The Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon is dedicated to fostering and promoting quality road racing in an inspiring setting. Known as the “biggest little marathon in the West,” the Marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course. The Napa Valley …
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The Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon is dedicated to fostering and promoting quality road racing in an inspiring setting. Known as the “biggest little marathon in the West,” the Marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course.
The Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon strives to maintain our level of excellence and offer the best running experience to runners in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.
Following the famed Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa, our point to point marathon passes beautiful scenery, vineyards, and some of the most world-renowned wineries along the way. Run, sip, and savor with us!
Beginning from Conn Creek Winery on the Silverado Trail, our half marathon offers a fast course and a scintillating tour through wine country. Don’t miss it!
The Kiwanis Club of the Greater Napa Valley 5K is a quick out and back from the main finish line. All funds from this event go back to the Napa Valley community.
The Napa Valley Marathon is a member of the Road Runners Club of America and Running USA, the largest and most influential running-related organizations in the world. In 2013, the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon was voted the best road race in the country by the Road Runners Club of America.
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Great Swag and Speedy Course
This was a great course for a PR. With a net downhill, it is easy to be speedy, though my quads were feeling it for a couple of days afterward. … MORE
This was a great course for a PR. With a net downhill, it is easy to be speedy, though my quads were feeling it for a couple of days afterward. On another note, I loved the material of the race shirt and the swag bag/backpack was a unique offering.
Logisitics-wise, this a point-to-point course, so getting to the starting line requires you to either be dropped off or to take one the provided shuttles. For me, this was the biggest drawback, as the shuttles were scheduled to leave at 5:10 AM for a 7 AM start (we actually started boarding closer to 5:30), and I personally like to sleep in as long as I can. The ride overall didn’t feel too long, maybe 30-45 minutes or so. I wasn’t paying much attention as I was chatting with my seatmate, whom I met that morning. I do know that the shuttles arrived with ample time for gear drop off and to wait in a porta-potty line (which is why they gave us the early departure time). The gear line took, what felt like, a fair amount of time, though my perception was likely distorted by my impatience to get to the bathrooms and find my spot at the start. There weren’t any corrals so the start line was a bit of a mob, but once we got going, it thinned out in the first mile.
The course itself was very peaceful, I thought. It was an overcast morning, and I chose not to run with my earphones, so I found my rhythm listening to the collective sound of sneakers striking the pavement and increasingly labored breathing. The collective effervescence was invigorating. The vineyards in early March are pretty bare, but looking out over them was nonetheless lovely. The crowd support was fairly sparse as we were stretched on a wine country road, mostly appearing at aid stations and as we got closer to town and the finish line. The road itself was fairly straight, with some gentle curves around some bends. There are a couple of 90 degree turns starting at mile 10 as you start to get closer to town. There is one last sharp turn as you enter the last 200 meters or so of the finish, which might impede your kick.
After finishing, medals were swiftly handed out, and photographers were ready to snap a shot. I don’t really remember what options they had for post-race snacks, but I know I accepted a can of water and a banana. Although most people used the identical race backpacks, gear pickup was very easy and efficient. They had all of the backpacks/gear bags organized in the gym by bib number and I was handed my pack in literally 5 seconds. I walked back to my hotel, which was closer to downtown Napa, but some shuttles can drop you off at the same parking lot as the morning shuttles. All in all, it was a good experience and a great race!
Fun Rae with smooth rolling hills
Super fun race with small smooth hills from Calistoga to Yountville then a flat finish. It was perfect weather this year which made it a perfect first marathon. I highly … MORE
Super fun race with small smooth hills from Calistoga to Yountville then a flat finish. It was perfect weather this year which made it a perfect first marathon. I highly recommend!
A Beautiful and Unforgettable Race
Stunning course, well organized, and an unforgettable race day. Napa Valley Marathon is challenging, beautiful, and absolutely worth it. 🏃🏽♂️🍇 MORE
Stunning course, well organized, and an unforgettable race day. Napa Valley Marathon is challenging, beautiful, and absolutely worth it. 🏃🏽♂️🍇
Beautiful course
So scenic with very gentle rolling hills. Perfect for a first marathon. Only issue was an absolute lack of required bathrooms, and the buses barely dropped me off in time … MORE
So scenic with very gentle rolling hills. Perfect for a first marathon. Only issue was an absolute lack of required bathrooms, and the buses barely dropped me off in time for the race because of the long lines. Even on the course I had to stand and wait in line, which was a bummer for my timing.
Gorgeous and Fast Race
Highly recommend the Napa Valley (half) Marathon. Well organized. Beautiful. Course is mainly flat/downhill. Plenty of aid stations and support along the way. I have raced it multiple times, I'm … MORE
Highly recommend the Napa Valley (half) Marathon. Well organized. Beautiful. Course is mainly flat/downhill. Plenty of aid stations and support along the way. I have raced it multiple times, I’m a huge fan!
Enjoyable Race
It was a well-organized event. Ther were free wine and beer in Expo. Buses are well staged. Make sure you have enough time for bag check and bathroom before the … MORE
It was a well-organized event.
Ther were free wine and beer in Expo.
Buses are well staged.
Make sure you have enough time for bag check and bathroom before the race.
Incredible views and excellent race
The race was extremely well executed. For my first time it was so nice to know that there would be plenty of aid, water stations and porta potties throughout the … MORE
The race was extremely well executed. For my first time it was so nice to know that there would be plenty of aid, water stations and porta potties throughout the course. The course itself was not only beautiful but had fun gentle sloping hills that made the downhills actually fun without killing your knees. Transportation was warm, clean and perfectly on-time. Literally the perfect set up for anyone looking to enjoy their race. Highly recommend!
Beautiful, quick, and sparse
Was really really pretty, the first half is rolling hills and even though it is net downhill, it still has its ups don’t let them fool you. The first part … MORE
Was really really pretty, the first half is rolling hills and even though it is net downhill, it still has its ups don’t let them fool you. The first part is the most pretty and then it gets more flat and valley like. Weather was good, they kept saying it is not usually that good so I think we got lucky! The get you there like an hour and change before race time which I think is perfect to warm up, hit the restrooms, and mentally prepare compared to waiting hours before the race. First 16 miles are pretty sparse on water stations, wish I brought my own bottle. Sometimes they would be 4-6 miles apart in stations which was tough. After mile 18, they get closer to 2 miles apart with it getting more frequent as you near the end. Despite being a very solitary race, the vibes are high and there is a good amount of pockets where people come to spectate and cheer you on.
Maybe I can do a full?!🤩
I absolutely loved this course, the weather was excellent and the scenery impeccable. I was able to PR and the run felt so “comfortable” I am delusional thinking I could … MORE
I absolutely loved this course, the weather was excellent and the scenery impeccable. I was able to PR and the run felt so “comfortable” I am delusional thinking I could do the full marathon soon 🤣
Run many; will run more
- The comms and organization are among the best - It's a welcoming environment at packet pick-up; it's way more chill than your giant expos with just the right amount … MORE
– The comms and organization are among the best
– It’s a welcoming environment at packet pick-up; it’s way more chill than your giant expos with just the right amount of frenzy to get pre-race amps notched up
– Race morning is similar; just enough energy to get your vibe going but no unnecessary logisitical hurdles to drain your battery
– The course is spectacular whether it is sunny, cold, rainy, or foggy. The ONLY thing that could be said is that after 22 miles of being on the same road, you’re definitely ready for a change.
– Enjoy the post-race spread and energy as you reconnect with friends, racers and family. Grab some hot soup before you go get your gear bag, which is a super fast process (no standing in long lines or waiting while confused volunteers hunt for you bag).
2nd Napa, 63rd marathon
Well organized event from registration to the finish line and beyond. Well organized transportation to the start. Beautiful course. Rolls a fair amount in the first half. Flatter on the … MORE
Well organized event from registration to the finish line and beyond. Well organized transportation to the start. Beautiful course. Rolls a fair amount in the first half. Flatter on the second half. Volunteers were awesome. Not a good spectator course but that’s just the nature of the course. Finish line area was well laid out with good signage.
Simply amazing!
One of the most beautiful and scenic route/ trail. Feels so at peace and yet challenging at the same time. The views were amazing throughout. Napa makes it a top … MORE
One of the most beautiful and scenic route/ trail. Feels so at peace and yet challenging at the same time. The views were amazing throughout.
Napa makes it a top run-cation location. Just beautiful all around.
Organized run, not impressed by scenery
Positives ======= - Well organized run - They sent multiple helpful emails before the race with the details - I chose "bib by mail" and got couple of emails with … MORE
Positives
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– Well organized run
– They sent multiple helpful emails before the race with the details
– I chose “bib by mail” and got couple of emails with the reminder. The bib also arrived in time couple of weeks before the run
– The hydration stations were quite a few and well stocked with water, Nuun.
– They gave gu also in one station
– Best part was the swag – excellent full hand t-shirt and and a good quality carry bag that I can use for hiking
Negatives
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– I came from the bay area on the race morning and the shuttle from the school was at 5:15 AM. The shuttle reached the starting point by 5:45 AM and we were in the bus waiting till 7 AM. Wish they had one more shuttle starting at 5:45 AM or later from the school. This could have avoided me & others from the bay area to start at 3:45 AM or earlier.
– The race is not very scenic, you end up seeing multiple wineries and after a while it gets boring. Definitely better than running through a downtown but better to keep the expectations low about the scenery.
The Silverado Trail is a must see!
Very well organized. Fantastic weather. Aid stations along the way and porta potties along with Water or Nuun solution cups. The swag was also awesome. I plan to make this … MORE
Very well organized. Fantastic weather. Aid stations along the way and porta potties along with Water or Nuun solution cups. The swag was also awesome. I plan to make this a yearly event!
Iconic race in wine country
Beautiful views of vineyards with only a few small hills sprinkled in. This is the perfect race for first-timers or anyone looking for a scenic run! MORE
Beautiful views of vineyards with only a few small hills sprinkled in. This is the perfect race for first-timers or anyone looking for a scenic run!
Beautiful
Very organized from the expo to the buses to the start line. The scenery was absolutely amazing and the vibe was equally fantastic. I will be running this race again. … MORE
Very organized from the expo to the buses to the start line. The scenery was absolutely amazing and the vibe was equally fantastic. I will be running this race again. Thank You to the City of Napa and Calistoga and all the people cheering us on.
Great Weather, Great Views
This was my first Marathon and I thought it was a perfect race for a first timer. It offered a bit of challenge but still had a net downhill overall … MORE
This was my first Marathon and I thought it was a perfect race for a first timer. It offered a bit of challenge but still had a net downhill overall with the added fun of a few hills during the race. Great views and great weather!
First marathon, stunning scenery!
I really enjoyed running along the Silverado Trail with those beautiful vineyard views and even some sheep! I loved that it was a point-to-point route with no out-and-backs, and the … MORE
I really enjoyed running along the Silverado Trail with those beautiful vineyard views and even some sheep! I loved that it was a point-to-point route with no out-and-backs, and the water stations were plenty and well-staffed. That said, bib pickup felt a bit chaotic and crowded, and I wish there were more spots for spectators. Running for that distance without more spectator support made the mental challenge even tougher. For the registration price, I was also hoping for a few more perks at the finish. Overall, I’m happy it was my first marathon, but at this price, I probably wouldn’t do this course again.
Beautiful course and well organized
The most beautiful half I've personally done!! The weather was perfect and course was relatively flat with some small up and downs. Nice swags and easy transportation with various shuttles … MORE
The most beautiful half I’ve personally done!! The weather was perfect and course was relatively flat with some small up and downs. Nice swags and easy transportation with various shuttles provided (No stressful race day parking!)
Most Peaceful Run
I was initially registered for the full marathon distance. Due to lingering injuries, I dropped to the half which the volunteers at the expo made such an easy, breezy process! … MORE
I was initially registered for the full marathon distance. Due to lingering injuries, I dropped to the half which the volunteers at the expo made such an easy, breezy process! Waking up at 4:00 am for the shuttles was brutal, but the weather was excellent. The course is absolutely stunning. It’s quiet, so bring your headphones (or don’t). No spectators as there’s no where for them to logistically stand. The finish line was a tad anticlimactic as it’s at a high school and NOT a winery, but watching the elites cross the finish line made it so much more fun. I definitely would have participated in some post-race wine 😀 I am definitely planning on going back for the full as I loved this experience!!!