Clo Cow Half Marathon
The Clo Cow Half Marathon offers a charming small-town race experience with a unique cowbell medal.
Race Date
Oct 11, 2026
Location
Petaluma, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Location
- Petaluma, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K run
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 4,326
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Clo Cow Half Marathon, first run in 2011 and now in its 13th year, offers a unique race day experience in Petaluma, California. This well-organized event typically sees around 261 finishers, drawing participants from about four states. While the course is known for its hills and rural farmland scenery, featuring cows and the occasional whiff of manure, it's the distinctive cowbell finisher medal that truly sets this race apart.
Runners often describe the course as hillier than expected, with some descents offering a welcome finish. Despite limited crowd support, the aid stations are praised for their enthusiastic volunteers and ample water. The race provides a local community feel, making it a memorable event for those who appreciate its unique charm and the novelty of its signature award.
Race-provided description
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Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout6713 years running
~252 finishers a year
growing or steady
18% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 4 states
winner 1:23:20
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
52°
Afternoon (High)
72°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
76%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 4,326 finishers actually crossed the line across 13 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
4,326
Median time
2:08:14
Latest turnout
261
States
34
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Clo Cow Half Marathon?
The Clo Cow Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Where does the Clo Cow Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Petaluma, California.
What distances does the Clo Cow Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K run.
Is the Clo Cow Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Clo Cow Half Marathon is a hilly, loop course course.
How many people run the Clo Cow Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 4,326 runners who have completed the Clo Cow Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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