Petaluma River marathon a chance to go play outside

On Sunday, Sept. 4, participants in the 13th Annual Petaluma River Marathon and Half-Marathon, in all manner of human-powered watercraft, will paddle the river.|

When I'm on Highway 101, the Petaluma Boulevard South exit takes me home. Ever since the enhancement of the bridge to its full 907 feet, with 212 feet between its pillars, I've thoroughly enjoyed the expansive overview it offers of the Petaluma River.

What many of us don't consider as we cross it, perhaps mumbling about the fact that its span seems forever under construction, is that below, boaters rejoice. On Sunday, Sept. 4, participants in the 13th Annual Petaluma River Marathon and Half-Marathon, in all manner of human-powered watercraft, will pass below, threading a mighty vast, and therefore simple, needle, especially with relatively high launch-time tides of 5.5 feet for full marathoners at 6:30 a.m. and 3.5 feet for half-marathoners at 7:15 a.m.

Never again will competitors have to pass between the narrow span of the old bridge, which was especially harrowing at low tide.

Petaluma's watery marathon and half-marathon event is unusual in a particular dichotomy. On one hand, its planning, layout and safety measures are fastidiously carried out, something highly attractive to people operating under their own power, often in the fog, and in the case of rowers, backwards, along the Petaluma River, which is fortuitously exactly 13.1 miles long from the North Bay Rowing Club dock to a 19th century railroad bridge just south of the Highway 37 bridge.

On the other hand, there is an equally enticing completely insouciant atmosphere at the post-race potluck on the Foundry Wharf lawn, which for the last several years has included the adorning of all who finish the full marathon with what the event's registration packet terms, “hard-earned, handcrafted, wild-harvested Petaluma laurel wreaths.” Food and stories are shared by all as the sun nears its zenith in the Petaluma sky.

Most likely, the nature of the event has been formed by the culture of its host, The North Bay Rowing Club, whose website tag line is, “Equal Opportunity for All.” In the case of the marathon, “all” includes those whose ages range from 13 to near 80, in any and all types of boats and boards, their experience ranging from ocean rowing to the Olympics to local paddling.

One year, two Frenchmen competed in a dory, fully prepared with a hamper stocked with lunch. The only restriction is that stand up paddleboarders may not attempt the full marathon, as safety staff on the course require lunch as well; Stand up paddleboarders must be able to make 13.1 miles in less than three and a-half hours.

As much as you enjoy paddling about, you may be asking yourself why someone would attempt such a thing. Susan Starbird, head coach for the River Town Racers kayaking club, says, “Historically the weather is good and the potluck afterwards is fun - maybe that's because everyone's so elated they finished. Kayak, canoe and SUP paddlers can think of this as the beginning of their seasonal training for next year's super-long-distance races.”

She suggests you might even “find out what kind of mettle you have for paddling 26.2 miles. Or even 13.1, given this year's tide forecast. Regardless of time, everyone who finishes this race deserves a big pat on the back, as well as a massage!”

As someone who has rowed the half-marathon with friends in a quadruple scull, I can say that the magnificent and ever-changing view is an equally compelling incentive. Ned Orrett, organizer and multi-year marathon rower, agrees, writing, “The spectacular water conditions and visual appeal of the Petaluma River as it transits its wetland between the coastal hills and Sonoma Mountain provide an ideal setting for this rare event.”

So next time you traverse our spanking new 101 bridge, perhaps flying by the impressive tower of the raised green railroad bridge, or even when you scoot along the Highway 37 bridge on the far end of the marathon course, take a look out at the river you're crossing, and consider joining those who choose to race upon the uncannily marathon-ready waterway below.

Sign up at Regatta Central here.

(Maggie Hohle moved her family from the East Coast to Petaluma in 2007 and immediately fell in love with rowing on the Petaluma River thanks to the North Bay Rowing Club. She spends her spare time working towards river access for all on “Petaluma's Longest Park.”)

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