The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon, named one of the “Top 10 Marathons Worth Traveling For” by Forbes Travel, returns Sunday, March 4, 2018, marking the 40th annual race.
The 26.2 mile course, which is limited to 3000 runners, begins in the historic town of Calistoga and continues on the legendary Silverado Trail passing vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, and ending in the City of Napa.
For pre-or-post-race relaxation, the Napa Valley offers a variety of pampering spa and wellness packages, from one-hour specialty massages to natural geothermic springs and volcanic mud baths, which are the foundation of the valley’s spa culture.
Joan Benoit-Samuelson, winner of the first-ever women’s Olympic marathon in Los Angeles, CA in 1984, will be the featured guest for the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon’s 40th annual race. Ms. Benoit-Samuelson will attempt to set a world age-group record for 60-year-olds at the Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa 5K the morning of the race. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. on March 4, 2018 and starts and ends at the marathon finish area in front of Vintage High School in Napa.
For pre-race, or year-round training runs, the Napa Valley Vine Trail provides 12.5 continuous miles from South Napa to Yountville, ideal for customized runs, as well as cycling and walking. The vision of the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition is to complete a walking/biking trail system connecting the entire Napa Valley. When completed, the Vine Trail will provide a safe and sustainable, 47-mile linear park perfect for walking, biking, running, and appreciating the Napa Valley. Follow the progress of the Vine Trail by visiting vinetrail.org.
For additional information on the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon, visit napavalleymarathon.org/ or contact Marita Dorenbecher at maritadorenbecher@sbcglobal.net.