(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.
Drop Bags, Cutoffs, Dropping
We carry drop bags to Hwy 29 aid for the 50k and 35k runners. Mark your bag clearly with your bib number. There is one soft cutoff at 11:45 am. All races on the 50k course will be turned back onto the 35k race at Highway 29, starting at that point. This ensures everyone gets in by 6:30 pm. Please note we don’t encourage or support dropping except for a medical emergency. If you drop at Hwy 29, you’ll have to wait for a volunteer to be free to give you a lift to the Start. Otherwise, plan with your race support to give you this option. C’mon, it’s not that far home from Highway 29. You can do it!
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!