Events

Napa Valley Endurance Run

Date Changed to November 27.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, Calistoga, CA

November 27, 2021

Overview

UPDATES:

3/3 Our race date has been changed to November 27 — Thanksgiving weekend. We will be hosting an informal day on the Palisades on April 17, our original race day, as planned.

Athletes who have registered but can’t run on race day – or don’t want to be in the crowd on race day – will be able to take part in a ‘virtual’ run where you cover part of the course. There will be at least 3 days where we will provide light support on course, with at least one water station to make crossing the Palisades possible. We will send you your shirt and medal. This option is meant to give maximum flexibility in taking part in the race. More details to come.

*****

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

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  • 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 the Calistoga RV 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 the Napa County Fairgrounds 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.
update 10/10/2019

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

START TIMES

50k and 35k start at 7:30 AM

Half marathon starts at 9:00 AM

Race day packet-pickup starts at 6:30 AM

Pre-race packet pickup is Friday from 3 to 5PM at Clif Family Winery 709 Main Street, St. Helena, CA.

Race day registration: Because the race is sold out, we discourage race day registration, but we also never tell runners they can't run. If you do show up race day, we can't guarantee you a medal or shirt, though we can guarantee one heck of a race and a great party at the end!

THE START/FINISH - GETTING HERE

Napa Valley 50k starts and finishes on the Great Lawn at the Napa County Fairgrounds, just a few blocks from the trailhead. You access the Great Lawn and Grand Pavilion parking area through Gate 1 of the Fairgrounds, near the intersection of Oak and Washington. Click on this link for a Google Map that will allow you to create your own directions. The nearest address is:

1435 N Oak Street
Calistoga, CA 94515

If you're coming with friends and family, the 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 2020 You can rent a space for an RV directly from the Calistoga RV Park.

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

Special awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers and the top male and female age group finishers in 10-yr increments. These are limited addition awards created specifically for Napa Valley 50k by the artisans at Elevation Culture.

All finishers will receive a custom medal (they're made out of wood, actually) celebrating their achievement, along with a tech-t races shirt.

All participants receive a "Wine Club Member for a Day" pass to the Clif Family Winery Tasting Room in St. Helena. Good for glasses of wine and a snack for two!

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 mile course. This ensures that all runners will finish, safely before 6:30pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a pre-race packet pickup?

Yes, there is. Pre-race packet b

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 if 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