UPDATES:
We will be back for 2021!
Join us in Calistoga for the Napa Valley Endurance Run, three events run in glorious Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Don’t let the name fool you — this is a challenging race that rollicks across the Palisades on rarely-run trails not a day at the spa. Want to know more? Read Penny MacPhail’s review, which starts, “I’m sorry but I can’t stop myself unleashing a recap of yesterday’s extraordinary race, Scena Performance’s inaugural Napa Trail 50k. It was EPIC. Truly in my view the mother of all ultra routes. I’d no idea what these trails would be like. Never run in this area or with this company. Awesomeballs was the answer.” Read more
Your 50k race will take you out and along the Palisades all the way to the top of Mount St. Helena. Along the way, you’ll find mystical trail features such as the Maze with its Nautilus centerpiece. 35k runners will see all these sights but turn around at Highway 29. Half-marathon runners will turn around at the first aid station on the Palisades. No matter the race, you’ll be treated with stunning views and challenged with new trails.
UTMB POINTS As in past years, Napa Valley is a qualifying run for the Ultra Tour de Mont Blanc. The 50k has been awarded 2 UTMB points.
Course and Aid
No doubt about it — these are challenging runs. Starting at the trailhead right off of the Silverado Trail, Napa Valley 50k takes you up the Oat Hill Mine Trail, then along the Palisades Trail, the Table Rock Trail and, finally, the Mount St. Helena Trail. The 50k has over 7,500 of elevation as shown here in the elevation profile. For additional maps and other race information visit us here.
This out-and-back course is all trail (single track and fire road) with one highway crossing. 50k runners hit fully stocked aid stations 6 times during the run, with stations positioned along the trail and then at the intersection with Hwy 29. 35k runners have 3 aid station stops. The Half Marathon follows the same route and turns at a point just beyond the aid station. While aid is plentiful, limited access to the Palisades Trail means that there is at least one 6 mile between stations. We recommend all runners carry 40oz of water.
While there are no hard cutoffs for this race, 50k runners who do not reach the Highway 29 aid station by 11:45 will be converted to the 35k race. This ensures that everyone will be back to the start safely by 6:30. 50k runners converted to the shorter distance will not be eligible for Age Group or overall awards.
Pre-Race Bib Pickup
Join us on Friday before race day for bib and shirt pickup — and perhaps a glass of rose.
Race Day
Be sure to check out everything under the Race Day tab at the top of the page. The Start/Finish area is on the Great Lawn of the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga. You will enter through Gate 1 and there is free parking in the Great Pavilion. Click here for driving directions in the Google. Click here for a map of the Fairground. Parking is free. Gates will open at 6. Gate 1 is near the intersection of Oak Street and Washington Street. Race day bib pickup starts at 6:30 AM,
After Running – At the Finish
Napa Valley 50k starts and finishes on the Great Lawn at the Napa County Fairgrounds, where we will fill you with food and good cheer. The location is central to Calistoga so your family can visit this charming town while you run. Then, they can come to watch you run down the street and into the finish. Everyone is welcome for food and drink after the run.
Getting and Staying Here
Napa Valley 50k starts and finishes in Calistoga, California at the top of Napa Valley. Camping is available at the Calistoga RV Park, just a short walk through the Napa County Fairgrounds to the Start-Finish. This tent camping gives you access to the facilities of the RV Park but is meant for Friday night only, so if you’re planning to stay awhile, we recommend you also look into Bothe-Napa State Park, which offers a great place for your kids to explore while you run.
For more places to stay and other great ideas during your visit, check-in with our friends at Visit Calistoga!
Thanks to our sponsors:
Napa Valley 50k/35k 2018
