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!

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!

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.

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!

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!!!

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?

Napa was my second marathon. I had a blast. Literally, all the stars were aligned for this race; the sun came up just seconds before the start! Aid stations were plentiful, the goody bag was cool, the NVM shirt was a real running shirt, the course was better than advertised, and we were blessed with perfect weather. Thanks to the organizers and I look forward to running NVM in '07 ('06 is reserved for Boston, thanks to this run!).

Overall - a very nice race and well organized. The course scenery is spectacular - miniature fog banks hang over vineyards in the early morning - and then evaporate as the sun peeks over the hills. North to South run - so bring your sunglasses. You get the whole Silverado Trail (two-lane highway) for most of the race (mile 19) so not crowded at all. Predominantly downhill - but there are rolling hills (but nothing major). Maybe a slightly more difficult course than the CIM with some of those hills later in the race (mile 19-20 is the last one). Good spectators - but sparse. I think access for spectators is not easy (but am not certain). Finish is at a local high school where the volunteer/race organization was great. No less than 20 tables of post-race massages meant less than a 5 minute wait! Also - a very nice goody bag and race shirt.

Only complaint is this: Mile markers are these little signs like sidewalk cafe signs. They are too low to the ground and difficult to see if you are in a crowd of runners or if spectators are standing around them. Nobody there reading out times either. We passed a number of markers without realizing it.

I just fininshed the 2005 Napa Marathon and it was PERFECT. The course was very beautiful, the organization well run and efficient, the weather was better than I had hoped for and the experience was one I will always remember. In truth, I can't find anything negative to say about the race. THANKS to the all the people who made this happen, THANKS to all the spectators who got up early and came out on Sunday morning to cheer and share the joy and excitement with us runners...THANKS to the kind folks who were there at the aid stations and at the finish line...YOU ARE THE BEST!!! Of the five marathons I have participated in, this one is the BEST!!!

Gearing up for my 8th trip down the Silverado Trail. I look forward to this marathon each year. Living just an hour from the starting line in Lake County, I find it truly a gift to live in such beautiful surroundings. My first marathon was the '76 Honolulu and this will be my 48th. My son will be running with me this year for the first time. It will be his 3rd. Look forward to seeing the horses dancing and playing for the race crowd in the field adjacent to starting line... and hope for no rain and wind like we had a few years back. Nasty!