Running News Daily

2021 Napa Valley Marathon has been cancelled due to the pandemic

The 43rd Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon has officially been cancelled as an in-person event for 2021. The NVM board of directors made this difficult decision as they continued to monitor updates from county and state agencies regarding the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The governance board cited an abundance of safety as the primary reason for cancelling the event. 

“Our highest priority is always the safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators, and residents,” said Race Director Michelle La Sala. “We are deeply saddened by the decision to cancel, but we’re confident that it is the responsible choice for our community.”

California’s comprehensive reopening plan does not allow mass gatherings until the final reopening phase when a vaccine is widely available. Race organizers say that even if the state began allowing mass participation events early next year, there would not be enough time to secure proper permits and infrastructure to guarantee a safe event.

Several hundred participants were already registered for the 2021 via the organization’s “Whine Stopper” Registration plan, which guaranteed participants deferral to either the 2022 or 2023 race free of charge. All 2021 entrants will be contacted when registration opens for the 2022 event and asked to make their deferral choice. There is no action required of 2021 entrants at this time.

Napa Valley Marathon officials state that a virtual race experience will replace the 2021 in-person event, with details to come in the near future.

“We’re excited to unveil a virtual experience that really captures the spirit of the Napa Valley,” said La Sala. “It’s important for us to find ways to keep our community engaged and continue to support our local nonprofits, and I think our participants will find it very unique and engaging.”

Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that typically provides nearly $30,000 in support back to the local community.  The organization points to the development of their new virtual experience as one avenue to raise revenue for their charitable giving.