This race was short of a full marathon, but its a wonderful trail course. It features single-track where passing or getting passed is not easy, but also features plenty of road and wide gravel road where there's plenty of room. The course does three loops through steep inclines and declines, then nearly 2 miles of road. The last two out-n-backs are up a single track to the gristmill. My watch recorded about 20.5 miles and I walked much of it after a quad cramp at around mile 13. Lovely scenery, relaxed organization, good comradery.

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.