Napa Valley Marathon & Half Marathon

On Sunday March 1 2026 Napa Valley stages a point to point morning of running that feels like a private tour through vineyard country. The marathon begins in Calistoga on Silverado Trail and finishes in Napa at Vintage High School. The half marathon starts farther south near St Helena. The 5K also finishes at Vintage High School with the exact start details best checked close to race week.

This is a race with quiet speed built into the scenery. From roughly 395 feet above sea level in Calistoga the marathon drops to about 56 feet in Napa for a net downhill near 339 feet. The first 23 miles largely track Silverado Trail with remarkably few decisions to make on course then the final miles bring the only real navigation with four turns tucked into the last stretch.

Runners come for more than the views. The course is a certified Boston Qualifier and the early March timing often delivers the kind of mild coastal valley weather that makes even ambitious pacing feel possible. Expect rolling terrain rather than a pure downhill and plan respect for the late course rise around mile 20 which has a reputation for resetting legs and egos alike.

Make a weekend of it by splitting your stay between Calistoga for pre race calm and Napa for post finish ease. Registration tends to reward early commitment with price increases later in the year. Pack layers for the start plus sunscreen for the finish and claim a spot along the final miles where the course turns pull runners close to spectators and the finish line energy builds fast.