or full marathon distance is not an overwhelming task, provided you do not push too hard and you exercise some care about eating and drinking appropriately on the water. A few participants in 2009 bonked because they did not eat or drink enough. As they can tell you, is not fun when you cramp up for wont of water or muscle glycogen.

Please read the May 30, 2007 blog post on hydration and the July 13, 2007 blog post on nutrition. These are by a fabulous elite rower/professional nutritionist and they will help you make the right plans.