Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon Celebrates Record Success with 6,000 Runners

Napa, CA – March 3, 2024 – The 45th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon concluded with resounding success, welcoming 6,000 runners from around the world to participate in the full marathon, half marathon, and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa 5K. Michael Vernau, a 24-year-old former Stanford runner from Davis, California, claimed the men’s marathon title with a time of 2:33:07. In the women’s division, 23-year-old Stephanie Finley, a Dartmouth alumna, secured victory with an impressive marathon time of 2:49:34.

The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon attracts thousands of participants from around the world, turning the Napa Valley region into a bustling hub of activity. The influx of runners brought vibrancy to local businesses, with participants staying at hotels, dining at local restaurants, and exploring the valley’s 500 wineries. The marathon has become more than just a race, with its impact extending beyond the finish line for locals and visitors alike.

Race director Michelle La Sala expressed her joy in witnessing another successful race day full of a record number of participants and welcoming them from 48 states and over 10 countries. “We work all year with the board of directors to bring this event to life and welcome thousands of runners to our home here in Napa.  We couldn’t be more proud of the smooth race weekend we were able to provide to runners and their friends and families and hope we sent them home with some fun and lasting memories.”

A fixture on the first Sunday of March each year, the race is made possible with the leadership of the Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. Board of Directors.  In addition, Blistering Pace Race Management, over 70 key captains, and nearly 1000 volunteers from all over the valley play vital roles in making the race a success.  Kaiser Permanente’s steadfast support as title sponsor for over two decades serves as a testament to its commitment to health, wellness, and community.

Napa Valley Marathon, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, continues its tradition of giving back to the local community, including a scholarship program for local high school students.  Over the last decade, NVM, Inc. has contributed over $500,000 back into the greater Napa Valley region. 

For more information about the 45th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon & Half Marathon, please visit the event’s website at www.napavalleymarathon.org.

About Blistering Pace Race Management: Founded in 2016, BPRM specializes in various race management capacities, offering staffing to full operational oversight. Clients include the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon (10K & 5K), the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit www.blisteringpace.com.

###