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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 151 to 158]
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J. from Mt. Laurel, NJ
(9/12/2001)
 "You're not in Jersey Dorothy" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I thought the organizers were great. The volunteers and the spectators were even greater for their efforts in this nasty weather. I am from NJ, I always thought that the worst weather you could endure was a combination of acid snow/sleet/rain during February in New Jersey. I was wrong, the incredible head winds and vertical rain changed all of my previous concepts. But seriously, I must relate this story, I was running uphill, with hard wind and rain, legs were burning and feet cold. I started to feel sorry for myself, I wanted to stop. I saw a wheel-chair participant straining to ascend the same hill, giving every ounce of strength she had in her. Needless to say I ceased complaining and continued to the end. I don't know if she finished the race, but I know that she gave me the strength to finish. | |
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A Runner from London, England
(3/21/2001)
"A Good Race All Around" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The weather this year was horrible -- really about as bad as one can imagine. A shame, as the course is lovely and relatively easy. The one place where the race falls a little short is in spectator support -- this is a very rural course, and there is almost nowhere for people to stand and cheer. I was surprised how little support the race had in the Valley -- we talked to a number of residents who didn't know anything about it -- but I have nothing but the highest praise and thanks for the volunteers on the course this year -- they were great, and standing still in that horrible weather to hand out drinks was above the call of duty | |
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A Runner from San Francisco, California
(3/16/2001)
 "Napa is always first rate, weather or not." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Have run seven Marathons previously, all in good weather conditions. However, the eighth was a real challenge. One could not have asked for worse weather. You would think in drought-racked California, that it would be reasonably dry...! It rained the whole time I was out on the course, plus there were tough headwinds for the second half. The people made up for all the difficulties by remaining cheery despite themselves being cold and wet. A thousand thanks for the volunteers, spectators, and organizers. Funny though, this was my first Marathon where I remained blister free, despite my feet being wet even before the start. Hope to run this event again next year. | |
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A Runner from Stockton, Ca
(3/9/2001)
"The course was beautiful but the weather was ??" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've crewed my husband 3 times in beautiful weather at the Napa Marathon. So this year I decided to do it myself. I should have picked a different year! The course is beautiful with all of the rolling hills, the vineyards and wineries. The volunteers and supporters were awesome with their cheering. But the weather!!! I used to believe that hell was fire and brimstone. After running this marathon I now believe that pouring rain and headwinds from 15-40 MPH would be much worse to be in for the eternal life hereafter. It certainly was for a marathon. There was one ray of sunshine though. That was my husband who ran the marathon at my speed with me. He sang crazy songs, brightening my run and those of many others. He was the sunshine on a rainy day. Many people thanked him when they saw him afterwards. It certainly made the run much better. A special thanks also to the organizers who did a great job. Now if only they could learn to control the weather. :) | |
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Andy Weaver from Newport Beach, CA
(3/6/2001)
 "Beautiful Regional Marathon" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I knew we were going to have bad weather and was mentally prepared but the 2001 edition was tough. They let us stay in the buses until the last minute which kept us warm before the start which would not have been possible in a big marathon. Once underway I was not cold because the act of running a marathon keeps you warm despite the rain and temps in the low 50's. It was when the rain let up at about the 1/2 way point that we started to get hot with very strong headwinds. By 20 miles when we were going up a hill we had 40+ MPH winds which never really let up. I ran strong and finished 48th in 3:13 - it would have taken 2:57 to finish 48th last year. This is a beautiful scenic race, this year we just got horrible weather. Volunteers were exceptional given the conditions, always cheering and ready to help. | |
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A Runner from cupertino, CA
(1/12/2001)
"Absoulutely beautiful!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Easy to 'lose yourself' in the beautiful surroundings! Encouraging banners near the wineries were fun. Fantastic organization and support, especially at the finish. The hot soup was perfect after last year's wet weather. Loved the run and I'm coming back. The only thing I'd change? Wasn't crazy about the medal...a minor detail. | |
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A Runner from Pleasant Hill, CA
(9/15/2000)
 "Beautiful course, very well organized" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A very well-organized and uncrowded course. There was not a lot of crowd support, but the people who were there were great. The rolling hills of Napa Valley were lovely, and to top it off I ran a personal best! | |
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A Runner from Columbia, Maryland
(5/28/2000)
"Rural course, pretty scenery, well organized" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This marathon is a good race to run with a partner or group. The scenery is pretty but the course is rural and spectators are only able to view the race at restricted spots. Towards the end, I was tired of the vineyards and looked forward to seeing more people and activity. The race is well organized with water stops every 2 1/2 miles. The weather in 2000 was overcast and rainy. The postrace party is very nice, and there are lots of very friendly volunteers. The hot soup was terrific! The bag pickup was efficient as was the transportation to the starting line. |
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