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Sun, Mar 7 · 2027Napa, CASince 1979

Napa Valley Marathon

A point-to-point run through the heart of wine country, starting in Calistoga and finishing in downtown Napa on a net-downhill course that rewards patient, steady racing.

Net downhillOpen
NAPA VALLEY · US
Napa Valley
SUN, MAR 7
2027
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Race Overview

EST. 1979

The race starts in Calistoga and runs the full length of Napa Valley, finishing in downtown Napa. It's a point-to-point on mostly open roads through the vineyards, with the valley walls on either side and very little development for long stretches. The course rolls in the first half, nothing brutal, but enough to remind you to stay honest with your effort. Then it opens up and starts dropping toward the valley floor. By mile 18 you're running with the gradient, and if you haven't gone out too hard, that's where the race gets fun. Don't go with it early just because the road tilts your way.

This is a solid PR course for runners who race well on mild terrain and cool mornings. The field is focused and mid-sized, not a mega-event, so you won't spend the first miles weaving through crowds. Registration is open, and while it does sell out, it's not the kind of lottery grind that other big races put you through. One logistical thing worth knowing: there's no parking at the start in Calistoga, so you'll need to take the shuttle from Napa. Just plan for it the night before and it's a non-issue. Worth every bit of it once you're rolling downhill through the vines.

Field size
~1.9k
1,942 finishers
BQ rate
13%
Above national average
Time limit
6:00
Tight cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:15:48
Garrett Corcoran
2025
Women
2:35:50
Abigail Shoemaker
2026

The Course

564 ft total gain
Total ascent
↑564 ft
Total descent
↓867 ft
Net elevation
↓303 ft
Highest point
395 ft
Lowest point
56 ft
Course shape
Point to point
Different start and finish

The course runs point-to-point from Calistoga south to downtown Napa, losing more elevation than it gains for a net drop of just over 300 feet. The first half carries the bulk of the climbing, with rollers through the upper valley keeping effort honest early. Once you clear those, the course flattens and trends gradually downhill through the middle miles. The final stretch into Napa is the payoff: gentle descent, good footing, and little technical complexity. Net downhill courses can tempt early aggression, so bank patience in the first 10 miles rather than banking time.

DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE
View official course mapPast results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
47°F
High
66°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°
What to expect

March in Napa Valley usually means a cool start and a mild finish. You'll likely be in layers at the gun, and that's fine because you'll warm out of them by mile 5 or 6. Throw them away and don't overthink it. Afternoons can climb into the mid-60s, so if you're running toward the back of the field, the last few miles can feel warmer than you expect. Wind is worth watching too, since the valley can funnel it from the south in the afternoon. For most runners, though, the morning window is genuinely pleasant for racing.

Entry

OPEN

Registration is open and races sell out. Each distance (marathon, half marathon, 5K) has separate registration. Elite athletes with qualifying standards in the last 24 months can receive complimentary entry.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in
Closest airport
OAK
40 mi
from the start
≈ 63 min transferEasy transfer
What to expect

Napa Valley is served by San Francisco Bay Area airports (approximately 60 miles north). The race starts in Calistoga and finishes in downtown Napa. No parking is available at the start; runners must use complimentary shuttle buses from sponsor hotels or the finish line at Vintage High School. Base yourself in Napa, St. Helena, or surrounding wine country towns.

Frequently Asked

7 questions