RegattaCentral

For most of its course, the river flows through a nature preserve that conveys an impression of early California. In the foreground, competitors are amidst native plants and wildlife of a large wetland, and in the background the California coastal range rises to define the horizon.

Dredged in 2020, the Petaluma River is a beautful venue.  Longtime particpants will notice a few changes along the course.  Most notably,  the lack of houseboats along the bank across from Shollenberger Park, and some trees leaning towards the water at the end of the course.

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, lacking such a stolid turning point, will reverse their course around a buoy anchored that morning in the center of the river at the halfway point.