NAPA, Calif. – A field of determined entrants from 19 countries, 44 U.S. states, and Washington, D.C. will gather in California’s Napa Valley for the 39th annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon on Sunday, March 5.

The Napa Valley Marathon (NVM) asks each entrant to describe on their entry form their reasons for entering the race.

Among the varied responses each year, many illustrate how the challenges of a 26.2-mile race spurs marathoners to undertake charitable deeds that assist others who face adversity, or to overcome personal adversities themselves.

A high percentage of respondents also cited the reputation of NVM as one of the best organized marathons in the U.S., and the allure of the picturesque Napa Valley wine growing region, as primary reasons for entering the race.

Every Napa Valley Marathon participant assists important local causes. All proceeds from the Napa Valley Marathon (a nonprofit organization) are donated to local charities and schools in the Napa Valley region.

Numerous NVM participants, however, choose to go beyond NVM’s annual philanthropy by dedicating their race to others, often raising donations that fund the charities of their choice.

On Feb. 11, 2016, Forbes Travel Guide rated NVM among the top 12 marathons in the world “worth traveling for,” an honor it has bestowed on NVM three times in the past five years.

On Jan. 28, 2016, The Economic Times ranked NVM at the top of its list of the “world’s best marathon locations to inspire you to lace up and get training.” Runner’s World magazine selected NVM as one of the top ten U.S. marathons for first-time marathon participants in its January, 2011 issue.

This year, My Best Runs/World’s Best Road Races has ranked NVM as one of the world’s best 100 races (regardless of distance). American Express’ Departures magazine declared NVM as No. 7 in their “ten travel-worthy races that make for truly memorable journeys on the run.”

The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon serves as the 2017 Roads Runners Club of America Western Regional Marathon Championship.

Entry limits for NVM are largely determined by the number of available hotel rooms in the world-renowned Napa Valley wine producing and tasting region.

For more information about the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon, please visit the marathon’s Web site at www.napavalleymarathon.org .