Napa Valley Marathon

Location: Napa Valley, California
Country: United States
Website: https://napavalleymarathon.org
2025 Marathon Date: 02/03/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 01/03/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:15:47
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Napa Valley Marathon is a point-to-point spring race through California’s renowned wine country. Starting in Calistoga and finishing in Napa, the course runs along the scenic Silverado Trail, offering a rural backdrop of rolling vineyards and forested hills.

While the surrounding region is known for indulgence and relaxation, the marathon has a reputation for no-nonsense racing. Its certified net downhill route is well regarded by experienced marathoners aiming for fast times, with long stretches of uninterrupted tarmac and minimal turns. The event is also popular among those targeting Boston Marathon qualification.

Weather in early March is typically cool and dry, with morning temperatures around 6–10°C and little wind. The rural roads are closed to traffic and lined with occasional supporters, creating a calm, focused atmosphere for serious racing. The absence of large crowds or flashy distractions adds to the course’s appeal for sub-3 runners looking to concentrate fully on pacing.

Despite its boutique scale, the Napa Valley Marathon has been a consistent feature on the U.S. road running calendar. It has earned acclaim for its smooth organisation and attention to detail, including dependable aid stations and friendly local volunteers.

The limited field size means minimal congestion, allowing runners to lock into rhythm from the start. While the elevation profile is technically net downhill, it features some undulation throughout - best approached with measured pacing rather than reckless aggression.

For sub-3 aspirants, the Napa Valley Marathon offers a rare blend of natural beauty, favourable weather and time-focused racing. It may lack the scale and spectacle of big-city events, but that’s precisely what makes it an appealing choice for those chasing serious goals in a quiet, controlled environment.