Napa Valley Marathon Adding Half Marathon Event to Popular Running Festival

Conn Creek’s enduring commitment to Bordeaux-styled red wines started in 1973 when it was founded by Bill and Kathy Collins. Established in 1979, the Napa Valley Marathon has always been dedicated to fostering and promoting quality road racing in an inspiring setting. 

These two renowned Napa Valley icons complement each other as they announce their new partnership. The 2019 Kaiser Permanente has added a new Half Marathon and the Start Line for the Inaugural Run will be located at Conn Creek Winery on the Silverado Trail.

Napa Valley Marathon Board President James Cotter said, in making the announcement, "The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon has been exploring the addition of a half marathon for several years and we are very excited to be able to work with Conn Creek Winery to stage the half marathon at their front door.  Half marathons are very popular races and it is wonderful to be able to offer one in the beautiful Napa Valley."

Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant, Conn Creek Winery Head Winemaker commented, “Conn Creek Winery is thrilled to support the Napa Valley Marathon. As the official starting point for the half-marathon, we look forward to welcoming participants on race day. I can’t imagine a more picturesque setting for this race than our incredible Napa Valley.”

Conn Creek was among a small group leading a renaissance of the Napa Valley and played an important part in establishing Napa Valley’s reputation as a fine wine growing region. In 1979, the Collins family built what is now Conn Creek Winery in the Rutherford appellation. This energy-efficient facility was perhaps the first “green” winery building in Napa Valley. Today, nearly 40 years after its founding, Conn Creek is still focused on what Napa Valley does best: Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. Head Winemaker for Conn Creek Winery, Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant says, “My passion in winemaking has always been Cabernet Sauvignon—its styles, clones, the many ways it can be interpreted....." Conn Creek secures fruit from vineyards in nearly all of Napa Valley’s renowned sub-appellations that are proven to grow exceptional grapes that produce wines of character and expression. It’s an approach that captures the “Best of Napa Valley” and provides winemaker Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant with an unparalleled palette from which to blend each wine and vintage. Through these diverse sites and regions, Elizabeth can explore the differences between Napa Valley’s sub-appellations as well as the ways in which they complement one another.

Known as the “biggest little marathon in the West,” the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course.  The Napa Valley Marathon strives to maintain the same  level of excellence and offer the best running experience to runners in one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Now, the runners in the Half Marathon will benefit from the experience of this new, great partnership.

The Napa Valley Marathon is a member of the Road Runners Club of America and RunningUSA, the largest and most influential running-related organizations in the world.  The marathon has been host to the RRCA National Championships, Western Regional Championships, and has been voted best road race in the country. In 2016 and2018, Forbes Travel rated KPNVMone of the “Top Marathons Worth Traveling For.” In 2016, The Economic Times ranked KPNVM at the top of its list of the “world's best marathon locations to inspire you to lace up and get training.” American Express' Departures magazine declared KP NVM as #7 in their "ten travel-worthy races that make for truly memorable journeys on the run." And, Runner's World magazine named NVM as one of 10 races that "will ensure your first 26.2 is special—and worth repeating."

The Napa Valley Marathon is excited to add a half marathon to its catalog of events beginning with the 2019 edition of the race. And very proud to partner with Conn Creek Napa Valley who will host the Start Line for the Half Marathon! For information: www.conncreek.com, www.napavalleymarathon.com