Race Weekend Information
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Marathon – 7:30am
Half Marathon – 7:00am
5K – 7:15am
Awards Ceremony Half Marathon – 10:00 am
Awards Ceremony Marathon – 12:30 pm
Half Marathon – 7:00am
5K – 7:15am
Awards Ceremony Half Marathon – 10:00 am
Awards Ceremony Marathon – 12:30 pm
Location
Marathon Start – Silverado Trail at Brannan Street
Half Marathon Start – Silverado Trail at Conn Creek
5K Start – Vintage High School
All races finish at Vintage High School
Half Marathon Start – Silverado Trail at Conn Creek
5K Start – Vintage High School
All races finish at Vintage High School
Registration
Travel
Race Expo/Bib Pick-Up
Expo Details and Featured Guests
Race Programs
Race Start Lines
Race Finish Area
Course Details
Transportation and Parking
Special Groups
Spectators
Awards
2020 Napa Valley Winery Partners
ABBOTT WMM Wanda Age Group Ranking Qualifier Race
Explore Napa Valley
Volunteer
FAQ
Travel
Napa Valley Marathon Hotel Options
For our out of town guests, experience the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon by staying at one of our partner hotels. Our partner hotels are all conveniently located and have discounted rates for our race participants. You can search all of your lodging options, and link directly to the hotel booking sites to get the best possible NVM rate.
The Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa
The Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa is only a few steps from the marathon starting line and offers an array of amenities both to relax those pre-race jitters and soothe those post-race owies. From naturally heated mineral pools to a full-service spa with treatments ranging from CBD massages to an apply-your-own mud bar, the hotel is the perfect home base for your marathon adventure. Runners who book direct with the hotel will receive 15% off their best available rates on Sunday-Thursday stays and 10% off their best available rates on Friday-Saturday stays. Call 707-942-0991 or email info@
Area Airports
The Napa Valley has 4 airports to choose from when planning for your arrival.
San Francisco Airport (SFO) – this is the largest airport and services the most flights. It is approximately 60 miles from Napa.
Oakland Airport (OAK) – this is a fairly large airport and is about 55 miles from Napa.
Sacramento Airport (SMF) – this is a smaller airport and is about 55 miles from Napa. This airport is easily accessible and keeps drivers out of most of the traffic fray of the bay area.
Sonoma County Airport (STS) – this airport is located in Santa Rosa, is quaint, and is about 25 miles from Napa. It is serviced by Alaska Air, American (through PHX), United Airlines, and Sun Country from MSP.
All airports have car rental options. SFO and OAK have direct transportation options to Napa via Evans Transportation with several shuttles per day.
Race Expo/Bib Pick-Up
Race Expo
Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa
3425 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558
Sports & Fitness EXPO & Packet Pick-Up
Saturday, February 29, 2020; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
After hours Packet Pick-Up Only
Saturday, February 29, 2020; 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
All registered runners will be expected to pick up their race number, and long sleeve technical t-shirt at the expo (no bags for the 5k). For those who cannot attend the expo, we have a bib mailing option available. Bib mailing deadline is February 13th. There is no race day pick up for the marathon and half marathon, no exceptions.
The race expo will also host activations from our sponsors, running, wine, and food related vendors, seminars, and free beer and wine tasting.
Expo Details and Featured Guests
Welcome Emma Coburn, our 2020 featured guest!
Emma Coburn is an American middle distance runner specializing in the 3000 meter steeplechase. She won the gold medal at the 2017 World Championships with a time of 9.02.59, breaking her own American record and becoming the first American woman to win a global gold medal in the event. Emma also snagged a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics as well as a silver medal in the 2019 World Championships. Emma is a seven-time US Champion and was a three-time NCAA champion while at the University of Colorado.
Most recently, Emma was announced as a 2020 Power Woman of the Year Honoree by Women’s Running Magazine.
We are honored to have Emma joining us at the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon. You can find her during race weekend at our shake out run, at the Expo during our Speaker Series, and giving out high fives at the finish line on race day.
Race Programs
NVM VIP PROGRAM
Experience the Napa Valley Marathon or Half Marathon as a VIP during race weekend. Limited to 50 runners in each race distance.
VIP PERKS
- Bottle of wine from a local winery partner
- Nuun water bottle
- Your choice of a 16 or 12-week training program from Sound Running specifically designed for the Napa Valley Marathon or Half Marathon course (training plan not available after 2/1/20)
- $20 credit towards official NVM merchandise
- VIP packet pick up at expo
VIP RACE DAY PERKS
- Private pre-race area with breakfast, coffee and bathrooms at the start line
- VIP gear check
- Post-race Recovery Zone with massage, snacks and hydration to help in your race recovery
- Access to post-race celebrations (guest tickets to be purchased on-site)
Pasta Dinner
Join us to enjoy a sumptuous pasta feed with a half-dozen pasta choices and all the local wine and beer you and your family and friends can stand. Enjoy our VIP guest speaker while preparing for your upcoming big day!
Dinner seating will be on Saturday, February 29th at 5:30pm and the cost is $30 per person.
The pasta dinner is held at the Napa Valley Marriott.
Official Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon Training Plans (training plan not available after 2/1/2020)
The Napa Valley Marathon has partnered with Sound Running to offer training plans built specifically for our course and for all levels of runners. Choose between a 16 or 12 week training plan for the full marathon, and 12 week training plan for the half marathon. Let’s get you to that finish line!
Coach Williams, of Sound Running, has worked with athletes of all levels for the past 15 years. He was the Head of Brooks Sports Marketing for 13+ years overseeing the Hansons-Brooks ODP, the Brooks Beasts, Brooks PR Invitational and all other athlete programs. A competitive runner as well, Jesse ran at Texas Tech University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and a Master’s in Biomechanics. As a runner, Coach Williams has run the Boston Marathon 5x as well as the Chicago, London, Berlin, and NYC Marathons.
Elite Athletes
Elite standard are as follows:
Marathon:
Open Men – 2:25:00
Masters Men – 2:40:00
Open Women – 2:47:00
Masters Women – 3:00:00
Half Marathon:
Open Men – 1:10:00
Masters Men – 1:16:00
Open Women – 1:20:00
Masters Women – 1:25:00
For inquiries, please contact elites@napavalleymarathon.org
Race Start Lines
FOR MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
The full marathon start line is in Calistoga on the Silverado Trail at Brannan Street. Runners are offered several busing options to arrive at the start line. The marathon starts at 7:30am.
Gear check will be offered for marathoners and their gear will be transported to the finish line. Please use your participant duffel bag to check your gear.
Drop off is available at Lincoln Ave. and Silverado Trail. All runners being dropped off at the Marathon start MUST approach from Highway 29 using Lincoln Avenue to access the drop off location.
FOR HALF MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
The half marathon start line is at Conn Creek in St. Helena. This location is located on Silverado Trail near the Highway 128 intersection, at the halfway mark of the full marathon course. Runners are offered several busing option to arrive at the start line. There is absolutely no parking at the half marathon start line. The half marathon starts at 7am.
Gear check will be offered for half marathoners and their gear will be transported to the finish line. Please use your participant duffel bag to check your gear.
Drop off is available at Silverado Trail and Hwy 128. All runners being dropped off at the Half Marathon start MUST approach from Highway 29 using Rutherford Road (Highway 128).
FOR 5K PARTICIPANTS
The 5K run begins at Vintage High School at 7:15am. Parking is available at the high school. The 5K run is a great option if you can’t go the full marathon distance or are waiting for your marathoner or half marathoner to finish their race.
Any discarded clothing dropped during any of our races will be donated to local shelters in need.
Race Finish Area
All races finish at Vintage High School in Napa. Parking is available at the high school, but will fill up quickly. See transportation for more information.
Finish line amenities include medals, heat sheets, water, medical support, physical therapists, hot soup and bread, gear pick-up. If you opt in for bib mailing, you will pick up your participant shirt and duffel bag in the post-race area. There will also be a shirt exchange if you would like a different size (unworn shirts only, please).
A not to be missed awards ceremony will take place at 10am for the half marathon and 12:30pm for the marathon in the post-race area. The top male and female winners will be presented with their award winnings and an etched magnum of wine. The top male and female masters runners will also be presented an etched magnum of wine. All age group award winners will be presented with a bottle of wine.
By law, the Napa Valley Marathon cannot ship any awarded wine so winners must be present.
Course Details
Our marathon course is certified as a Boston Qualifier and is a net downhill by over 250 feet.
Aid Stations
There are 12 aid stations along the full marathon course (the half marathon shares the last 6 aid stations on the course). Water and nuun are offered. Portable toilets are also located at each station.
Aid stations will be located at the following distances from the start:
Full Marathon
2.1, 4.3, 6.6, 9.4, 12.0, 13.9, 16.1, 19.0, 20.8, 22.4, 24.0, 25.1
Half Marathon
3.0, 5.9, 7.7, 9.3, 10.9, 12.0
The Napa Valley Marathon will provide gels and energy chews from the aid stations located at miles 13.9 and 20.8
Cutoff Times
The marathon course will have a very strict 6-hour cutoff, or 13:44 pace per mile. With the addition of the half marathon option, we will not allow any exceptions to this rule. There will be a shuttle bus parked at mile 22.7 and runners must arrive to the location by 12:45pm SHARP. Runners who do not arrive there on time will be loaded onto the bus and given a half marathon medal for their efforts.
The half marathon has a 6.5-hour cutoff.
Pace Teams
Are you training for a PR, a Boston qualifying time, or just to finish at the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon? We are happy to be partnering once again with Beast Pacing. Our pace teams will be there to help you reach your race day goals! Find out more about our pace team leaders here:
Half Marathon
1:30
1:40
1:45
1:50
1:55
2:00
2:10
2:20
2:30
2:45
3:00
Marathon
3:00
3:05
3:10
3:20
3:25
3:30
3:35
3:40
3:50
3:55
4:05
4:20
4:35
4:50
5:00
5:05
5:20
5:30
Transportation and Parking
Included in your registration cost is a bus ride to your race start. Busses are for runners only.
Where and when to load your bus?
FOR MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
From your hotel: For those staying at the Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott, Westin Verasa, and River Terrace Inn, buses will take you to the start line directly. Hilton Garden Inn guests will be picked up at the Marriott. Westin Verasa guests will be picked up at the River Terrace Inn. Marathon buses will load from hotels at 5:40am. Please be prompt.
From Vintage High School: Park at Vintage High School (the finish line). Monitors will direct you to the parking area. Plan to arrive at Vintage High School by 5:30am. Please be prompt. For your comfort, you will be able to wait on a bus until approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of the race.
Full Marathon Start Line Drop Off
Drop off is available at Lincoln Ave. and Silverado Trail. All runners being dropped off at the Marathon start MUST approach from Highway 29 using Lincoln Avenue to access the drop off location.
FOR HALF MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
From your hotel: For those staying at the Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott, Westin Verasa, and River Terrace Inn, buses will take you to the start line directly. Hilton Garden Inn guests will be picked up at the Marriott. Westin Verasa guests will be picked up at the River Terrace Inn. Half Marathon buses will load from hotels at 5:10am. Please be prompt. It is important to be on time for your bus ride so marathon buses can load after the half marathon buses depart.
From Justin-Siena High School: Park at Justin-Siena High School. Monitors will direct you to the parking area. Plan to arrive at Justin-Siena High School by 5:15am. Please be prompt.
Half Marathon Start Line Drop Off
Drop off is available at Silverado Trail and Hwy 128. All runners being dropped off at the Half Marathon start MUST approach from Highway 29 using Rutherford Road (Highway 128).
There is NO parking at either start line. Please plan to take the bus.
FOR 5K PARTICIPANTS
Your race starts and finishes at Vintage High School. There is no race morning transportation provided to Vintage High School. Parking is recommended at Vintage High School.
POST-RACE SHUTTLE SERVICES
Shuttle service is for runners, family and friends and runs from the finish line at Vintage High School to the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, Embassy Suites, and the River Terrace Inn is available from 9am to 2pm.
Shuttle service will also be available to and from Justin-Siena High School for half marathoners and spectators. The Justin-Siena shuttles will be available from 9:00am to 12pm. The two high schools are approximately 1 mile apart from each other so this is a quick and very easy option. The shuttles will loop back and forth.
For runners who will be staying in Calistoga, we will be offering transportation from the finish line back to Calistoga at 12:30pm.
Special Groups
Brave Like Gabe Foundation is the official charity partner of the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon. “Brave Like Gabe” started as a hashtag to support professional runner Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald as she battled an incurable rare salivary gland cancer. The Brave Like Gabe Foundation was formed in 2018 as a way for Gabe to continue to share her story, spread hope, and make a difference in the cancer community. Gabe passed away on June 11, 2019, after a 10-year battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma.
The Brave Like Gabe mission lives on, and will continue to support rare cancer research and empower anyone who is struggling through physical activity, all while inspiring a sense of hope along the way.
Interested in running the Napa Valley Marathon or Half Marathon for team Brave Like Gabe? All BLG charity runners must commit to a fundraising minimum of $500. Brave Like Gabe charity entries include private start line access with a tent, heaters, toilets, bag drop, light snacks, coffee, and drinks. Brave Like Gabe team runners will also be invited to a post-race event. Register today and choose the BLG Charity Runner entry option.
Clif Bar co-owner’s Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford began their love of food and wine with cycling adventures through Italy where long days of cycling would end in leisurely evenings of good wine, food and hospitality. As great lovers of food, wine and adventure, Gary and Kit sought to bring these memorable experiences to their Napa Valley home with our Clif Family tasting room and Bruschetteria food truck. Our organic farm and vineyards located high atop Howell Mountain provide a bounty of grapes, olives, fruit and vegetables to fuel our journey. We hope you find time to slow down, fill your glass and spend an afternoon with us.
March 2019 kicks off our newest adventure wine club membership, our Clif Family Runner’s Wine Club. Clif Family is known for wine, food and adventure. Tie up your laces and join fellow Clif Family Wine Club members on casual and advanced runs in Napa Valley and throughout the Bay Area. Perks of the club include monthly drop-in group runs, discounts to local Bay Area races, complimentary wine tastings, wine discounts and invites to private member events. And let’s not forget about the wine. Clif Family Runner’s wine club members receive Clif Family wine and Clif Bars on their doorstep six times a year. See you at the starting line!
Please check out or website for more information or email wineclub@cliffamily.com
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer transforms survivorship as the world’s leading organization dedicated to saving, extending, and improving the lives of those vulnerable, at risk, and diagnosed with lung cancer. We work to change the reality of living with lung cancer by ending stigma, increasing public and private research funding, and ensuring access to care.
For more information on our endurance fundraising program, please contact Susan Smedley at endurance@go2foundation.org
The mission of Rettsyndrome.org is to transform the lives of all those affected by Rett syndrome. We accomplish this through the relentless pursuit of research to deliver treatments and ultimately a cure for this disorder and through our commitment to educate and empower the families impacted by Rett syndrome. Rettsyndrome.org is a leading private funder of Rett syndrome research and the only organization equally dedicated to supporting over 7000 people in the United States and thousands more across the globe living with Rett syndrome.
If you are a special group with 15 or more people interested in participating in the full or half marathon or our 5k, please contact us at raceinfo@napavalleymarathon.org to learn about group incentives.
Spectators
See the transportation and parking tab for more information about parking and shuttles.
Awards
Marathon
Men’s & Women’s Winner – etched double magnum + Napa Valley Collective Case (12 different bottles of wine from the valley)
Masters Mens & Womens Winner – etched magnum
Half Marathon
Men’s & Women’s Winner – etched double magnum + Napa Valley Collective Case (12 different bottles of wine from the valley)
Masters Men’s & Women’s Winner – etched magnum
Age Groups
Top three in each of the following age groups will receive a bottle of wine (must be 21 and present to win):
- 18-19
- 20-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60-64
- 65-69
- 70 and over
- Napa County Resident (1st place only)
- Age group award wine provided by Naked Wines
*Under no circumstances can we mail any wine awards
5k
Top 3 men and women will win the following:
1st – $125 Athletic Feat gift card
2nd – $75 Athletic Feat gift card
3rd – $50 Athletic Feat gift card
ABBOTT WMM Wanda Age Group Ranking Qualifier Race
The 2020 Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon is a qualifying race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group Series XIII World Ranking. What does this mean?
- Participants in an AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Ranking qualifying race will earn points according to their age, time and gender, aligned with the following age groups for men and women: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.
- Qualifying period runs from Oct. 13 2019– Oct. 11, 2020 (AbbottWMM Series XIII).
- There is a one-year cycle for participants to earn two qualifying times and a place at the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships in 2021.
- The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will mark the start and finish of the qualification period for the second year of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings. The World Championships will take place in 2021 with the venue to be announced next year.
The spread of the selected marathon events that are part of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings creates a truly global series throughout the year, giving runners across the world the chance to be part of a new era of age group marathon running.
For more information on the scoring system and world rankings, and to register yourself, visit www.Abbottwmm.com.
Explore Napa Valley
Clif Family celebrates wine, food and adventure in all that we do. Visit us and share our love of artisan wines, handcrafted food and authentic experiences.
Our story begins with Gary and Kit’s cycling adventures through Italy where long days of cycling would end in leisurely evenings of good wine, food and hospitality. As great lovers of food, wine and adventure, Gary and Kit sought to bring these memorable experiences to their Napa Valley home with our Clif Family Tasting Room and Bruschetteria Food Truck. Our organic farm and estate vineyards located high atop Howell Mountain provide a bounty of grapes, olives, fruit and vegetables to fuel our journey. We hope you find time to slow down, fill your glass and spend an afternoon with us.
Slow down and take the Napa Valley one mile at a time!
In quiet Calistoga, join in on our daily tour or let us design a one of a kind Private tour. We take you to our favorite wineries, including Chateau Mt Elena, Envy, Von Strasser, and T vines among many others.
Easy and flat, suitable for all abilities, you’ll travel down the quiet country lanes to these family owed wineries. Includes our wine country picnic, not just sandwiches, but a bounty of local goodies all fresh and very tasty. You’ll be led by our wonderful guides and have van support nearby. Comfy new hybrid bikes, it’s a day of lots of sun, fun and world class wines!
In Napa, try our Carneros Sip n Cycle. Home to Pinot noir and Chardonnay, this area is equally beautiful and always a bit cooler. Some of our all-time favorite wineries are here, including some cool surprises.
Or try our brewery tour. Visits to St. Clair Brown, the new Stone brewery and many other amazing craft beers.
Either way rest assured you have chosen the best bike tour in the Napa Valley! But don’t just take our word on it. We have more than double the 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor than anyone else
Kayaking your thing? Try a Pedal n Paddle trip on the Napa River, or our Nature Paddle trips on the Russian River, Napa River, or Lake Hennessey.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Click here for more info on the Wine Train
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Napa Valley
Click here for more info on Hot Air Balloon Rides
To find information about all things Napa Valley, visit https://www.visitnapavalley.com/
Check back for information about winery partners so you can begin to plan your race weekend!
Volunteer
The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon would not be possible without our core volunteer team who through their efforts make it a positive, organized seamless community event.
Click one of the links below to register to volunteer with us!
Pre race volunteer jobs:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F4BACA92AAAF94-prerace1
Race day volunteer jobs:
Please email us at volunteers@
FAQ
Can I wear headphones?
- Yes, headphones are allowed. We still encourage people to run without headphones to better enjoy the beautiful scenery of our course and to chat with fellow runners, but the choice is yours. Please run safely.
Will you have pacers?
- We will have Beast Pacing leading our pace teams. You can find more information about our pace teams under the race information tab here: https://napavalleymarathon.org/race-information/.
Can I switch races?
- Please log into your I’m Athlete participant account to make a race change.Race changes are subject to a $10 administrative fee. No changes can be made after February 2, 2020.
I am injured, have a family emergency, or will be unexpectedly out of town, can I get a refund?
- We offer race fee insurance during the registration process. We do not offer refunds under any circumstances. The Napa Valley Marathon is a non-profit and your race fees go to benefit our local community.
Can I defer my entry to next year?
- We do not offer deferrals.
Can I give/sell my bib number to another runner?
- No, selling or transferring bibs is not allowed and runners will be disqualified.
Can I authorize another person to pick up my race packet?
- Yes, they will need a copy of your photo ID and race confirmation email.
What is the time limit for the marathon?
- The marathon has a STRICT 6-hour cut off. Runners not on 13:44 pace will be removed from the course at mile 22.5 at the intersection of Silverado Trail and Oak Knoll Avenue. If you are unsure if you can complete the marathon in under 6 hours, we encourage you to enter the half marathon.
What is the time limit for the half marathon?
- The half marathon has a 6.5 hour cut off.
Is your race a Boston Qualifier?
- Yes
What are the hours/dates of the expo:
- Sports & Fitness EXPO & Packet Pick-Up
Saturday, February 29, 2020; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. - After hours Packet Pick-Up Only
Saturday, February 29, 2020; 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Do you offer race day packet pick up?
- For those who cannot attend the expo, we have a bib mailing option available. Bib mailing deadline is February 2, 2020. There is no race day pick up for the marathon and half marathon, no exceptions.
How old do you have to be to participate in the marathon or half marathon?
- Marathon participants should be 18 years and older. Half Marathon participants are required to be 12 years and older.
Are jogging strollers allowed?
- Strollers are allowed in the 5k, and must be lined up in the back. We unfortunately do not allow strollers in the half marathon or marathon for safety purposes.
Are dogs allowed on the course?
- Dogs are not allowed on course or at the finish line at Vintage High School.
Where are the best places to spectate on the course?
- Please refer to our spectator guide, HERE, for the best places to cheer on the runners!