The Apple Hill® Run began in 1979 when local runners Pete and Joanne Schoener asked the Apple Hill® Growers Association to sponsor a foot race in the area. Visitors were invited to “the Hill”  for a healthy and fun family activity at the end of the traditional harvest season. Forty-four  years later the Apple Hill® Run has developed into a treasured community tradition.

Originally staged at Abel’s Apple Acres, the early runs were very low tech. The Schoeners depended on their running friends and  grower volunteers to help on race day. There were no fancy timing devices — just good old stopwatches. Runners did not wear bibs — instead they were given wooden tongue depressors with handwritten numbers on them. The event was an instant success with attendance well beyond expectations. 

In 1982 the Apple Hill® Growers Association took  over management of “the Run”, hiring  a timing company for the finish line and opting to retire the tongue depressors in favor of bibs. Maryann Argyres, an Apple Hill® grower (Argyres Orchard), single-handedly organized the run.  During that time  the Sacramento Bee reported that the Apple Hill® Run was one of the top five races in Northern California.

In 1988 Snowline Hospice assumed the management  of “the Run “, with proceeds benefiting local Hospice care. “The Run” moved to the Larsen Apple Barn and in subsequent years to ParaVi Vineyards and Lava Cap Winery.

In 1996  Camino School was designated the organizer and benefactor of “the Run”. Under the professional lead of Capital Road Race Management,  “the Run” is supported by a corps of Camino School parents and community volunteers. Over the years, proceeds have gone toward providing technology in the K-8 classrooms, a new middle school campus with  gymnasium and  amphitheater, playground equipment, visual & performing arts equipment, field trips, and a school garden.

After a hiatus during the  2020–2022 pandemic years, the Apple Hill® tradition of a relaxed family foot race in early November, rain or shine, continues today. Renamed the Apple Hill® Half Marathon in 2023 and staged at Via Romana Vineyards, “the Run” offers a Half Marathon, a 5K, and a Kids Fun Run.

Still supported by the Apple Hill® Grower Association and benefiting the Camino School, “the Run” enters its 44th year and remains one of the most popular and beloved run/walks in Northern California and a cherished Camino community tradition.