Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon to Host Returning Charity and Special Interest Groups in 2026
NAPA, CA – The 47th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, set to take place on March 1, 2026, will once again welcome special interest and charity groups to its 2026 race weekend, reinforcing its reputation as a destination event for purpose-driven participants from across the country.
Moms on the Run, a national fitness community for women of all ages and fitness levels, is set to bring a group of their members to wine country this year to celebrate progress and personal milestones across the events’ three race distances (Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K).
"Each year, Moms on the Run picks an exciting destination race to pair with an epic girls' getaway weekend," explains Karissa Johnson, Moms on the Run CEO and Founder. "Napa has been at the top of our list — and with 50 women already signed up for our "Runcation", the energy is building! It's the perfect way to bring together women with similar interests to work for a common goal, celebrating fitness, fun & friendship along the way."
Returning to Napa for the 2026 race is the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation program, a nationwide team of athletes committed to raising funds and awareness in the fight to end cancer. DetermiNation participants run in support of ACS’s mission, which includes groundbreaking research, patient services, and a 24/7 helpline, all powered by community fundraising.
“The team at the Napa Valley Marathon weekend puts on an absolutely terrific event and we are honored to be returning for our third year,” shares Jillian Pereira, American Cancer Society’s Senior Development Manager. “DetermiNation athletes have raised more than $150,000 to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, the past two years, and we are encouraged and inspired by their participation. We hope to have more than 100 teammates making their miles more meaningful with the American Cancer Society in 2026 and know the weekend will be one to remember.”
The LUNGevity Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on funding lung cancer research and patient support, will also bring its team of charity runners to Napa in 2026. These participants help fuel critical research, advocacy, and support services for the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
"Team LUNGevity is excited to make its debut as an Official Charity Partner with the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon,” says Katie Ginda, LUNGevity’s Associate Director of Development. “This will be our second event in California, in addition to the Big Sur International Marathon, where we've built a strong community of lung cancer patients/survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates. This race gives our Team LUNGevity athletes the opportunity to experience another spectacular event, in a stunning location, while raising funds and awareness for lung cancer. We are looking forward to a celebratory weekend in Napa and invite anyone who wants to help change the future of lung cancer to join us."
In addition to the opportunity to support a cause or train with a team, the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon offers a true destination race weekend, blending world-class running with the charm and indulgence of wine country. Participants can enjoy a pre-race pasta dinner, choose from three race distances, and unwind at post-race celebrations with local wineries, including last year’s popular Sip, Strides, & Celebrations event at Clif Family Winery.
With its flat, fast course and scenic backdrop of rolling vineyards, countryside roads, and valley views, the Napa Valley Marathon continues to attract both first-time and seasoned runners alike seeking a race experience like no other.
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About Napa Valley Marathon, Inc.
Napa Valley Marathon, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has contributed over $500,000 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, BPRM works in a variety of race management capacities, ranging from specific projects 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, Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit blisteringpace.com.