Was wondering if any sub 3 hour marathoners who have run Napa Valley can give me a detailed description of the course which is held in March. My goal is to run sub 2:40 and just curious on the what type of course it is? Also if anyone has any suggestions for fluid/gel intake that would be great as well, since I'am running my first marathon.
In Napa your fluid intake should be restricted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and possibly Syrah. And blends of those grapes, Meritage. And for those white wine drinkers Chardonnay and Vionier.
Have you reviewed the information on their website including the course map, elevation profile and aid station details?
You'll likely be fairly lonely in the sub-2:40 window.
The only appreciable hills are over after 6 miles - perfect for keeping you honest and conservative early. The other hills are fairly insignificant and you can keep a pretty good rhythm on them. The one that seems to bite most people is a long steady climb from 19 to 20, but if you pace right it shouldn't be a problem. That climb is where I picked up my intensity and pace last year on my way to a 2:56.
The fluid & fuel intake issue is something you need to figure out for yourself in training. Volunteers will take your personal bottles to designated aid stations for you where all of the personal bottles will be set up on a table away from the regular aid station tables. Not a lot of people take advantage of this so it's fairly easy to spot your bottle and grab it, particularly with so few people around 2:40 and faster.
I think it's a really fast course and pretty easy to run as long as you have a smart, realistic pacing strategy. Some people complain about the slope of the road since it's banked pretty good around the corners. If you do regular runs on trails you should be fine in that regard, though.
I've seen bad weather ruin quite a few PR attempts in Napa. The weather can also be perfect in Napa in March, but it's a bit of a crap shoot.
Thanks for the information sounds like a descent fun course.