Yellowstone Half Marathon & 5K
West Yellowstone, Montana | June 9, 2018
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.)
>>View more half marathon course details here
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.
Half Marathon Aid Stations
At our road half marathons our aid stations typically start at mile 3 and are every other mile after that with a bonus aid station around mile 12. They are not always right at the mile marker so check your race guide to find out where they will be exactly. Our 5K races typically have a single aid station midway through the race.
You can find toilets, water, Go Gnarly electrolyte drink and Honey Stinger gels at every aid station. Usually around mile 7 and 11 we'll have cut fruit and bananas.
At every aid station we'll have basic first aid supplies, and we normally station our EMT's near mile 7.
Our road half marathons and 5Ks are cup-free. That means we will not have disposable cups available for you to use. When you register you will have the option to receive a free hydrapouch with your registration or you can use you own hydration system.
Don't Miss a Deadline
Sign up to get deadline reminders and to be eligible for giveaways.
Training
We are pleased to share a FREE half marathon training program customized for this course to help you prepare. We've teamed up with Active at Altitude as the Official Training Partner to offer 2 levels of training:
These programs are free and are sent via e-newsletter every 4 weeks.
Bib & Packet Pickup
Bib Pickup » You have 3 options for picking up your bib:
1. Pickup at the expo (recommended)
2. Pickup at the start line
3. Mailed 2 weeks before the race ($20 fee)
Bring Your Own Bag » In our ongoing effort to eliminate waste we encourage you to bring your own bag to hold you bib, race shirt, and any goodies you pick up at the race exp.
Race Shirts » If you're unhappy with the fit of your race shirt, or couldn't order the size you wanted we'll host a shirt exchange at the finish line on race day. Note that sizes and quantities will be limited.
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).
>>View travel & lodging details here
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.
>>View race day details here
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
Caldera Triple |
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June 2nd, 8th, and 9th |
$390 / runner |
Grizzly Double |
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June 2nd & 9th |
$330 / runner |
Bison Double |
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June 8th & 9th |
$225 / runner |
Half Marathon |
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June 9th |
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5K |
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June 8th |
$60 / runner |
Registration Periods
Early Bird: Aug. 18 – Oct. 8, 2017
Regular: Oct. 9, 2017 – Mar. 4, 2018
Late: Mar. 5 – Jun. 1, 2018