Your Perfect Runcation is Calling! A celebration of vino, fitness, and fabulousness. Whether you’re a casual runner, a wine lover, or both, we welcome everyone with open arms and a glass of wine! Who’s ready for the best race weekend ever?! The world-renowned Napa and Sonoma Valleys serve as the …
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Your Perfect Runcation is Calling! A celebration of vino, fitness, and fabulousness. Whether you’re a casual runner, a wine lover, or both, we welcome everyone with open arms and a glass of wine! Who’s ready for the best race weekend ever?!
The world-renowned Napa and Sonoma Valleys serve as the host of this incredible event; offering the finest in wine country ambience and hospitality. This popular race features a fast and scenic course starting at Cuvaison Carneros Winery and finishing in historic Sonoma Plaza in front of City Hall. The world-renowned Napa and Sonoma Valleys serve as the host of this event, offering the finest in wine country ambience and hospitality. Other activities are scheduled around the race, so bring family and friends and plan to stay and play! You’ll also meet new friends and running colleagues at this iconic event which draws from all fifty states and many foreign countries. This is not your typical running race, this is a lifestyle experience!
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Best destination run
The course has hills and vineyards has no grapes at this time of the year unfortunately. The race is well organized with a great post-race party. It is strongly recommended … MORE
The course has hills and vineyards has no grapes at this time of the year unfortunately. The race is well organized with a great post-race party. It is strongly recommended for your “runcation” weekend.
Beautiful and very well run!
I loved this race, especially as my very first one. Lots of ports potty’s and well organized, and the wine festival was a blast! And the course was breathtaking!! Did … MORE
I loved this race, especially as my very first one. Lots of ports potty’s and well organized, and the wine festival was a blast! And the course was breathtaking!! Did not like the t shirts at all though, it’s that dry fit material and I would rather have a comfy cotton t shirt to sleep in and keep as a souvenir personally. The only thing I didn’t like about the course was that the roads were very rocky and not paved evenly, easy to twist an ankle if you’re not careful.
I Don't Understand the Hype
I really don't understand the hype behind this race. This was my first time running this event despite living 50 miles away because I always avoided it due to the … MORE
I really don’t understand the hype behind this race. This was my first time running this event despite living 50 miles away because I always avoided it due to the outrageous price tag (this race always had a starting price of around $140-150 BEFORE INFLATIONARY TIMES and now starts at $165).
The wine country scenery is, of course, stunningly gorgeous but for the money I expected something more epic and I definitely expected better swag considering this was a 20th anniversary event. Instead, we got a pretty plain shirt (hot pink with some white text) and a REALLY blah medal for being a 20th anniversary commemoration. (Earlier in the year when they had done their medal reveal SO MANY people even commented on the blah’ness of the medal but they didn’t really listen to feedback.)
The insanely expensive price DOES include complete road closures (which I know can be pricey) and a very large post-race wine tasting event. But I don’t really drink and didn’t participate in the wine event. I would maybe do this race again IF they split out the cost of the wine tasting and made it optional (for example, $110 for the race, $50 as an add-on for the wine tasting) the way many other wine-themed half marathons do. But for $160 there is no way this race (to me) is worth the price. I’ve done many other wine-country half marathons in the $85 range… much more reasonable.
There are positives: exceptional aid station support, with plenty of water/electrolytes, porta potties and gels… and along the way there was even a misting station for some much needed relief from the warm temps. The finish line area was fun and the announcers were great. The shuttle busses were very efficient.
Glad I participated but likely not adding this one to my calendar each year.
Great experience from registration to fi
I really enjoyed the Napa to Sonoma half marathon.You can add on the Rose 5k for an extra challenge if you would like. I'm not local so I opted for … MORE
I really enjoyed the Napa to Sonoma half marathon.You can add on the Rose 5k for an extra challenge if you would like. I’m not local so I opted for the half only and selected bib mailing.
Once yiu register, be sure to follow on social media. There were lots of posts getting you excited for the adventure ahead.
I was later offered to add on the VIP start line experience for a modest extra. I’m so glad I did! We were treated to a lovely juice, coffee and pastry buffet. We also had our own separate portable situation. We all know how great that is. Our little party was in the Cuvaison tasting room. If it had been cold, you would be nice and cozy inside. However, it was quite warm and I spent my time on the patio watching the hot air balloons floating over the vineyards.
The course. Make no mistake, there are hills. They were mostly rolling for the first half. There was good shade during this part. Most of your pretty vineyard scenery will be in this section. The second half was flatter, but little shade. It got pretty uncomfortable in the unseasonably hot temps. The aid stations offered cold water and electrolytes. Some of the volunteers handing out water even offered to pour some water over our heads.
The finish line experience was every bit as fun as the beginning.
The race takes over the Sonoma Plaza park. After crossing the finish line we were handed lovely pink, hot air balloon shaped medals, cold water and snacks.
I headed to collect a hoodie that I preordered and a magnet for my fridge. Next on to pick up my finishers shirt, which I love and will wear often. Then I picked up my wine glass. If you like wine you would have several wineries fineries to sample. Lastly, photo ops. I noticed that they still had plenty of the challenge awards, for those who opted to run the 5k and half. I had a race earlier this year that promised a challenge medal but had none by the time I finished. So well done N2S!
Once I cooled off and changed into my new shirt, we headed to a Pizza restaurant across the plaza. It was so yummy.
All in all, it was a great experience.
Fun and chill 5K
The 5K is part of the Half Marathon weekend and was well organized and a great race overall. The course takes you from downtown out of Sonoma through some lovely … MORE
The 5K is part of the Half Marathon weekend and was well organized and a great race overall. The course takes you from downtown out of Sonoma through some lovely countryside to a turnaround near a wine estate. Overall a fairly flat course with one hill at the halfway point.
The swag is good and the glass of rose at the end is not to be missed. Overall a very fun, chill and well produced race.
Best Half Marathon
I look forward to this race each year. It is a beautiful run through the countryside of Napa and Sonoma counties. Well placed aid stations along the way and plenty … MORE
I look forward to this race each year. It is a beautiful run through the countryside of Napa and Sonoma counties. Well placed aid stations along the way and plenty of cheering squads to keep you motivated. The post-race wine tasting celebration is not to be missed, excellent showing of local wines in beautiful downtown Sonoma.
Most beautiful and refreshing 5K
This is a super fun 5k that takes you along the vineyards of beautiful Sonoma and back to downtown. The Rose station adds a bit of fun for those who … MORE
This is a super fun 5k that takes you along the vineyards of beautiful Sonoma and back to downtown. The Rose station adds a bit of fun for those who participate in the tasting while running. The course has a gradual uphill climb in the first half, then a speedy downhill descent to the finish. Can’t wait for next year!
Most beautiful run I’ve ever had !
I’m training for my first marathon this year and I wanted to compete in a half marathon on my journey. I found this race and thought- hmm beautiful vineyards and … MORE
I’m training for my first marathon this year and I wanted to compete in a half marathon on my journey. I found this race and thought- hmm beautiful vineyards and cool temps and you get wine at the end? I loved the production of the weekend (I did the 5k on Saturday also) the shirts the medals the energy the wine! I rate this a 10/10 for all levels of runners (mostly rolling hills with one uphill in the beginning) and ends in the quaint town of Sonoma! I will definitely be back!
Glad I went but not worth the hype
The course had nice views of vineyards and hot air balloons. The course contained rolling hills which was difficult paired with the hot weather and several potholes throughout the course. … MORE
The course had nice views of vineyards and hot air balloons. The course contained rolling hills which was difficult paired with the hot weather and several potholes throughout the course. There were several options to get to the start, I opted to be dropped off rather than shuttling. A downside to this is the race started late due to the amount of people still being shuttled in – the race had stated there was a strict 6:00am cutoff but this clearly wasn’t the case. We started the race in waves, I didn’t cross the start line until 7:20am. There was awesome community support from local vineyards throughout the run. The wine festival was a ton of fun but being a slow runner, I missed out on some wine as the wineries had run out of all they brought and the lines were so long at each tasting. Overall, I think the race was too big and as a result, the race production is negatively impacted.
Great Race even without wine!
First time running this race. I’m not a wine drinker, but I love a nice point to point race and great medal. This race starts at the Cuvaison Winery in … MORE
First time running this race. I’m not a wine drinker, but I love a nice point to point race and great medal. This race starts at the Cuvaison Winery in Napa and finishes at the Sonoma Town Square. It’s run on totally closed roads which I loved. There was about 1800 runners which made for a great day, too. I was never alone on the course even the last few miles. There were seven aid stations. Plenty of water, Nuun, and gels and friendly volunteers.
Bussing to the start was painless. I rode the bus from the Best Western in Napa and then after the race, rode the bus back. The finish area was very congested with road closures, race participants, and tourists. The shuttle was so easy and stress free.
The medal was awesome. The shirt was nice. Finish line goodies were aplenty. I did pick up my wine glass even though I didn’t do any tastings. 😁 . All in all a great race that is pricey, but for me, it is worth the cost because of the closed course, aid stations were well stocked with water, and great medal. I will definitely run again.
Awesome route
Great support at the hydration stations - I really liked that there were more than 2 porta potties at the stations. The after race festivities were so much fun. MORE
Great support at the hydration stations – I really liked that there were more than 2 porta potties at the stations. The after race festivities were so much fun.
No wine-ing here!!!
I don't think I could say enough positive things about this race. I did the "Wine Pairing" which was the Rose 5k on Saturday and the Half on Sunday. Packet … MORE
I don’t think I could say enough positive things about this race. I did the “Wine Pairing” which was the Rose 5k on Saturday and the Half on Sunday. Packet pick-up before the 5k was beyond easy and took less than 5 minutes. Parking in Sonoma plaza was a breeze. The starting area was spacious for all of us and we started right on time. The 5k was well marked and a beautiful tour of the neighborhood around Sonoma Plaza.
The half marathon morning had easy runner drop-off pretty close to the start line. I was there an hour before and was able to use the port-a-potties twice before the lines got really crazy. We were delayed by 12 minutes starting but the race MC kept us very updated.
The Half starts with a quarter mile big hill that gets you pumped for the rolling hills that follow! The aid stations were great and the kid volunteers made me smile! Not a ton of spectators on the course but the scenery made up for that. There was a place around mile 8 where people posted up to cheer us on which helped a ton as I was getting a little tired right then. The finish line is right as you enter Sonoma plaza and the cheering was wonderful there! The medals are really wonderfully wine barrel themed.
The race was so amazing and the wine festival after was the perfect cherry on top! Never felt too crowded and there were tons of food options! Truly was the best way to wind down from a half! Thank you so much to the organizers and volunteers for this race! It was SPECTACULAR!
Hills & Wine!
The first half of this race is tough. You quite literally run up a massive hill in the first 2 minutes of the run. So - prepare for that! After … MORE
The first half of this race is tough. You quite literally run up a massive hill in the first 2 minutes of the run. So – prepare for that! After about Mile 6 the course gets flatter (though I wouldn’t ever call it flat) and faster. I ended up doing much better than I’d anticipated, though I didn’t get a PR. Personally, I love a rolling course, so it was fun!
Other stuff: I like the medal and the shirt’s not bad. I didn’t stick around for much of the post-race wine fest, but the snacks and drinks at the end were plentiful. I thought the packet pickup was underwhelming, but not at all difficult (in fact, I thought the race ran quite smoothly overall, except for an unexplained 15 minute delay on race day morning).
Overall, it’s a beautiful run and definitely worth putting atop your bucket list races. Highly recommend!
Great Race to Run with Friends
This is the only race I have said I would do again. The course was relatively easy, nice rolling hills but nothing insane. However, the road conditions once you crossed … MORE
This is the only race I have said I would do again. The course was relatively easy, nice rolling hills but nothing insane. However, the road conditions once you crossed into the Sonoma side (about 8-9 miles) was rough. Very uneven pavement which resulted in me trying to hop around the road to find smooth surfaces. The runner drop off was not a good experience. The people directing the drop off were getting on to people for stopping to let people out. I was under the impression that I would be able to take a few minutes to put on sunscreen, say goodbye to my S.O., and get all of my gear ready after being in the car. I was running along side the car trying to get my stuff together while the guides were yelling for the drivers to keep moving. As a result, I did not get to put on any sunscreen or eat my pre-race snack. Other than those two issues, the race was amazing and the post-race wine surpassed my expectations.
Most beautiful course!!
This beautiful race begins a Cuvaison winery in Napa and Windsor through the Carneros region bringing you into historic downtown Sonoma. A couple hills, but generally a flat course. Support … MORE
This beautiful race begins a Cuvaison winery in Napa and Windsor through the Carneros region bringing you into historic downtown Sonoma. A couple hills, but generally a flat course. Support available at 2 mi intervals make it perfect for all levels of runners.
The only reason not 5 shoes for production is both times I have run the race has started late because of delay in transporting all runners to the start.
Stunning scenery
The course was absolutely stunning with amazing views as we ran through the vineyards and watched hot air balloons float by. We had great weather and the start of the … MORE
The course was absolutely stunning with amazing views as we ran through the vineyards and watched hot air balloons float by. We had great weather and the start of the event at 7:00am was ideal; not too early or late. I LOVE point to point races and this one was no exception. I’ve learned to be patient with the shuttles as they rarely run as planned; we waited until almost race start before boarding, but we did make it there in time and there were plenty of porta potties and gear check at the start in Cuivaison. The swag was great with the medal being one of my favorites ever!
So much WINE!
It was a fun race but the coordination of the buses to the start was abysmal. I arrived a bit before 6am at the shuttle pick-up closest to the finish … MORE
It was a fun race but the coordination of the buses to the start was abysmal. I arrived a bit before 6am at the shuttle pick-up closest to the finish line and got in line with about 300 other people (some of whom had been waiting since 5:15am). The buses did not show up until about 6:20 and then, because there were so many people, the full group wasn’t picked up until 6:45am. We arrived at the start as they were starting the race and many of us had to use the bathroom and/or drop off gear at gear check so we had to start the race late. It was pretty disappointing after following the directions they had given us before race day.
Otherwise it was a nice race and loved the wine festival afterwards!
Love the destination.
Loved the destination and discovering wine country. The path was a bit rough and pavement was sloped, but overall a very enjoyable run. Loved the energy and all that the … MORE
Loved the destination and discovering wine country. The path was a bit rough and pavement was sloped, but overall a very enjoyable run. Loved the energy and all that the finish line had to offer!
The only Half Marathon I run yearly!
One of the most scenic races i know of, great aide stations, plenty of hydration on the course, love the entertainment on the course at the distillery. Love the energy … MORE
One of the most scenic races i know of, great aide stations, plenty of hydration on the course, love the entertainment on the course at the distillery. Love the energy at the finish line, the after festival is amazing. Other races don’t compare!!
Poor organization
This was a point-to-point race and we needed to take a shuttle from Sonoma to the start line. Due to bad weather and poor management (someone mentioned this was under … MORE
This was a point-to-point race and we needed to take a shuttle from Sonoma to the start line. Due to bad weather and poor management (someone mentioned this was under the new company this year), we needed to wait for a shuttle more than one hour with lots of other runners under pouring rain. We missed the start time, all wet and hypothermic. This was not a good start, but I tried to catch up my target pacer. Some part of the road was not well paved and was hard on my ankles. It also took a very long time to get my checked bag back after the race. It was the worst racing experience I’ve had so far.