FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2020
Contact: Michelle La Sala, Race Director
michelle@blisteringpace.com / 916-201-4439
The 2021 Napa Valley Marathon Has Been Cancelled
The organization plans to unveil a virtual experience in the coming weeks
NAPA, CALIFORNIA — The 43rd Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon has officially been cancelled as an in-person event for 2021. The NVM board of directors made this difficult decision as they continued to monitor updates from county and state agencies regarding the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The governance board cited an abundance of safety as the primary reason for cancelling the event.
“Our highest priority is always the safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators, and residents,” said Race Director Michelle La Sala. “We are deeply saddened by the decision to cancel, but we’re confident that it is the responsible choice for our community.”
California’s comprehensive reopening plan does not allow mass gatherings until the final reopening phase when a vaccine is widely available. Race organizers say that even if the state began allowing mass participation events early next year, there would not be enough time to secure proper permits and infrastructure to guarantee a safe event.
Several hundred participants were already registered for the 2021 via the organization’s “Whine Stopper” Registration plan, which guaranteed participants deferral to either the 2022 or 2023 race free of charge. All 2021 entrants will be contacted when registration opens for the 2022 event and asked to make their deferral choice. There is no action required of 2021 entrants at this time.
Napa Valley Marathon officials state that a virtual race experience will replace the 2021 in-person event, with details to come in the near future.
“We’re excited to unveil a virtual experience that really captures the spirit of the Napa Valley,” said La Sala. “It’s important for us to find ways to keep our community engaged and continue to support our local nonprofits, and I think our participants will find it very unique and engaging.”
Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that typically provides nearly $30,000 in support back to the local community. The organization points to the development of their new virtual experience as one avenue to raise revenue for their charitable giving.
For more information about the decision to cancel, please visit the FAQ page on the event’s website: https://napavalleymarathon.org/cancellation-faqs/
About the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon
Established in 1979, the Napa Valley Marathon has always been dedicated to fostering and promoting quality road racing in an inspiring setting. The marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course. 2019 saw the addition of the half marathon to their catalog of events, making their race weekend experience available for more runners to enjoy the Napa Valley. The marathon is also a non-profit, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years back into the local community of the Napa Valley.
Media Contact:
Michelle La Sala, Race Director
michelle@blisteringpace.com / 916-201-4439