New Course Record and Olympic Trials Qualifier Highlight 47th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon

March 3, 2026

6,700 runners from 48 states and 26 countries for a sold-out race weekend along the iconic Silverado Trail

NAPA, CA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon returned on Sunday, March 1 for its 47^th edition, welcoming more than 6,700 runners from 48 states and 26 countries for a sold-out race weekend along the iconic Silverado Trail.

Race weekend began with a two-day expo at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa. Highlights include a fascinating conversation and book signing with Olympian Shannon Rowbury and co-author Jessica Dorrington MPT, OCS, PRPC moderated by podcaster and NVM race announcer, Lindsey Hein, and Happy Hour featuring Armistice Brewing and Clif Family Winery (who also hosted the official post-race party on Sunday at their St. Helena tasting room).

On race day, runners took part in the full marathon, half marathon, and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa 5K, with favorable race-day conditions creating an exciting atmosphere for athletes chasing personal goals and soaking in the beauty of Napa Valley. Long known as a premier Boston Marathon Qualifying course, the event once again attracted a diverse field ranging from elite competitors to first-time marathoners and charity runners.

In the marathon, Robert Pedersen of Santa Rosa, CA claimed the men’s title with a winning time of 2:19:19. Abigail Shoemaker from Brooklyn, NY, secured the women’s division victory, set a new course record, and qualified for the Olympic Trials in a stunning 2:35:50. Piotr Kaszkur from Gold River, CA earned the nonbinary title, finishing in 3:12:40, and Robert Balucas from West Hills, CA placed first in the men’s marathon chair division in 2:26:51.

The half marathon saw standout performances across all divisions. Adam Walker from San Clemente, CA led the men’s field with a time of 1:07:01. Grace Connolly, from San Francisco, CA, captured the women’s title in 1:14:49, and Rory Glenn from Oakland, CA topped the nonbinary division with a finishing time of 1:21:34.

The full marathon began in Calistoga, where Calistoga Mayor Donald Williams welcomed runners at the start line, while the half marathon started at Conn Creek with remarks from Napa Mayor Scott Sedgley. Both races finished in Napa, cheered on by volunteers and spectators. Representative Mike Thompson and Vice Mayor Mary Luros joined Mayor Scott Sedgley to hold the tape as the winners came through.

Beyond race day, the event continued its strong tradition of community engagement and charitable impact, with participation from several charitable and special interest organizations, including the American Cancer Society, LUNGevity, and Moms on the Run who brought a group of 60+ to the event this year. Through a special registration category opened after the event’s November sellout, Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. was able to donate $30,000 directly to the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building a 47-mile, walking & biking trail system connecting the entire Napa Valley – from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Napa Valley Marathon, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supports local initiatives including a scholarship program for Napa Valley high school students. Over the past decade, Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. has contributed more than $650,000 back into the greater Napa Valley region.

Of the weekend’s success, Race Director Michelle La Sala said, “The unique beauty and experience that has become the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon is unstoppable. The event keeps growing in popularity and our audience is coming from farther and farther away to see what we are all about. The benefit of the growth is to our greater Napa Valley community in the continued support we are able to deliver locally to those in need.”

For more information about the 47th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon & Half Marathon, visit www.napavalleymarathon.org.

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About Napa Valley Marathon, Inc.

Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has contributed over $650,000 back into the greater Napa Valley region over the last decade. Proceeds from the event support charitable endeavors in the Napa Valley in the form of educational scholarships and donations to service, cause, and environmentally based groups. For more information, visit napavalleymarathon.org.

About Blistering Pace Race Management

Founded in 2016, Blistering Pace Race Management works in a variety of race management capacities, from specific project support to full event oversight. Clients include the San Francisco Half Marathon (10K & 5K), the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Stronger, Faster, Boulder Co, Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. Learn more at blisteringpace.com.

For More Information Contact:
Hannah Sconzo, Director of Marketing
919-802-2391
hannah@blisteringpace.com