Overview
The Napa Valley Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each March on a point-to-point road in Calistoga, United States. It is one of the most famous wine-country marathons in the world and stays intentionally low-key despite strong demand. The course passes vineyards, winery estates, and quiet Silverado Trail miles backed by low hills. Vineyards, winery estates, and quiet Silverado Trail miles backed by low hills make March's point-to-point race one of the world's most famous wine-country marathons.
Napa Valley Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Napa Valley Marathon 2027 race day
The next Napa Valley Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 7 March 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Napa Valley Marathon course route
Starts in Calistoga and finishes in Napa's wine-country valley floor. The course passes vineyards, winery estates, and quiet Silverado Trail miles backed by low hills. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Napa Valley Marathon elevation profile
The Napa Valley Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Napa Valley Marathon uses open online registration at napavalleymarathon.org with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the March race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. The full marathon routinely sells out months before race day, so early sign-up is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Napa Valley Marathon elevation profile?
- The Napa Valley Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Napa Valley Marathon?
- The Napa Valley Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point road from Calistoga to Napa's wine-country valley floor.
- What time does the Napa Valley Marathon start?
- The 2027 Napa Valley Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on napavalleymarathon.org/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Napa Valley Marathon start and finish?
- Starts in Calistoga and finishes in Napa's wine-country valley floor. Updated course maps are published at https://napavalleymarathon.org/ each year.
- When is the Napa Valley Marathon and how do I register?
- Napa Valley Marathon is typically held in March. Registration opens through https://napavalleymarathon.org/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Napa Valley Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Napa Valley Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Napa Valley Marathon pass?
- The course passes vineyards, winery estates, and quiet Silverado Trail miles backed by low hills.
- What weather should runners expect at Napa Valley Marathon?
- Typically chilly at the start with dry valley air and mild sunshine by the finish.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
