Healdsburg, CA -The Lake Sonoma 50 Mile (LS50) race event hits 15 years this April 9th, and has lead a very impressive history thus far! Founder and original Race Director (RD) John Medinger created the relentless LS50 course and turned it into one of America’s most competitive 50 mile ultra trail races. Skip Brand owner of the Healdsburg Running Company took over the RD reigns in 2019 putting his spin on the event creating a community atmosphere boasting of celebration and camaraderie. This April 9th, Gina Lucrezi takes over as RD and has set the stage to expand participant growth while focusing on a welcoming experience for all involved in the event.
The quest for expansion with enhanced participant experience, requires teamwork, visionaries, and strong partners. RD Gina Lucrezi and Race Host Skip Brand are extremely excited to welcome The North Face as the new premier partner for the LS50 and (new) Marathon. This multi-year partnership includes additional race distances and increased participation opportunities.
“The North Face and I share many of the same goals and outlook for the sport of trail and ultra running, and they are also experts in creating large scale bucket list events. My vision for a welcoming event weekend that can cater to multiple abilities and distances is something TNF can help bring to reality.” Gina Lucrezi – Race Director Lake Sonoma 50 Mile and Marathon
2022 events include the original 50 mile race event which put Lake Sonoma on the map, and also a new marathon distance. Between these two events, there will be approx. 750 total participants.
“After fifteen amazing years in wine country, the Lake Sonoma 50 has become known both as a competitive elite Ultra and a community race that gives back, and 2022 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the LSRS. The partnership with Trail Sisters ensures that these races will become a model for diversity, inclusion and equality and the addition of The North Face as the title sponsor for the 50 Mile and Marathon will allow the Lake Sonoma Race Series to grow and evolve into a world class destination for elites and amateurs alike. We can’t wait to see what happens next.” Skip Brand – Lake Sonoma Race Series Director.
2023 will include two additional events, a women’s only trail half marathon and a community 10k event. The weekend will total four events, which will be split between Saturday and Sunday.
“We are excited to join forces with Gina Lucrezi, Skip Brand, Trail Sisters, and the amazing Healdsburg and Lake Sonoma communities. Lake Sonoma 50 has an incredible history of creating a fun atmosphere for elites and the wider trail community for a weekend that goes well beyond just the races, and we look forward to bringing our energy to such an iconic event. We have sincerely missed partying with all of you in California and look forward to this partnership in creating an inclusive, welcoming event that continues to be a highlight of the trail race season.” Jamie Starr – Director of Sports Marketing, The North Face
Though the races may be the bread and butter, the event weekend will include additional activations for participants, crew, and community members to enjoy.
Menu
