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Yellowstone
Half Marathon
West Yellowstone, MT | June 9, 2018
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The Park
If you've never been to Yellowstone National Park, get ready. It's going to blow your mind. There's nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
Pine trees. Geysers. Canyons. Waterfalls. Hot springs. Hot pots. Paint pots. Buffalo. Elk. Eagles. Wolves. Grizzly bears. Scenic overlooks. Hiking trails. Fresh air. Freedom.
This is what memories are made of!
The Race
While you're here, come enjoy this gorgeous half marathon.
The Yellowstone Half Marathon takes place in the town of West Yellowstone, MT, just outside the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It's a stunning course with breathtaking views of the Gallatin National Forest, huge gulps of crisp fresh air, and maybe even some wildlife.
The race starts at 7 AM sharp with cutoff at 11 AM. That provides runners (and even walkers) 4 full hours to take in the scenery and make your way to the finish line.
To be clear, this race doesn't take place inside the National Park. (It's difficult to get permission to conduct private business activities on national land, and rightly so.) Having said that, this is as close to the park as it gets.
Run the race. Then discover Yellowstone!
The Course
The majority of the race takes place on a dirt road and trail in Gallatin National Forest immediately southwest of West Yellowstone, MT. (If there's rain, there could be puddles so be prepared for that possibility.)
We'll cross a beautiful bridge over the South Fork Madison River, and into the forest for a bit of a climb (about 200 feet). If you have to use bear spray it will be in this section (just kidding, but not really).
The course gets a bit technical in places with some rocks and a less defined path. (The path is clearly marked, but if you're in front you'll be running through some weeds.)
Yellowstone Half Marathon Course
Elevation Profile
The course starts flat but has a major and a minor hill that you'll need to train for. We'll gain about 200 feet of elevation in mile #6 and a 40-50 foot gain in mile #11. Miles 8 and 12 have some downhill.
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Traveling to West Yellowstone
You can either fly or drive into West Yellowstone. The closest airport is the West Yellowstone airport (WYS) but it has very limited flight options. You'll probably end up getting a flight into Bozeman (BZN), Jackson (JAC), or Idaho Falls (IDA) and then getting a rental car and driving (about 2 hours).
Once you register for the race, we'll provide more detailed driving directions as well as lodging and restaurant recommendations. There are a number of hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rental properties available nearby.
Bib & Packet Pickup
You have a couple of options for picking up your bib and race packet including at the Race Expo, the Start Line, or we can mail it to you. More details about the options are available as part of the registration process.
Race Day
The start line is a close walk to most local hotels and there will be plenty of parking available near the start line (beginning at 5 am) for those who need to drive in.
From 5:00-6:45 AM we'll have plenty of hot chocolate and coffee available, a prize raffle every 5 minutes, gear check, and last call for bib & packet pickup. Runners will line up at 6:45 am for final announcements, the National Anthem, and then we'll start the race at 7 am. A rewards ceremony will begin at 9:45 am near the finish line and the course will close at 11 am.
Spectators are welcome near the start and finish lines.
Clubs & Trifecta
To help you make the most out of your visit to Yellowstone National Park, we've put together some recommended "Club Hikes". Do these with 72 hours after the race and you can earn free Vacation Races memorabilia.
Sign Up
Yellowstone 5K | Yellowstone Half | Bison Double | Grizzly Double | Caldera Triple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
June 8th | June 9th | June 8th & 9th | June 2nd & 9th | June 2nd, 8th, and 9th |
$45 / runner until Oct. 7th |
until Oct. 7th |
$170 / runner until Oct. 7th |
$250 / runner until Oct. 7th |
$295 / runner until Oct. 7th |
Yellowstone Events |
|---|
Yellowstone 5KJune 8th, 2018 |
Yellowstone Half MarathonJune 9th, 2018 |
Bison Double
Yellowstone 5K + Half Marathon June 8th & 9th, 2018 |
Grizzly Double
Yellowstone Half + Grand Teton Half June 2nd & 9th, 2018 |
Caldera TripleGrand Teton Half + Yellowstone 5K + Yellowstone Half June 2nd, 8th, & 9th, 2018 |
Military Discount
As a thank you to our men and women in uniform we will be offering a $75 entry into race, no matter what the date (as long as the race is not full). Details »
Team Info
Register as a team and run with the support of your friends. The more the merrier! Plus, save $10 off each registration. Details »
Invite your friends to join you!
Disclaimer About Shirt Sizes
After the final price jump we will place our race shirt and medal order. You'll still be guaranteed a shirt but not a specific size. There will be a shirt exchange available at the finish line on race day.