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Napa Valley Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Napa Valley Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 160 [displaying comments 101 to 111]
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L. M. from Southern California
(12/8/2005)
"Great course, but don't expect a crowd" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Napa Valley Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 One of the best courses to run, esp. now that Vegas isnt downhill anymore. Beautiful scenery, etc. Hills are small (<60 feet), and few (4-5). Overall course is downhill (200 feet). Don't believe the high ratings for spectators; the course is pretty empty, no access to most of the course for spectators. But if you don't mind running alone, this is a great place to do it. | |
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b. p. from Granite Bay, CA
(12/6/2005)
"Run in the country " (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Napa Valley Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 After completing two Napa Valley Marathons ('04 & '05), I would highly recommend it to the serious/seasoned or the first-time marathoners. An excellent run along the Silverado Trail with plenty of trees, vines, and fields. Limited concrete structures along the trail and unfortunately, limited fans; however plenty of time to reflect on life and/or enjoy the scenery, peacefulness. | |
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Lisa Sladick from San Dimas, California
(9/8/2005)
"beautiful course" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Napa Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was a beautiful course to run. I was under the impression that it was a flatter course and was surprised at all the hills. Lots of beautiful scenery but not many spectators, nor entertainment so it gives you a lot of quiet time to think about getting tired... the vineyards and the beauty of this marathon's course do help with the challenge of it being so peaceful and quiet. I would run it again, I really enjoyed it. | |
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C. K. from California
(6/22/2005)
"Great course for a First Marathon" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Napa Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a beautiful, mostly flat course with an appropriate amount of water stations. A good race for first-timers! The weather in March is usually good for running. Heed the advice to wear a visor, as you run into the sun. Also, don't overdo it on the hill at 19. My two suggestions for improvements: Porta-potties in the first half could be increased. And the finish line doesn't allow spectators to greet runners right after they cross the line. (Only volunteers are allowed at the finish line.) Spectators must stand in front of the finish line and then wander back to find the runners in the post-race area. Overall, a fun race. | |
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M. M. from Redwood City, CA
(4/14/2005)
"The Best Course I've Run (So Far)" (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Napa Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Echoing the sentiments of several other reviewers, I really enjoyed this marathon, which was my 3rd overall. The course was absolutely spectacular in early March. The clear sunny conditions made for phenomenal views of the terrain, and a cool steady breeze kept my radiator from overheating too severely. Having run the Chicago Marathon in October 2004 with 35,000 other runners (and not really enjoying it too much), I found the size and environment of Napa a much better fit for me. A smaller turnout in the wide open spaces made for a more intimate experience, and I enjoyed speaking with or cheering for other runners during our 26.2-mile journey. The spectators, while somewhat sparse, were vocal and supportive. The volunteers were friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. The aid stations were spaced out in reasonable intervals and well supplied. The shirts and backpacks issued at the pre-race expo were the best that I've seen offered in any race I've participated in, full marathon or otherwise. This is definitely an event to be repeated. Highly recommended for 1st timers or veterans! Hope to see you next year! | |
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P. G. from Kalamazoo, Michigan
(3/17/2005)
"Very beautiful course" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Napa Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was without doubt the most scenic course I have run. However, being a former Napan, I am partial. This was my 10th marathon and I obtained a PR with only a few minutes short of qualifying for Boston. I attribute my good time to the course, the great weather, and the location. A few glasses of good Napa Valley Cab the night before didn't hurt either! While having trained all winter long in snow and sub-zero temperatures in Michigan, I was somewhat concerned with the heat during and at the end of the course. But it turned out not to be too much of a factor as long as you were hydrating yourself, which I certainly did. There was a lot of shade for the first half of the race although the sun was in your eyes after a while. The course is rather undulating from side to side with a nice hill at mile 19-20 - but other than that, downhill. However, I think the course organizers should consider going the opposite direction every other year like they do at the Comrades in South Africa. I also advise getting a room in Calistoga the night before as to avoid the early bus ride. Every minute counts to me on race morning. I walked two blocks to the start, which was great. (Similar advice to take the Staten Island ferry instead of the buses for the NY Marathon). There were also very few spectators except at the end because there are only a few cross roads bisecting the valley between Hwy 29 and the Silverado Trail with little to no parking. While I was disappointed that they did not have chip times, the scenery and the pleasantness of the volunteers and the organizers more than made up for it. The medal and shirt are definitely some of the better ones that I have received. I also thought the satellite imaged race course poster I bought at the expo is awesome! Another thing that surprised me was how few wineries sponsored this event (I think Sutter Home used to in the past). Knowing that many marathoners stayed a few extra days of R&R to visit the wineries and eat at the many great restaurants there, I would have thought a few free wine tastings or other things would have been in order. This is certainly a missed marketing opportunity knowing the demographics and higher disposable income levels of many marathoners. I am not sure when but I will most definitely run this race again. Thanks Napa Valley for a memorable racing experience! | |
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T. W. from Berkeley, CA - USA
(3/17/2005)
"Great race, but not many spectators." (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Napa Valley Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was the second year in a row for me taking on this 26.2 mile challenge and I absolutely love it. I don't really need much crowd support, so that aspect doesn't bother me. The course is quite beautiful and the hills aren't that bad. I would recommend this race to anyone considering running a marathon. | |
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D. C. from Normal, IL
(3/14/2005)
"Breathtaking course" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Napa Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I enjoyed this marathon. It's hard not to in such beauty. I think garbage cans by the mile markers may help the litter problem. The volunteers were wonderful. I recommend wearing a visor for a sunny day, even with sunglasses on there was a glare...not that I am complaining! | |
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C. S. from Austin, TX
(3/9/2005)
"What a beautiful course!" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Napa Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon. I ran Portland in 2003. This course is stunningly beautiful, and the weather really cooperated. To run in the wine country in a rural setting is really fun. The hills are not bad at all, I would say; even the hill at the 20-mile mark didn't feel too bad. The bummer part about running in a rural area is that there aren't many areas for spectators to come and cheer you along. The spectators were great when they were around, but there weren't that many compared to Portland or to the recent Freescale Marathon I saw in Austin. But the sorbet at Mile 23 was very appreciated! The organization was also top-notch, but I do wish they could have had a few more porta-potties at the race start. The lines were incredibly long, with many people starting late because of it. Also, you have to park at the end and shuttle to the front to start, which is fine, but there were no signs pointing you from the parking lot to the shuttle. It was pitch black in the morning, and none of us knew where to go! Last, they ran out of t-shirts and had only extra large for everyone at the end. But that's all nitpicking. Bottom line: it is a beautiful, fun run with great people. And it's good for a first marathon, too, I think. It's so great having only 2,000 people. I'd run it again in a second. The volunteers were all so friendly and helpful. Thanks to all of them!!! | |
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K. L. from MI
(3/8/2005)
"Bravo!!!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Napa Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Beautiful scenery and excellent organization. Do not change a thing. Shame, shame on the runners that dropped their empty gel packets on the road between aid stations. Can't you be a little bit courteous and not litter? |
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