Sonoma Valley is a great place for food and wine. But did you know that is also has one of the top running events in the country? The Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon and Rose 5K brings novice runners and dedicated hobbyists to Sonoma Valley each year. Need a nudge for why you should give it a try? Here are Five Reasons To Run the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon and Rosé 5k,
Beautiful Scenic Race
Named one of the most scenic half marathons in the United States, the half course starts in Napa County, and goes along beautiful vineyards, rustic farms and lavish estates. The rolling hills provide a perfect rhythm to the scenery on both sides of the course. The final stretch goes straight down Broadway, Sonoma’s famed main street, past historical landmarks and winery tasting rooms and shops, ending right on the Sonoma Plaza.
The day before, The Rosé 5k showcases 3.1 miles of beautiful vineyards and panoramic hillside views, starting and finishing on the historic Sonoma Plaza. Waking up to a beautiful sunrise in the wine country and having a chance to explore wine country is why more than 5,000 people travel out for this weekend each year. Plus here’s the bonus: roads that you’d never normally be able to run on are closed to vehicles and open for running.
Unique Post-Race Celebration
A chance to enjoy local Sonoma wines after you run? Yes please! After you complete the Rosé 5k on Saturday, indulge in the aptly named ‘Rosé Garden’ right there on the Plaza. Local wineries bring out their pink and delicious wines to sample, the perfect ending to a fun start to a Saturday morning.
Expand that indulgence and enjoy the Wine Tasting Festival after the half marathon the next day – dozens of local wineries come out to share their favorite pours. Who knows, you might even have run by one of the vineyards where the wine you’re drinking comes from.
Earn Three Medals in One Weekend
That’s right, take on ‘The Pairing’ over the course of the Napa to Sonoma weekend. Run the Rosé 5k on Saturday, get a bit of rest, and then take on the Half Marathon the next day. You’ll earn The Pairing medal, a third medal to celebrate the completion of both the Rosé 5k and the Half Marathon. That’s right, a medal after the Rosé 5k, a medal after you complete the Half Marathon AND a third medal to add to your impressive collection. Three medals in one weekend! (You’ll have so many medals you’ll look like one our award-winning wines.)
Run a Personal Record Or Try Your First Race
Maybe you’re new to running and don’t know what you can do. Then the 3.1 mile Rose 5K is a great way to start. Enjoy the shorter course in and around downtown Sonoma. If you’re up for the challenge of finishing 13.1 miles, embrace the rolling hills of the course that runs between Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
Been doing this running thing a while? Then go for a new PR and see if the scenery and comradery boosts your speed.
Golden State Challenge
And don’t forget, you could be earning your fourth medal at the fourth of the eight Golden State Challenge races! Or you could be running your first in the series and still have plenty of time and opportunities to earn that coveted medal. Earn that bling in the beautiful Sonoma sunshine! (And, in our humble opinion, if you haven’t run the Napa to Sonoma Half, have you even really attempted the Golden State Challenge?)
If you want to start training for the run, head over to SonomaValley.com to plan some practice visits before you come back for the main event.
