Events

Napa Valley Endurance Run

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, Calistoga, CA

April 16, 2023

Overview

(Note: The 2023 Napa Valley Endurance Run blog is live with notes and updates. Click here.)

Join us in Calistoga for the Napa Valley Endurance Run, three events run in glorious Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, which starts and finishes at Logvy Park in downtown Calistoga (directions).

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. This is a bucket-list race if yours includes things that are TOUGH. 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 take on one of the toughest halfs in the country, with the insanely great award of the view from the Palisades Aid Station. The 10k takes you up Oat Hill Mine Trail to a turn around in the burn zone.

No matter the race, you’ll be treated with stunning views and challenged with new trails.

UTMB INDEX As in past years, Napa Valley is a qualifying run for the Ultra Tour de Mont Blanc. The 50k, 35k, and Half Marathon are UTMB Index races. 

Course and Aid

No doubt about it — these are challenging runs. Starting at the trailhead right off of the Silverado Trail, Napa Valley Endurance Run 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 stretch 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

All bib pickup will be on race morning, starting at 6:30 am at Logvy Park.

Race Day

Be sure to check out everything under the Race Day tab at the top of the page. The Start/Finish area at Logvy Park in Calistoga. (directions) Race day bib pickup starts at 6:30 AM,

Awards and Schwag

All finishers receive a custom finishers medal as well as a t-shirt. There are awards for the top 3 finishers, by gender, in each race. In races with a field of more than 50 runners, Scena offers awards for Age Group winners, as well, in 10-year divisions.

After Running – At the Finish

Napa Valley Endurance Run starts and finishes at Logvy Park, 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 Endurance Run starts and finishes in Calistoga, California at the top of Napa Valley. If you’re hoping to camp, look into Bothe-Napa State Park, which offers a great place for your kids to explore while you run. Otherwise, check AirBnB.

For more places to stay and other great ideas during your visit, check-in with our friends at Visit Calistoga!

 

 

  • 50k

    Runners on the 50k course will be treated rocky and steep uphill sections to bring participants to expansive views of the Napa Valley, following single track trails across the Palisades and through the Maze. Runners will cross Highway 29 and proceed to the top of Mount St. Helena before turning around and heading home along the same course. There is a net elevation gain/loss of 7,250 feet.

    AID STATIONS

    There are 3 aid stations for the 50K, which runners will visit 6 times, going out and back at the 6, 10, 12, 17, 20, 25 mile points in the race. Aid stations will be stocked with all of your favorite runner fare, including fresh fruit, chips, gels, potatoes and salt, candy, soda, water, sports drink and other assorted goodies. Cutoffs: 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 20 mile 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 winner awards.

  • 35k

    The 35k course starts at Logvy Park and after a short run through the streets, enters the trails and proceeds up Oat Hill Mine. There is a hard left onto the Palisades Trail. Runners on the 35k course will be treated rocky and steep uphill sections to bring participants to expansive views of the Napa Valley, following single track trails across the Palisades and through the Maze. Runners will turn around at Highway 29. There is a net gain/loss of 5,250 feet.

    AID STATIONS

    There will be three aid stations for the 35k, located at the 6, 10, 14-mile points. Aid stations will be stocked with all of your favorite runner fare, including fresh fruit, chips, gels, potatoes and salt, candy, soda, water, sports drink and other assorted goodies.

  • Half Marathon

    The Half Marathon course starts at Logvy Park and after a short run through the streets, enters the trails and proceeds up Oat Hill Mine. There is a hard left onto the Palisades Trail, which becomes more technical single track. Runner will turn around at a point just past the Palisades Aid Station and will be treated to expansive views of the Napa Valley. There is a net gain/loss of 4,250 feet.

    AID STATIONS

    There will be two aid stations for the Half Marathon at Mile 1 and at the turn around at Palisades Aid. The Mile 1 station is at the Oat Hill Mine Trailhead and is water and gels only. Palisades Aid will be stocked with all of your favorite runner fare, including fresh fruit, chips, gels, potatoes and salt, candy, soda, water, sports drink and other assorted goodies.

    Please plan for the long distance between aid stations and plan to carry up to 40 ounces of water. Because of the remote nature of the course, we are unable to provide more frequent aid.

  • 10k

    The 10k course starts at Logvy Park and is an out-and-back up Oat Hill Mine Trail. There is a turn around sign on the trail just past the 2 mile market on Oat Hill Mine.

    AID STATIONS

    There is a water-only aid station at Mile 1 and 5.2.
update 11/17/2021

Times, Getting Here, Where to Stay, Awards, Etc.

START TIMES

50k and 35k start at 7:30 AM

Half marathon and 10k start at 9:00 AM

Race day packet-pickup starts at 6:30 AM

Pre-race packet pickup is TBD

Race day registration: There will not be race day registration.

THE START/FINISH - GETTING HERE

Napa Valley Endurance Run starts and finishes on the field at Logvy Park in Calistoga Click on this link for a Google Map that will allow you to create your own directions. The address is:

1745 Washington Street
Calistoga, CA 94515

If you're coming with friends and family, they can root for you anywhere along the route that leads to the trailhead. And if they're tired of sitting with us at the start/finish, Calistoga has a lot to offer!

WHERE TO STAY

We are not currently offering camping in 2021

If you prefer a solid roof to a tent, other options may be found on Goldenhaven.com or on AirBnB.

Awards, Drop Bags, Time Limit

AWARDS

There are awards for the top 3 finishers, by gender, in each race. In races with a field of more than 50 runners, Scena offers awards for Age Group winners, as well, in 10-year divisions.

All finishers will receive a custom medal celebrating their achievement, along with a race shirt good for running and going to Trader Joe's.

DROP BAGS

Yes, runners may leave drop bags, which will be delivered to the Highway 29 lot at the 11 mile point of the races.

TIME LIMIT

While there are no hard cutoffs in this race, 50k runners who do not reach the Hwy 29 aid station by 11:45 will be instructed to run the 20 35k course. This ensures that all runners will finish, safely before 6:30pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a pre-race packet pickup?

No there isn't. All bib pickup is race morning at Logvy Park.

I am new to trail running, will I get lost?

The trails are thoroughly marked with ribbons, and each turn will have multiple ribbons along with a sign pointing you in the direction of the turn. There will be no areas where you need to guess. We haven't lost anyone yet!

Are there things for my family to do at this location?

Napa Valley is a great place to bring the entire family and Calistoga specifically offers a charming small-town setting that will treat non-runners. We recommend a trip to nearby Bothe-Napa State Park where family members can relax under the cool cover of trees, hike along the sun-dappled creek trails, and take part in the post-race festivities. Wineries abound near the park.

Can I have crew and support?

Because of the remote nature of the course, crew access is very limited. Crew, family, and other supporters can cheer you on the road before the trailhead near the start/finish, and then again at the upper Highway 29 crossing.

Can I hike the event?

Yes, we believe everyone should get a chance to experience these beautiful trails, regardless of pace.

Do you need volunteers?

Our races depend on the generous spirit of the running community to ensure every participant is well supported. Volunteers will receive a free entry to a future Scena Performance event. Please fill out the volunteer form for more information.

Napa Valley Endurance Run