Runner’s Insight: A Memorable Experience at the Napa Valley Marathon with John Martino
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- Written By: Allied Services Integrated Health
The Napa Valley Marathon wasn’t just an incredible race—it was an unforgettable travel experience filled with stunning views, family connections, and, of course, world-class wine!
Arrival & First Impressions
I flew into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Thursday with a smooth, delay-free flight. The first stop? In-N-Out Burger! If you’re in California, you simply can’t miss out on this famous regional chain—it was the perfect way to kick off my race weekend.
Pre-Race Preparation
Friday, I picked up my race bib and packet early to keep things stress-free for Saturday. The packet pickup was at the Napa Marriott, a beautiful hotel about an hour and a half from the airport. The process was seamless, and the swag included a dri-fit shirt and a bookbag, which doubled as a drop bag for gear on race day.
A huge thank you to my Uncle Richard O’Donnell and Aunt AnnMarie, who graciously hosted me in Walnut Creek, CA for the weekend. Saturday started with a short shakeout run in Mt. Diablo State Park, where the scenic views of rolling hills set the tone for an exciting race day. Later, we explored San Francisco, taking in the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown—a must for any first-time visitor!
Race Day – Sunday, March 2
With an early wake-up, I boarded the 5:30 AM shuttle from Vintage High School in Napa, which (coincidentally) is the alma mater of my college coach, Frank Kinkead. The buses took us to Calistoga, CA, reminiscent of the Steamtown Marathon, where buses transport runners from downtown Scranton to Forest City.
The 7:30 AM start greeted us with perfect running conditions—high 40s to low 50s, no rain, minimal wind, and intermittent cloud cover. The net downhill course made for a great potential PR opportunity, and I found myself grateful for the amazing pacer in the 2:55 group, who helped me maintain a steady pace and push through to the finish line.
The scenery was breathtaking—vineyards, wineries, rolling hills, and open farmland stretched across the entire 26.2 miles. Without a doubt, this was one of the most scenic races I’ve ever run.
The downtown Napa crowds were fantastic, especially at the finish line, where my aunt and uncle were there to cheer me on. They waited patiently while I recovered—trust me, I needed that extra time! After some stretching and much-needed electrolytes, we were off to celebrate… in true Napa Valley fashion!
Post-Race Celebration – Wine & More!
What better way to recover from a marathon than wine tasting? My experience with wine is pretty limited, but my family knew exactly where to take me: Castello di Amoroso, a stunning castle winery built over the past 30 years. The guided tour was top-notch and an experience I’ll never forget.
For those who prefer craft beer, Russian River Brewery is just 50 minutes from Napa and is home to some of the most famous IPAs in the world, including Pliny the Elder and the sought-after Pliny the Younger!
A Bit More Adventure Before Heading Home
Monday, my uncle and I visited Muir Woods, a national monument known for its towering redwood trees and beautiful hiking trails. We finished our adventure with a trip to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, where I tested my quads on its 300+ steps—totally worth it for the breathtaking ocean views.
Final Thoughts
From start to finish, the Napa Valley Marathon was a fantastic running and travel experience. Whether you’re a wine lover, a scenic race enthusiast, or just looking for an unforgettable marathon destination, this event truly has something for everyone. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity and the memories made along the way!
A huge thank you to everyone who supported me, including Team Allied Services and our partners at Quantum Rehab and AAA Travel! Looking forward to the next adventure—wherever the road (or the race) may take me!
