Napa, CA – The 46th annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon drew thousands of runners on Sunday, with participants from all over the country taking in the stunning vineyard views and pushing their limits through the scenic course. The event, known for its well-organized logistics and supportive atmosphere, brought out athletes of all levels, from first-time participants to seasoned marathoners.
Erin Fashola, 27, from Brentwood, was among those who took part in the 5K race. It was her first time attending the event, and she was impressed by the level of organization and camaraderie. “It was super, super, super fun, especially towards the end when you can see the finish line and you’re just giving it your all, finishing strong and everyone is cheering you on at the end,” said Fashola, who highlighted the crowd support as a major motivator during the final stretch.
The marathon saw fierce competition, with top athletes pushing themselves to the limit. On the men’s side, Garret Corcoran of Salt Lake City, Utah, claimed first place, completing the marathon in an impressive 2 hours and 15 minutes. Close behind him, Brendan Gregg of Sacramento finished in 2 hours and 17 minutes, securing second place. Stephen Desvernine of Seattle, Washington, rounded out the top three men’s finishers with a time of 2 hours and 26 minutes.
In the women’s division, Carolina Garcia of Irving, Texas, took the top spot, finishing in 2 hours and 43 minutes. Grace Connolly of San Francisco followed closely, completing the race in 2 hours and 45 minutes for second place. Eleanor Meyer of Portola Valley, California, finished third with a time of 2 hours and 51 minutes.
The marathon’s participants were not only competing for victory but also to enjoy the beauty of Napa Valley’s renowned vineyards and rolling hills. The event proved to be a celebration of endurance, community, and the breathtaking landscapes that make Napa a top destination for athletes and spectators alike. As always, the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon continues to be one of the most anticipated running events on the West Coast.