• Napa,
    California,
    United States
  • July
  • 3 miles/5K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Stephanie Dunlap

California, United States
37 48
2019
"The Best of Two Worlds... Running and Wining"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Stephanie Dunlap's thoughts:

I left my house at about 4:15am for a 7am race start. It was an early morning. I made it to the Sonoma Plaza with barely enough time to spare. Since there is not parking at the start of the Napa to Sonoma half marathon, runners are encouraged to either take a shuttle to the starting line or get dropped off. Since I drove myself to the race, I had to catch a shuttle. The website said that the last shuttle was departing at 6:30am. I, of course, arrived at 6:25am. As first I didn’t see anyone around. I reread the shuttle information page and realized that I was standing at the corner of 1st Street West and Spain instead of 1st Street East and Spain. Uh oh! I quickly ran one block to the correct location in just the nick of time.

Before I knew it, I was standing at the race starting line and the countdown was over.

Next to water as one of my favorite things to run beside, I’d say that vineyards would be a close second. So many vineyards and wineries along the course of the Napa to Sonoma half. I think a fun add on to the race would be a wine tasting bus tour that visits all the wineries along the course. 😉

Some of the highlights of the race, besides running past vineyards, were running into one of my fellow BibRave Pro Linda and drinking some Rose while on course. #roséallday

The course was well marked, traffic was controlled beautifully by law enforcement as well as volunteers, and the views were next to none! Next, it was time to cross that finish line and enjoy the finish line festivities. (I was hoping for a time that was a little faster, but I had too much fun taking in the views while out on course.) . I trained with team Endure Strong for this training cycle and would highly recommend checking them out!

Before picking up my wine glass at the finish line, I walked to my car that was close by so that I could change my clothes and pump (I’m still breastfeeding my 7 month old baby).

Twenty minutes later, I felt like a whole new person and made my way back to the finish line festivities. The Napa to Sonoma half finish line was probably one of my favorites! There were quite a few wineries all pouring at least two different wines (usually a red and a white). The best part is that with your wine glass and a wristband showing you were over 21 years of age, there was unlimited tastings! I have already contacted several friends to tell them that we need to run this race next year and spend the night Sunday night to fully be able to enjoy the finish line festivities. 🙂

Speaking of running this race next year, race registration is now open and will sell out. Who will I see at Napa to Sonoma next year?

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Latest reviews

Loading Reviews...