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Napa Valley Marathon

Napa Valley Marathon

Race Details:

What This Race Counts Toward:

Boston: Yes

World Marathon Majors: Yes

Napa Valley Marathon Description

The Napa Valley Marathon is a net-downhill, Boston qualifying race following the scenic Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa each March. The point-to-point course winds past renowned vineyards, wineries, and rolling hillsides throughout California’s wine country, dropping steadily from nearly 400 feet above sea level to about 60 feet at the finish. Cool spring mornings and stunning valley views make this a bucket-list destination race for runners chasing a Boston Qualifying time amid one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions.

Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.

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Napa Valley Marathon Additional Details:

Half marathon finishers here take home something you won’t find at most races: an actual bottle of Napa Valley wine alongside the medal, a fitting reward for finishing in the heart of wine country. Top overall finishers do even better, earning an etched double magnum and a 12-bottle case featuring different Napa Valley wineries. Twelve aid stations support the full marathon, sharing the final six with the half marathon field, each stocked with water, electrolyte drink, and pretzels. It’s a race that leans fully into its setting, treating the finish line less like a typical banana-and-bagel table and more like a proper wine country celebration.

Course Information

Profile: Downhill

Type: Point to Point

Surface: Road/Pavement

Pace Groups: Yes

Time Limit: 6 hours

# of Finishers

Half Marathon: 500 to 600

Marathon: 1,478

Elevation Details

Elevation Gain: 564 ft (171 m)

Elevation Loss: 867 ft (264 m)

Average Temperature

Train Smarter for Race Day

A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.

Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.

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Half Marathon Training Plan

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you strong and confident at 13.1.

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Full Marathon Training Plan

Structured plans for every experience level, from your first 26.2 to chasing a new PR.

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Things to Do in Napa, CA, USA

Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.

Landmark

RAD Napa Art Walk

Follow the Rail Arts District Napa Art Walk along the Vine Trail, taking in two miles of outdoor contemporary murals — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.

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Museums & History

Napa Valley Museum

Explore the region’s story at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.

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Food & Drink

Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Sample a flight at one of Napa Valley’s boutique wineries, part of the region’s world-famous wine country experience — a relaxed way to celebrate the finish line after race day.

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Shopping

Downtown Napa

Browse charming local boutiques and tasting rooms throughout downtown Napa, the valley’s walkable urban hub — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.

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Outdoors & Trails

Napa Valley Vine Trail

Bike the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a paved path connecting towns through vineyard-lined scenery — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs after race day.

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Arts & Culture

di Rosa

See three galleries of contemporary art alongside a sculpture park and wildlife preserve at di Rosa in the Carneros region — a relaxed, indoor-outdoor way to spend a taper day.

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