Race Weekend Information
CANCELLED FOR 2021
Half Marathon – 7:00am
5K – 7:15am
Location
Half Marathon Start – Silverado Trail at Conn Creek
5K Start – Vintage High School
All races finish at Vintage High School
Registration
We are deeply sorry to announce the cancellation of the 43rd Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon. The NVM board of directors made this difficult decision as they continue to monitor updates from county and state agencies regarding the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Additionally, California’s comprehensive reopening plan does not allow mass gatherings like ours until the final reopening phase when a vaccine is widely available.
Our highest priority is always the safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators, and residents. At this time, the board also does not feel like they can guarantee a safe experience for all. 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.
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.
Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that typically provides nearly $30,000 in support back to the local community. This year, with the loss of entry fees and other income sources due to event cancellations, coming soon, we are excited to announce a fun virtual experience. This will not only give runners a way to continue to train and stay engaged, but will give us the opportunity to support our worthy local causes. We hope you will consider joining us.
For more information about our decision to cancel, please read our full press release and/or visit the FAQ page. We empathize with your disappointment. In the meantime, please stay healthy and safe.
The 2021 Race Expo is CANCELLED
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Silverado Resort
1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa, CA 94558
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 January 31st. 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, and free beer and wine tasting.
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. Buses will stage near the start line and runners can remain on the buses prior to the start.
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 near Conn Creek Winery. 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 options to arrive at the start line. There is absolutely no parking at the half marathon start line. All Half Marathon buses will drop off near the start line—runners should bring plenty of warm clothes and be prepared to be outside until the race starts (average morning temperature in the low 40’s). 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.
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 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 can collect their bottle of wine at the results tent.
By law, the Napa Valley Marathon cannot ship any awarded wine so winners must be present.
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 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! Stay tuned for 2021 featured pace groups.
Elite Athletes
Elite standard are as follows:
Included in your registration cost is a bus ride to your race start. Buses are for runners only.
Where and when to load your bus?
FOR MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
From your hotel: For those staying at the Silverado Resort, 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 Silverado Resort, 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.
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.
All Half Marathon buses will drop off near the start line—runners should bring plenty of warm clothes and be prepared to be outside until the race starts (average morning temperature in the low 40’s).
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. Uber/Lyft are not readily available options. Napa Valley is a rural area and rideshare availability is extremely limited. 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 Silverado Resort, Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, 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.
See the transportation and parking tab for more information about parking and shuttles.
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
- 17 and under (Athletic Feat gift card)
- 18-20 (Athletic Feat gift card)
Top three in each of the following age groups will receive a bottle of wine (must be 21 and present to win):
- 21-24
- 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
A not to be missed awards ceremony will take place in the post-race area. Age group award winners can collect their bottle of wine at the results tent.
By law, the Napa Valley Marathon cannot ship any awarded wine so winners must be present.

The 2021 Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon is a qualifying race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group 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. 12 2020 – Dec. 31, 2021.
- Fourteen-month cycle for participants to earn two qualifying times and a place at the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships in 2022.
- The 3rd edition of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings begins the day after the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and runs through the end of 2021.
- The World Championships will take place in the spring/summer of 2022 with the venue and details to be announced by mid 2021.
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.
Hotel Options
After a day of exploring the valley and maybe playing a round of golf — or both — relax and recharge in well-appointed accommodations. Find rooms and suites just right for you and kick off your race weekend in style.
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!
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.
Please email us at volunteers@
To view the Cancellation FAQ with information for 2021 registered participants, please click here.
What if COVID-19 prevents the race from taking place in 2021?
- “Whine Stopper” Registration has been developed to assure runners free race insurance in the event of a cancellation. If the 2021 edition of the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon cannot happen due to COVID-19, all runners will receive a one-time free deferral that will allow them to register for either the 2022 or the 2023 event.
What safety measures will be enforced in order to ensure a safe event for participants?
- Napa Valley Marathon is working closely with our local government agencies and medical staff to ensure a safe environment for our participants. We will update participants to any COVID-19 related changes through emails, our website, and social media.
Can I switch races?
- When logged into your participant account, you can make these changes inside your registration. Click on “Registration Option” on the lower right corner of your screen. The option to switch categories will become available. There is a fee to upgrade categories. You will also be charged the difference from what you originally paid for that category. Last date to make changes is January 31, 2021.There is a fee to downgrade categories. Last date to make changes is January 31, 2021.
- Napa Valley Switch or Defer Guide
I am injured, have a family emergency, or will be unexpectedly out of town, can I get a refund?
- You have the option of deferring your registration to the following year. 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 registration?
- Yes, you can select a deferment option to run the following year. Please go to your participant account to make those changes.
- Napa Valley Switch or Defer Guide
Can I transfer my registration?
- No, you cannot transfer your registration to another person. If you determine you cannot run, you can select a deferment option to run the following year.
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 are the hours/dates of the expo:
- Sports & Fitness EXPO & Packet Pick-Up
Friday, March 5, 2021 1pm – 6pm
Saturday, March 6, 2021 9am – 6pm
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 January 31, 2021. There is no race day pick up for the marathon and half marathon, no exceptions.
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/.
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
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!