May 14, 2024
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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 131 to 141]
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N. W. from Fairfax, VA
(7/12/2003)
 "Gorgeous and friendly all the way" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 After running my first three marathons in my home state of Virginia, I flew all the way out to the opposite coast to try something new. It's difficult for the spectators to see you except for roads that cross the course every couple miles, and yet my dad was able to meet me on three different occasions to give me much-needed gel packs. It was around the freezing point at the start, but 3:29 later it was getting rather warm, so the early start is not so bad. As other people have said, I would have preferred more water, given that you're staring into the rising sun for most of the race. However, the aid was as plentiful and friendly as any race I've run. I noticed nobdy has made mention of the fact that one of the later miles is more or less uphill all the way, and it is rolling from start to finish. On the other hand, it is a magnificently beautiful and quiet run with a small, but not sparse, crowd. Great weekend in California, with a nice point-to-point run in between. Despite my lower than average ratings, it ultimately comes highly reccomended. | |
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S. S. from San Francisco Bay Area
(6/4/2003)
 "Great Course - Small Race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Wonderful course and organization. Marathon is limited to 2,200 entrants only, though, so you have to register early to do this one. The spectators were wonderful, and especially all the volunteers - exceptional job. The only thing about this marathon is that buses need to start just 1/2 hour earlier to get you to the course start in time. Our bus was late. By the time I got to drop off my clothes, the race had already started. This is bad, especially since there are no chip times. | |
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T. S. from San Francisco, CA
(6/3/2003)
"Good little marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 For a little race, they do a good job. Crowd tends to suffer from 'T-i-T Syndrome': they cheer for the team-in-training runners, and anyone else seems to be nonexistent. The one negative is that buses leave way too early for a 7 AM start. The ride takes about 30 mins, but buses leave about 2 hourse prior to the start. A bus from the finish to the start would be greatly appreciated. | |
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M. C. from Kansas City, MO
(3/24/2003)
"It can't get much better than this!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon and it was, without question, a great experience. The course, as expected, was beautiful and made the run that much more enjoyable. (A nice bonus was ?running with the horses? in the first 100 yards of the race!!!) The overall organization was outstanding?.there is an incredible amount of attention given to the smallest of details, something that you don?t see all the time. The volunteers were all extremely enthusiastic and willing to help in any way they could. For any runner wanting a truly enjoyable marathon experience, I highly recommend Napa! | |
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D. I. from Los Angeles area
(3/22/2003)
"Great marathon to run a PR" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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. | |
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A. L. from marin county, CA
(3/12/2003)
"one of the best marathons around" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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. | |
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T. P. from Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
(3/6/2003)
"Scenic Race That Does Most Things Well" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 (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. | |
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m. d. from Oakland, CA
(3/6/2003)
 "Amazing!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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m. d. from Oakland, CA
(3/6/2003)
"Amazing!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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J. T. from Portland, Oregon
(3/4/2003)
"A great little marathon!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. |
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