Course Information

Start at Cuvaison in Carneros - Finish in Sonoma Plaza!

This scenic Napa to Sonoma 13.1 mile course starts at Cuvaison Carneros Estate at 1221 Duhig Road just off of Hwy 121. Runners congregate in one of the most beautiful start areas anywhere. You'll warm up next to the winery alongside rows of rolling vineyards and a reservoir. Once out of the starting gate, there is a short but steep ascent up Duhig (Butt Burner Hill) and then it’s a beautiful cruise down into the Carneros wine country. Enjoy vistas of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Preserve, San Pablo Bay and Mt. Tamalpais in Marin, as you wind through hundreds of rolling acres of vineyards and wineries.

You'll also pass ranches filled with a variety of animals including horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas, chickens and donkeys on your way into Sonoma. The finish is a half mile stretch down Broadway to a throng of cheering spectators leading to the finish line right in front of City Hall. Then its time to enjoy the awards and the popular post-race Wine & Music Festival in Sonoma plaza.

• Section by section detailed description of the course

Course Maps

• MapMyRun Interactive Map
• Half Marathon and 5K Map
• Carneros Course Map with wineries (map courtesy and copyright of Russell Charpentier 2007)
• Napa Wineries Map
• Sonoma Wineries Map

Click image to enlarge

Time Limitations

To enter the half marathon you must be able to finish the course in 3 hours and 30 minutes and keep a 16:00/mile pace or better. Casual walkers are not permitted in the half marathon due to this time limit. If you cannot keep the required pace on course, you will not be guaranteed course supervision by law enforcement and volunteers.

Race Rules, Safety & Courtesy

• Do not run in from the sides. It endangers you and other runners
• No roller blades, skateboards, or bicycles (for your own safety)
• No assisted wheelchairs
• No animals
• Elites will start at the front, line up according to mile pace on posted signs
• Slower traffic stay to the right and line up at the back of the start pack
• Headphones are allowed on low volume - you must be able to hear car traffic and police instructions
• 5K runners will merge onto course at mile 10, half marathon runners stay left
• Always stay inside of the cones on the roadways
• Please obey law enforcement officers and volunteers at all times! They are positioned on course for your safety.

IMPORTANT! Race participants must obey CHP, police and course marshals at all times! There are two key intersections where extra precaution must be taken. At the 7.5 mile mark you will cross Hwy 121, a major connector between the Sonoma and Napa Valleys which experiences regular traffic; and at the 10 mile mark you will cross Napa Rd., please group as much as possible to allow cars to get through and take extra caution as you approach any intersections where cars are stopped.

Runners and racewalkers must be prepared to stop if deemed necessary by the CHP. Thanks to the support of our neighbors and local government agencies, we’ve been allowed access to this fabulous course. Please respect that privilege. Thanks and enjoy!

Thanks for your cooperation!

Aid Stations

Seven aid stations will be placed on-course between the start and finish areas. These stations are hosted by various non-profits, school teams and other groups. They are placed on-course at key locations and intervals approximately 1.5 miles apart.

Water will be offered at each aid station and orange flavored Accelerade Advanced Sports Drink will be provided at every other aid station. Clif Shot Energy Gels will be available at Aid Station #5 (mile 9). Please discard wrappers in trash receptacles at aid stations, or put them in your pocket… not alongside the road. Thank you.

Please show your appreciation as you pass each aid station and obey the law officers and course monitors who are working hard to keep you safe and happy.

Post-Race Refueling Tent

After completing your 13.1 mile journey through wine country and receiving your finisher’s medal, you’ll pass through the Refueling Tent where you’ll be treated to fruit punch flavored Endurox R4 Recovery Drink, as well as a variety of tasty treats.  Endurox R4 Recovery Drink is proven to reduce muscle damage by 50%, increase glycogen replenishment by 200%, increase protein synthesis by 400%, and increase both muscle function and endurance in a subsequent workout.  The tasty treats are proven to fill your hungry stomach after a great run.