FAQ’s – Epic Trail Challenge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Epic Trail Challenge?

The Epic Trail Challenge is an in-person endurance hike taking place on Saturday, May 13, 2023 that raises funds to support Santa Rosa Community Health. The Challenge (and the training that leads up to it) takes place along our amazing Sonoma County trails.

Each Challenger has the opportunity to decide what’s Epic for them: an 11 or 20 mile route!

This one-day endurance hike will strengthen Challengers physically, mentally, and emotionally while helping support Santa Rosa Community Health.

The Epic Trail Challenge also provides natural stress relief, breathtaking views from trails all over Sonoma County, and the confidence, motivation, camaraderie, and support needed for Challengers to step into their fullest, healthiest selves!

The Challenge will of course comply with all health orders to make this a safe and inspiring adventure – it is about health, after all!

This is a hike, not a race, and it caters to all skill levels from novices to advanced trail enthusiasts. Practice hikes begin in February and, combined with our training schedule and regular clinics with our Training Partners, offer 14 full weeks of all the preparation you need to achieve your Epic goal.

Take the opportunity to push your limits! Grab your friends, family, and co-workers and make a real difference.

What is the route for the 2023 Epic Trail Challenge?

Our 2023 routes will take place at the amazing Lake Sonoma! The 11-mile route will hike through from one point to another. The 20-mile route is a loop around some of the Lake.

Our spectacular 2020 routes traversed Sonoma Valley through Jack London State Park and Sonoma Valley Regional Park.

Our amazing 2021 routes started at Shell Beach, went into Pomo Canyon, and either continued on through Willow Creek State Park or returned to the coast to enjoy the Kortum Trail.

Is there a fee to participate?

Challengers, whether participating individually or as part of a team, are asked to raise a minimum amount of funds to help elders age with dignity and safety through AgeWell PACE. A non-refundable $100 donation is required at the time of registration and will be credited toward your fundraising goal.

Learn the details about fundraising minimums for individuals and teams at one of our info sessions!

How will I reach my Hiking goal?

We support our Challengers each step of the way by providing:

An extensive endurance hike training program, including 14 weekly training hikes, a workout calendar, and training clinics with local experts.
Training clinics and articles, covering topics like avoiding injury, motivation techniques, hiking footwear, basic trail essentials, hydration, and cross-training.
A private online group where Challengers make new connections, ask questions, share photos and trail recommendations, generate informal meet-ups, and claim bragging rights.
Challenge Day trail support at multiple locations throughout the journey, including hydration, snacks, first aid, and encouragement!

How will I reach my fundraising goal?

Getting started is often the hardest part! We are with you every step of your fundraising journey as well, offering:

Individual support and an epic toolkit to ease fundraising fears and keep the “fun” in fundraising!
A personalized fundraising webpage, as well as sponsorship and fundraising materials, tips and advice.
Expert fundraising assistance to develop and implement a personal fundraising plan that feels great for you.

What if I’m worried about the fundraising part?

We often say there are TWO parts of the Epic Trail Challenge: the hiking challenge and the fundraising challenge. Sharing your journey and asking people for their support is another way to build your strength. Don’t let this part of the Challenge stop you before you get started!

We also have a “Recommitment Day” built into our schedule. It gives Challengers the opportunity to try out the training program and work at the fundraising, and any who don’t feel they can commit to either the hiking or the fundraising can step out at any time prior to that date. However, we’re 100% confident you will be surprised by what you can achieve!

Who is Santa Rosa Community Health?

At Santa Rosa Community Health, we strive to create a just and healthy community where all people can achieve their full potential for health and well-being. United in heart, health, and justice, SRCH provides excellent, comprehensive, culturally responsive health care that meets the needs of our diverse community.

Starting as a single health center in 1996, we’ve grown to eight campuses where our staff of 600+ people care for over 40,000 community members.

What is the impact of community health?

Over 40,000 people receive comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health care from SRCH annually. That’s 1 in 4 Santa Rosans!
Over 10,000 people keep their smiles healthy through more than 26,000 dental visits.
About 3,500 people get support for handling life’s challenges through nearly 18,000 mental health visits.
Eight campuses across Santa Rosa and roughly 600 team members make health care accessible when and where people need it.