(reviewing this event for a friend) no personal experience.
according to her the route is not measured good. but if you are a beginner trail runner who is looking just for fun and explore the nature this is the trail race for you.

she is not a big fan of the shirt but it could work. this is Los Angeles so it is very beautiful scenery.

she recommends this as this race is not really popular and you might wanna give this a shot

It is always a sold out event for a reason. First of all it is Napa County. It is an ultimate runcation. I love the camaraderie of this race. Local or tourist they are all friendly and nice. The expo is nice but small unlike the L.A. races but being outdoors is different rather than some races in convention center.

Weather was perfect. Hilly is ok. It is wine country. But there's a lot of uneven paves. It doesn't matter to me. If I can run a trail then I can definitely do this. I just love the whole vibe. You have to do the wine tasting if you are doing this race. It is worth it. But just like any other race there is a time limit. So you have to plan accordingly depending on your time so you can take advantage of the activities.

This race is one of the best half marathons that I did. It is hilly but you will make up with the down hills. The shirt is plain and simple. I just gave it 4 stars because I don't wear cotton when I run. But the shirt is good for summer.

Parking is plenty. I recommend to come early because the streets are tight. The start line is in a different location so the best way is to come early because the parking is limited. Or a friend can also drop you off. Shuttle service is also available as an option.

I was VIP in this race and that ia the best part of the post race.

My favorite tech tee and one of my favorite half marathon. the tee is a surfer long sleeve and I wish I can wear it everyday, size and design is perfect
The expo sucks. although there is a place for beer garden on the sand which I dont care because I always give away my beer ticket, It sucks for me just for one thing, I was not able to get some coconut water. haha. Yes i was looking forward to that since the race is too warm. the 5k is too big and by the time the half marathoners finished, most freebies are already gone.
hydration aid is every mile but when we reached mile 8, volunteers are already failing. 2 tables doesn't have water and they are just starting to put up the cups.
parking is super expensive. $15. we were able to get a cheap parking at the mall since my sister went back for me after she ate breakfast at the hotel. otherwise, the mall will not allow you to park early in the morning, they are very nosy if there is a race. the event also provided free over flow parking

I don't know but for me, this is too much effort for a 10k.

The race is big. too congested until the finish line. the small sharp turn to finish is not good idea, c'mon it is a big race. people can turn 20 at a time the space is only good for 2.

the BIB pick up is ok at FORD Santa Monica. no finish festival. but there are some booths from sponsors. once you finished you have to go home, no place for you at the finish line although you can walk near the beach but not near where the event is.

I don't like the tech tee. i don't even remember me wearing it even as sleep wear. too loose,the quality is not proportion.
I recommend if you want to explore Santa Monica/venice beach. Not my kind of event. I love event that has festival or even enough space for you to mingle at or near the finish. for some reason, I don't know why this race is too stressful for me. Parking is expensive.
Medal is ok.