Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon traces a celebrated local tradition of running through the heart of California’s legendary wine country. Launched in the late 1990s as a destination race for both serious racers and recreational runners, the event has grown into a summer staple that showcases the agricultural and viticultural heritage of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. It attracts a mix of regional runners, visiting athletes, and wine-country tourists seeking a scenic, low-key race experience combined with a festive post-race atmosphere. The point-to-point course delivers expansive vineyard vistas, rolling oak-studded hills, and panoramic views of the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountains as runners travel from the Napa side toward historic Sonoma. The mostly paved route winds past boutique wineries, through shaded stretches and open sunlit rolling terrain, offering both gentle climbs and fast downhill segments that reward pacing and strategy. On-course support includes well-spaced aid stations, volunteers, and occasional live music; the finish area in Sonoma features a lively afterparty with local wine tastings, food vendors, and an awards ceremony that celebrates finishers of all paces. The event is run on a USATF-certified course and is recognized as a Boston Qualifier, making it a competitive choice for runners chasing qualifying times as well as those seeking a picturesque, memorable race day. The atmosphere is relaxed yet celebratory—family-friendly, community-oriented, and rich with the hospitality Napa and Sonoma are known for—so participants can expect a professionally managed race with a strong local flavor.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Cuvaison Carneros Winery: The starting point of the race, located off California Highway 121
Sonoma Plaza: The finish line of the race, located in front of City Hall
Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area: A scenic area that runners pass through during the race
Broadway: The final mile of the race, which takes runners past Sonoma's historical landmarks
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Napa Valley, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Team Fox runners must raise a minimum amount for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Required Documents
- Govt issued ID
- Confirmation Email
Entry Methods
- Online registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
All registration fees are non-refundable.
The point-to-point course travels through classic Napa Valley vineyards and rolling hills, starting near Napa and finishing in downtown Sonoma with multiple scenic views and historic winery estates along the route.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a high-quality technical finisher shirt, and there is a post-race wine tasting area (21+ with ID) plus local food vendors in the finish festival.
Expect well-stocked aid stations approximately every 2–3 miles with water, electrolyte drink and gels, and mobile medical teams stationed near the start, mid-course, and finish.
Shuttles are typically provided from the finish area back to the start/parking lots—participants are strongly advised to use the race shuttles and arrive early; parking near the start can be limited.
Awards are presented to top overall male and female finishers and top finishers in standard five-year age groups, and many runners recommend sunscreen, a hat, and pacing for the rolling climbs on the middle miles of the course.
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