Nice point-to-point marathon, small field makes for an easy run without having to weave through runners like NY or Honolulu. My 6th marathon in 15 months and a PR! Crowds were sparse due to route along vineyards. Run with good music and you'll do great! No timing chips, but timing was surprisingly very accurate. Beautiful scenery, cool weather, no major hills - easiest one I've run so far. They have a personal 'catcher' for each finisher to walk you through the finish chute - the volunteers were awesome! You can have your own specialty drinks/food delivered to specific water stations, and they'll be waiting for you when you come through. Nice tote bag and Coolmax long-sleeved t-shirt made for a great goodie bag. We were pleasantly surprised, especially since it's such a small (1,700+ runners) marathon.

For the price you pay, you get a wonderful long sleeve shirt, the best sweats bag around, and an especially artistic medal. Not to mention an excellent course with wonderful volunteers. I did notice that when one came to intersections with the crowds cheering, they were more boisterous than last year. Wonderful support. The only recommendation would be to add one or two extra aid stations. With the sun right upon us after a few miles, dehydration sets in sooner than one thinks, even though it might only be 40 or 45 degrees or so. I will definitely be back next year, rain or shine. I would suggest to others wanting to race that they sign up sooner. With the very good feedback, word of mouth gets around. This race will sell out before christmas.

(Ran in '03) Course was reasonably scenic throughout and had little/no traffic. Web site and printed information reflect insight going into race... no major flaws. Difficult for spectators to easily follow runners along course, and finish-area traffic and parking can get mildly stressful. Zippered nylon tote best goody/drop bag I've received to date. Area seems to support race; take advantage of sponsoring wineries' deals and compliments. I know it's a fundraiser, but pasta dinner was expensive and the 2 seatings were either too early or too late for my stomach; I'd eat elsewhere. Nice touch that they will bring your special drinks to the aid stations... just like for elites in major races. However, 1 or 2 more aid stations along the course might be a good idea; some stations were 3 miles apart, a long way for those running slower than an 8-minute pace.

I have competed in two marathons before running Napa, and this is by far my favorite. If I didn't qualify for Boston 2004, I would be doing it again next year. The surroundings are so tranquil and relaxing, you can't help but have a great run. The energy of the race comes from a more spiritual place rather then the chaotic frenzy that some of bigger marathons have. I highly recommend this marathon, especially if it is your first one. The course itself is mostly downhill with some rolling hills.

I have competed in two marathons before running Napa, and this is by far my favorite. If I didn't qualify for Boston 2004, I would be doing it again next year. The surroundings are so tranquil and relaxing, you can't help but have a great run. The energy of the race comes from a more spiritual place rather then the chaotic frenzy that some of bigger marathons have. I highly recommend this marathon, especially if it is your first one. The course itself is mostly downhill with some rolling hills.

Running past the vineyards of the Napa Valley, this small, point-to-point marathon is not to be missed! The oganization was fantastic but what brought me back for a second time was the sorbet at mile 23! This is truly the best marathon I've run. See you next year.

This was my second marathon. It was wonderful in every way. VERY WELL ORGANIZED, beautiful course, great people and great weather. My first marathon was Portland and although it was nice, it didn't compare to Napa. PS I discarded an old running jacket along the course, although I did put my race number inside, I didn't expect to ever see it again and that was ok. One week later I got a package in the mail and someone had found it and took the liberty of mailing it to me. Wow-that was nice.

Very cold at the beginning of the race, but quickly warmed up. Gently rolling hills through scenic wine country. I would recommend this course to anyone. Also a great place to vacation for a few days after you run the marathon.

This is the one to do if you are looking for a mid-sized race. Great scenery, no urban decay, few turns, lots of easy downhill.

Having completed a marathon in all 50 states plus DC, this is one of the relatively few that I have repeated as I go back to do each state a second time around. I think that just about says it all!

But if anyone needs more convincing, the area offers so much and the marathon is a really runner friendly size. Also the race organization, management and volunteers are great!

Here is an example: At the start, I had my garbage bag on to help ward off the morning chill. Hey, I'm from Minnesota, I know race survival techniques! A lady on our bus was not as well prepared so I gave her my garbage bag (non runners would never understand this)! I pulled the finishers T-shirt out of my bag which I was planning to wear at the finish. At mile 8 it was soaked, I no longer needed it and it must have weighed 5 pounds with the all the persp so I balled it up and ditched it.

Later,at the finish, as I collected my sweats bag (absolutely the best, by the way) and enquired if the sweep of the course had located my t-shirt. They hadn't but invited me to list my name, contact and size. I hesitated a bit because it's not like you really need another T-shirt, right?

Well, I did provide the info and by the time I got home on Tuesday, there were two calls on my voice mail saying they had found it and wanting to verify my address so it could be mailed to me!

Talk about runner friendly! While that may not be a big thing, it is a reflection of how these good folks think and feel about their runners.

Well done, Napa