The Napa Valley Marathon is a a net downhill course that follows the famed Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa The point to point marathon passes beautiful scenery, vineyards, and some of the most world-renowned wineries along the way.
Th course drops from nearly 400 feet above sea level at the start to about 60 feet above sea level at the finish line. Although it is net downhill, there are some rolling hills on this fast course, but the last five miles are flat.
The Napa Valley Marathon was the 48th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 45th largest in 2022.
This year 14.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 15.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Napa Valley Marathon the 95th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 85th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.75 ranks it as the 57th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest course in California.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Napa Valley Marathon a PR Score of 99.75. This PR Score ranks it as the 45th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 6th fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Napa Valley Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 395 feet (120m) Min Elevation: 56 feet (17m)
Really enjoyed this marathon. Busses to the start line parked there so you could sit on board right up to the start time (which was particularly great given the wet weather conditions this year). Really nice course with some small hills. Well organized gear drop and pick up. Very responsive and supportive race organizers. (The wine tasting our group did in Frogs Leap afterwards rounded off a great weekend). This is one I will definitely be back for!
The Napa Valley Marathon is well organized and has one of the most scenic routes of any marathon. The best gear check bag ever (a backpack or duffle bag)! Post race area has everything for everyone, runners or spectators. Showers available for runners after the race.
Race Tips
Due to the isolated route there are low fan support. The rolling hills are longer than it would appear on paper. Be prepared.
Staying in Napa might be the easiest due to road closures on race day. Buses will pick up at sponsor hotels or at the High School (finish line). Lots of discounts at vineyards and wineries for runners pre and post race.
Garrett Gardner's review of 2017 Napa Valley Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I loved the scenery and the other runners were very friendly! I got to meet people from all over (40+ countries). It was my first marathon, but it went off without a hitch due to the helpfulness of all the other runners. The course had more hills than I expected which didn't help my time, but it was still awesome and pretty much every uphill had a downhill. The race also hailed near the end, which didn't feel that great (only for about 5 minutes).
Race Tips
Miles 15-20 are pretty hilly. Make sure you don't go out too fast. I did and it absolutely killed my pace for the last 4 miles. Set a pace and wear a watch so you can keep track of how you're doing. GPS actually held up on my Garmin for the most part, so you might be able to get your splits that way.
Arrive at the buses early as to get a good seat. I got in the first bus and was the first on the course (also first in the bathroom lines). I got a hotel in Fairfield because I'm a broke college student, but it worked out great (I did have to get up around 4:15 though).
NW's review of 2016 Napa Valley Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Beautiful course, easy check in. Missed racing with headphones.
Race Tips
Net down hill but with some climbs in the first 6 miles.
