NAPA VALLEY MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON 2021 CANCELLATION FAQs
WHY ARE YOU CANCELLING THE MARCH 2021 RACES NOW?
Since we have launched registration, it has become clear that California’s comprehensive reopening plan will not permit us to have a mass participation event by March 7, 2021. In this plan, mass gathering events like our weekend of races will not be possible until a vaccine or other therapeutics are widely available.
Our highest priority is always the safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators, staff, and communities. We are informing you as soon as we could to give you time to adjust your plans. We were very hopeful we could host a race, and we are very sorry that the on-going pandemic has forced us to cancel.
WILL THERE BE A VIRTUAL RACE FOR 2021?
Yes! We are putting the final touches on our virtual event and will be launching it very soon. Please stay tuned for the details on our fun running and wine themed experience.
WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR 2021 MARATHON OR HALF MARATHON ENTRY FEE?
As agreed to during the online registration process, all entrants are eligible for our “Whine Stopper” Registration, which guarantees your entry will be deferred free of charge to the 2022 or 2023 race, your choice! Once we are ready to open registration for 2022, all registrants will be contacted at that time to make a decision on which year to apply their deferral. There is nothing for you to do at this time. If you purchased a bib mailing, your bib mailing will be deferred to your future race as well.
IF I WAS REGISTERED FOR 2021, DO I GET A FREE ENTRY FOR THE VIRTUAL EVENT?
No, the virtual event will operate as a new event and those wishing to participate must register when details are announced in the coming weeks. Please see the answer to the question above for information on deferring your 2021 registration via our Whine Stopper guaranteed registration policy.
WHAT IF I HAD ALREADY BOOKED A HOTEL ROOM?
You will be able to cancel your hotel room with no penalties directly with the hotel property.
WHEN WILL REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022 RACES OPEN?
We are going to keep an eye on California’s reopening plan, but we anticipate being able to open 2022 race registration in mid to late summer in 2021. By that time, we will be able to understand the timing of reopening mass participation events based on vaccine circulation, etc. All those registered for the 2021 races will be given a window of time to select their deferral year option when registration for 2022 opens.
HOW WILL THE NAPA VALLEY MARATHON, INC. BE AFFECTED BY THIS RACE CANCELLATION?
Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides tens of thousands of dollars in support back to the local community annually. This year, with the loss of entry fees and other income sources due to the event cancellation, we will be substantially affected for the next few years. We ask that if you can, please support our virtual event. This will enable us to continue to find ways to give back to our local Napa Valley community in the absence of a live race as we have done for the last 42 years.
WHO/WHERE DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have additional questions, please email us at raceinfo@napavalleymarathon.org. We understand that you may be disappointed, and we thank you for your understanding and patience. In the meantime, please stay healthy and safe.