My name is Tawnya, and I’m the race director for the Annadel Half Marathon.
I want to share a few cool facts about how this race began and why it means so much to me.
The race started back in 2010, when Annadel State Park was on the list of park closures due to state funding cuts. That’s when my dear friend, fellow trail runner and mountain biker Marc Strozyk, with his deep love for the park, decided we needed to do something to help. So, he said, “Let’s put on a half marathon to raise funds for our park!” He asked me to come on board — I said yes! — and I’ve been here ever since.
I’m so proud to see how far we’ve come, and I’m so grateful for all the local community support over the years. This race has truly become a beloved tradition in Sonoma County.
That original mission continues today. A portion of our proceeds go to The Friends of Trione-Annadel, which supports the ongoing needs and improvements of the park, and our event also contributes to the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation and all they do for our county parks.
As an avid trail runner and mountain biker, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the park’s beautiful trails and soaking in its quiet stillness. Annadel truly holds a very special place in my heart.
Each one of you — whether you’re a participant, a volunteer, a sponsor, a vendor, or a spectator — brings something special to this event. I’m so grateful, and I’m continually inspired by all of you. It brings me so much joy to see you accomplish your goals out there.
So, here’s to an incredible 2026 — I can’t wait to share this next chapter with all of you!
Woohoo! See you on the trails!
I want to share a few cool facts about how this race began and why it means so much to me.
The race started back in 2010, when Annadel State Park was on the list of park closures due to state funding cuts. That’s when my dear friend, fellow trail runner and mountain biker Marc Strozyk, with his deep love for the park, decided we needed to do something to help. So, he said, “Let’s put on a half marathon to raise funds for our park!” He asked me to come on board — I said yes! — and I’ve been here ever since.
I’m so proud to see how far we’ve come, and I’m so grateful for all the local community support over the years. This race has truly become a beloved tradition in Sonoma County.
That original mission continues today. A portion of our proceeds go to The Friends of Trione-Annadel, which supports the ongoing needs and improvements of the park, and our event also contributes to the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation and all they do for our county parks.
As an avid trail runner and mountain biker, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the park’s beautiful trails and soaking in its quiet stillness. Annadel truly holds a very special place in my heart.
Each one of you — whether you’re a participant, a volunteer, a sponsor, a vendor, or a spectator — brings something special to this event. I’m so grateful, and I’m continually inspired by all of you. It brings me so much joy to see you accomplish your goals out there.
So, here’s to an incredible 2026 — I can’t wait to share this next chapter with all of you!
Woohoo! See you on the trails!