Lake Sonoma Race Series Honors Local Firefighters with New 100 Mile Event in 2025

July 30, 2024

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Lake Sonoma Race Series (LSRS) proudly announces the inaugural Lake Sonoma 100-mile race, scheduled for February 1, 2025. The race will be dedicated to Northern Sonoma County Fire (formerly known as the Geyserville Fire Department) who has confronted ongoing challenges posed by the many wildfires of recent years.

Benjamin White, Operating Project Manager at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, commends their dedication and skill in mitigating damage and safeguarding the Park from fire. He is thankful for their ongoing effort towards vegetation management and fuels reduction while maintaining roads and trails to improve the overall fire safety for a better Lake Sonoma.

LSRS extends heartfelt gratitude for their exceptional efforts in minimizing the impact on our community and profound thanks to all firefighters who have safeguarded our region. Regrettably, four homes were lost in the most recent fire, and our thoughts are with the affected families. Fortunately, Lake Sonoma, which spans 2,700 acres of lake surface area and 50 miles of shoreline, sustained no damage during the most recent fire.

Skip Brand, founder of Healdsburg Running Company, is also President of the Friends of Lake Sonoma (FOLS), a volunteer group that promotes recreational activities at the lake. Under the leadership of Executive Director Jane Young, FOLS recently received a grant notification for $100,000 to foster, maintain and develop more and improved recreational opportunities at Lake Sonoma!

LSRS celebrates Gina Lucrezi, the Race Director of the Lake Sonoma 50 and Marathon, for her continued excellent stewardship. Looking ahead, Lake Sonoma eagerly anticipates the California Fall Classic 100k and 55k events, now jointly directed by Ted Knudsen of the San Francisco Running Company and Skip Brand, founder of the Healdsburg Running Company. (Brand was formerly the sole manager of the race.) This collaboration promises an exciting event for participants and spectators alike, marking a new chapter in our race series with the expertise of SFRC and the Bay Area’s influence.

At the upcoming California Fall Classic, 50 running stores and trail shops are invited to participate with complimentary entries for one representative from each store in either the 55k or 100k race categories. It is time to help our young runners working at trail shops be able to race big venues for free!

The new 100-mile race will be a significant addition to our race series. It was inspired by endurance pioneers such as Dan Lingenfelter, Sam Karthan, Thomas Nolan, and West Wood. Their commitment to pushing endurance limits at Lake Sonoma 50 by completing the course twice in one go has paved the way for this thrilling new challenge.

Krista Kappus and Krissy Pieczynski lead as Chief Wine and Food Officers, ensuring a delightful culinary experience that gives runners, crews, pacers, and families a full taste of the wine country experience. This event, boasting over 22,000 feet of elevation gain, will provide a challenging test for even the most veteran of ultra runners.

Experience the newly expanded Lake Sonoma 100 Mile race, now featuring 25 miles of fresh trails and a relay option for running clubs. Set against the scenic backdrop of trails familiar to Lake Sonoma veterans and newly unveiled paths, this early-season challenge promises a huge adventure for participants. The race is the culmination of a vision Skip Brand has nurtured for 10 years.

The Lake Sonoma 100 Miler guarantees an unforgettable experience for seasoned ultrarunners and newcomers alike. Mark your calendars for February 1st, 2025, and be a part of this landmark in endurance racing.

Concurrent with the Lake Sonoma 100 Miler, LSRS will also host a backyard race, where runners will be challenged to run 4.17 miles each and every hour, until there is only one runner left standing. The Bay Area Backyard event will take place around the camp area while 100-milers tackle the relentless trails of Lake Sonoma.

About the Lake Sonoma 100 Mile Race Committee

Skip Brand is the founder of the Healdsburg Running Company, President of Friends of Lake Sonoma, and initially directed all races in the Lake Sonoma Race Series. He currently serves as the Managing Director of the Lake Sonoma Race Series. Skip is a captivating storyteller, a 22-time Ironman and 15-time 100-mile finisher.

Tropical John Medinger is the founder of the Lake Sonoma 50, former publisher and owner of Ultra Runner Magazine as well as the former President of Western States Endurance Race. John and his wife Lisa have moved back to Healdsburg and are excited to add their expertise to the Lake Sonoma Race Series.

Sam Karthan, co-Race Director of the Lake Sonoma 100 mile, is affiliated with the Healdsburg Running Company and Salt Lake Running Company, where he contributes to organizing events across all their stores. Sam strives to enhance the quality of race experiences and make long-distance running accessible to everyone.

Thomas Nolan, co-Race Director of the Lake Sonoma 100 mile, works in Humboldt County conserving the redwoods and enjoys epic running adventures. Known for pushing his limits on the trails, he is also a finisher of the Tahoe 200 mile race.

Daniel Lingenfelter, a dentist by profession and passionate runner, co-owns Fitch Mountain Dental in Healdsburg, CA, with his wife Krista Kappus. He organized and took part in the inaugural 100- mile run at Lake Sonoma in April 2024.

Krista Kappus, a dentist and co-owner of Fitch Mountain Dental, is a passionate runner and wine enthusiast. Known for her Midwest humor, she brings lively energy to any gathering.

Krissy Pieczynski, Lab Technician at Rack & Riddle, enjoys sharing her love of wine at group runs. Recently completing her first ultra with the Mendocino 50k, she is exploring longer distance running.