I did the half marathon of this course and it is CHALLENGING! I followed a regular running program, but didn't incorporate a lot of hills into my workouts. After finishing the half, my legs are now paying the price. Make sure you get some hill workouts in!

The course itself is rough, rocky, and slippery at times. There were multiple injuries from people falling on the course, but the view at the top makes it worth the peril!

The volunteers were amazing, and even though the course didn't allow for many spectators, those who were waiting at the finish line were loud and proud!

Props to anyone who does the full marathon!

This is a tough marathon - no wonder that majority of participants run a 10K. Be prepared for hills, slippery slopes, and one-person trails crossing creeks and small streams. This is not a major, highly organized marathon event, but it is very rewarding and it is fun. I have taken a bunch of people on the same course for a hike and it feels good to tell them that I ran it! Absolutely carry water and fuel; there is little support on the trails because they are pretty remote. The aid station is well stocked, and if you are running a marathon, you will pass it four times (not counting the finish), so being prepared is the key. Also, if you are planning to run a full marathon, be warned that you will be in the minority (relatively few brave souls do the whole race) and that the trail will be somewhat deserted - you will be running mostly alone. The view is spectacular and most of the time you cannot believe you are in the middle of Napa Valley!

I signed up for full marathon and ended up changing my mind and running only the half marathon. I would absolutely try to do the full marathon again next year.

Hey Everyone,

If you really enjoy running uphill, especially on hardcore trails, then this is the course for you. I did the half marathon yesterday, and I have to say... it kicked my butt. The views are spectacular, but I have to agree with the other folks; once you take your eyes off the course, you will land on your heinie - and watch out for the angry bees along the way.

I will be running this course again next year. :)

I ran in the 10-mile event although it's the same course as the marathon (marathon runners do the 10-mile course twice and then the first 6 miles of the course a third time for a total of 26). I will echo the comments of the previous person, this is a TOUGH course. It's extremely steep and technically challenging with rocks and branches and streams to jump over. Yeah, the scenery is something to behold but if you take your eyes off the trail you'll end up on your butt.

I'm giving the organization 5 stars because I've done several enviro-events and really appreciate the laid-back approach they take to these running events: there are no sponsors and no tents to walk through to pick up your t-shirt. They have banana bread and licorice and water, and that's about it. But they also have very few water stations (one every 4-6 miles). That was acceptable for the 10-mile run, but frankly I don't know how you'd do the marathon without a water belt. My hat's off to those who even tried. And the course is extremely remote. Except for the start/finish line that you cross a couple times there are no spectators.

In summary there are a ton of better MARATHONS in the Bay Area (Napa, CIM, SVM come to mind), but if you're planning on visiting Napa in the fall and want a challenging 10k or 10-mile trail run, I highly recommend this one.

Their web site describes the course as a VERY HILLY, double loop with a change in elevation of 2150 feet. VERY HILLY is a complete understatement. The 2150 did not register for me, as I know nothing about hills being from the Midwest. This course will kick your butt. There were 300 runners in the 10K, ½ marathon and marathon. I would guess that 40 started the marathon. I?ll bet a few changed their mind after the first loop.

The part that I enjoyed the most was the first ½ mile, only, because I had fresh legs (I was tapering for the past three weeks). At mile 1, my calves were burning and I had a pain in my butt. At mile 6, (I think, the course was not marked for miles- a good thing in the end), we found an angry beehive on top of the freaking mountain. I got stung 3 times in my already burning calves.

The course was absolutely gorgeous. There were huge redwoods and creeks everywhere. You also got a great look at the neighboring mountains. I took a bunch of pictures. This is the only reason why I'm giving the course 5 stars. What was not good, were the 50 million rocks everywhere ranging in size from 3-12 inches. So, the second you took your eye of the road and looked at the scenery your ankles were toast. I sprained mine at miles 8 and 9. I thought about a DNF but limped my way to a 5:25.

The organization was pretty laid back. The only water was at the start/finish line which you crossed 3 times (a figure eight double loop). You definitely need to carry water.

The only spectator was my wife on mile 25 (thank you honey!). A lot of runners were happy to see her.

I would recommend that you line up some mud baths and massages in Calistoga after the race.

In the end I was glad that I ran this race although I will NOT be running this one next year.