The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon boasts one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The course runs the length of the famed Napa Valley wine-growing region. It begins in Calistoga, famous for its geysers and curative waters, and winds south along the historic Silverado Trail to finish at Vintage High School in north Napa. Except for the last half-mile, the entire course is rural. Runners are treated to panoramic views of the valley, flowering fruit trees, and dormant vineyards carpeted with golden mustard flowers.

Dedicated to fostering and promoting quality road racing, the Napa Valley Marathon is known as the "biggest little marathon in the West." The Napa Valley Marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course. In its January 2002 issue, Runner's World Magazine named the Napa Valley Marathon one of the Top 20 Marathons in the United States. Competitor Magazine named it the "Best Rural Marathon" in the United States.