Napa Valley Marathon Reviews

  Good course but weather is usually bad!

By TDL about 2024

  Well organized

By Tommy about 2023

Review

Really enjoyed this marathon. Busses to the start line parked there so you could sit on board right up to the start time (which was particularly great given the wet weather conditions this year). Really nice course with some small hills. Well organized gear drop and pick up. Very responsive and supportive race organizers. (The wine tasting our group did in Frogs Leap afterwards rounded off a great weekend). This is one I will definitely be back for!

  

By Garrett Gardner about 2017

Review

I loved the scenery and the other runners were very friendly! I got to meet people from all over (40+ countries). It was my first marathon, but it went off without a hitch due to the helpfulness of all the other runners. The course had more hills than I expected which didn't help my time, but it was still awesome and pretty much every uphill had a downhill. The race also hailed near the end, which didn't feel that great (only for about 5 minutes).

Race Tips

Miles 15-20 are pretty hilly. Make sure you don't go out too fast. I did and it absolutely killed my pace for the last 4 miles. Set a pace and wear a watch so you can keep track of how you're doing. GPS actually held up on my Garmin for the most part, so you might be able to get your splits that way.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive at the buses early as to get a good seat. I got in the first bus and was the first on the course (also first in the bathroom lines). I got a hotel in Fairfield because I'm a broke college student, but it worked out great (I did have to get up around 4:15 though).

  

By MD about 2017

Review

The Napa Valley Marathon is well organized and has one of the most scenic routes of any marathon. The best gear check bag ever (a backpack or duffle bag)! Post race area has everything for everyone, runners or spectators. Showers available for runners after the race.

Race Tips

Due to the isolated route there are low fan support. The rolling hills are longer than it would appear on paper. Be prepared.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Staying in Napa might be the easiest due to road closures on race day. Buses will pick up at sponsor hotels or at the High School (finish line). Lots of discounts at vineyards and wineries for runners pre and post race.

  Great Race (2x finisher)

By Mike from Ohio about 2016

Review

I ran this twice - very well organized and beautiful scenery. Not a lot of straightaways so visually pleasant to run (nothing worse than a 3 mile straightaway that seems to last forever). Although net down hill, it has plenty of hilly sections - some challenging (especially mile 19 - 20). Also, on the front end of the race the roads are banked around turns pretty severely - hard on the knees.

Race Tips

In the front half, try to stay in the middle of the road, the camber is pretty severe.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stayed downtown NAPA both times. Race is point to point, basically start in Calistoga and run Silver Trail 25 of the 26.2 miles. Buses left on time and it was really well organized. Great SWAG, shirt and bag.

  

By NW about 2016

Review

Beautiful course, easy check in. Missed racing with headphones.

Race Tips

Net down hill but with some climbs in the first 6 miles.

  

By JPK about 2012

Review

Nice course in a nice area with closed roads a majority of the way. Very little crowd support along the way since it is hard to get to the course while cars are not allowed on the roads.