This race has been recommended by Sarah Lavender Smith, a runner from California who has run the Napa Valley Marathon three times. She wrote a humorous essay about the 2009 Napa Valley Marathon on her blog.
What?
The Napa Valley Marathon runs through the heart of Northern California's wine country, from the town of Calistoga to Napa.
Where?
About an hour north from San Francisco, the point-to-point marathon goes through the Napa Valley on a paved road called the Silverado Trail.
When?
The first Sunday of March. The 33rd Annual Napa Valley Marathon will be March 6, 2011.
Why?
The Napa Valley Marathon gives runners an ideal way to explore California's wine region and to run a small but very well-organized marathon. In past years, Runner’s World Magazine named the Napa Valley Marathon one of the Top 20 Marathons in the United States, and Competitor Magazine named it the "Best Rural Marathon" in the United States. The race is limited to 2500 runners and often sells out by January 1, so early registration is advised. The course has a few gently rolling hills but a net loss in elevation, making it a good course for beginners and those looking for a personal best. Runners enjoy the lovely scenery of rustic vineyards, green hillsides and blooming yellow mustard. Weather often is rainy this time of year, however, so runners should prepare for the likelihood of rain.
How (much)?
Online registration is now open and costs US$105 through December 31 and US$130 after December 31. Hotel accommodations and bed-and-breakfasts in the Napa Valley range from very expensive to affordable. Many runners choose to stay in the town of Napa (near the finish line) and take the race-provided buses to the start in the early morning. The Napa Valley Marriott (www.napavalleymarriott.com) is the host hotel and has some discounted rooms for runners. Other runners prefer to stay in Calistoga (near the start) and take a bus back to Calistoga at the finish. Solage Calistoga (www.solagecalistoga.com) is a luxurious spa with top-of-the-line accommodations right next to the starting line. For more affordable options, check out the race website page, http://www.napavalleymarathon.org/getaway/accommodations.asp. It's worth staying in the area for several days to enjoy the wineries and restaurants in addition to running the marathon. Flying into Oakland International Airport rather than San Francisco International Airport is recommended, as it will save about 45 minutes to an hour of driving time to get from the airport to the Napa Valley.
Contacts
Napa Valley Marathon
www.napavalleymarathon.org
nvm@napanet.net
tel. +17072552609
