Frequently Asked Questions

We put together our most commonly asked questions to make your journey to race day as smooth as possible. As always, if you have additional questions, reach out to our team at raceinfo@napavalleymarathon.org.

Event Day: March 1, 2026

Start Times & Locations

Marathon Start – 7:30am | Silverado Trail at Brannan Street

Half Marathon Start – 7:00am | Silverado Trail at Conn Creek

5K Start – 7:15am | Vintage High School

All races finish at Vintage High School

I registered for the event and cannot attend.  Can I receive a refund?

You have the option of deferring your registration to the following year.  We do not offer refunds under any circumstances. The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon is a non-profit and your race fees go to benefit our local community.

Can I defer my registration?

Yes, there is a $100 fee to defer your registration.  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 defer will become available. Last date to make changes is January 26, 2025. Click here for detailed instructions on how to defer your registration.

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 switch race distance categories?

Yes, downgrades and upgrades are supported ONLY if the events are still open for registration. 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. Click here for detailed instructions on how to switch your registration category.

There is a $20 fee to upgrade your race distance. You will also be charged the difference for the category upgrade backdated to the time of your registration.  Last date to make changes is January 26, 2025.

There is a $20 fee to downgrade categories. Last date to make changes is January 26, 2025.

What do I get with my registration?

A longsleeve technical shirt, a bag which is also used for gear check, and a custom designed medal.  Proceeds from the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa 5K help fund many different community causes, including a $16,000 scholarship fund given to high school students within Napa County.

Is there a packet pick-up for the event or can I have my bib mailed to me?  In person bib pick up is free at the Expo.  If you would like your bib mailed to you, you can select that option for a $20 fee during the time of registration. Bib mailing deadline is January 26th, 2025. 

Do you offer race day packet pick up? For those who cannot attend the expo, we have a bib mailing option available for a $20 fee.  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 On Pacing leading our pace team for the marathon distance. Run Club SF will be providing pacers for the half marathon. 

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 22.7 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!

I know someone who is interested in volunteering, how can they volunteer?

Email:  volunteers@napavalleymarathon.org 

Can I see the course maps?

Go to https://napavalleymarathon.org/race-information/ to view each category course map. 

Where can I find additional information about the races?  Please visit our website at www.napavalleymarathon.org.