Sonoma’s annual Hit the Road Jack race drops half-marathon, shorter races June 2

The 32nd annual Hit the Road Jack runners will take off at the gun on Sunday morning, June 2, at 8 a.m., from Spain Street at the Sonoma Plaza. Distances of 3.5 and 10 kilometers will be tracked, and a 60-yard “Kids Dash” will be held at 10:30 a.m.

This year, however, the traditional half-marathon will not be run.

Up to 1,000 runners, volunteers and supportive families are expected to celebrate Sonoma and an active, healthy lifestyle.

Over the years, according to the event website, “Hit the Road Jack has provided multi-generational families from Sonoma and the surrounding Bay Area cities with an opportunity to experience our community and create magical memories for all ages with a focus on giving back to the community.”

All distances are on paved streets with little elevation gain. The last year results were reported, 2017, showed Charles King, 22, won the 3.5K with a time of 11:48, and the top woman runner was Candy Owens, 25, with a time of 13:49.

The 10k winners were Christopher Tose, 21, with a time of 32:31; Angela Matthews, 54, was the top woman finisher at 41:47.

Previous years have included a half-marathon distance, which is not being run this year.

Age divisions start at 9 and under and continue well into the senior years, including 80 and over. Awards for first, second and third places for both male and female runners are given, and overall finishers are recognized in the age divisions.

All Kids Dash participants will all receive a finishers medal.

The Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association, a community-focused nonprofit organization, took over race organization in 2013. For more information visit hittheroadjack.org.