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!
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 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
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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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
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.
>>View packet pickup details here
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
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.
We are pleased to share with you FREE training programs to prepare for the Yellowstone Half Marathon!
Active at Altitude has teamed up with Vacation Races to be the Official Training Partner and offers two levels of training plans for each race. The Beginner program is 16 weeks, and the Intermediate program is 12 weeks. These programs are free and are sent via e-newsletter every 4 weeks.
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 |
Early Bird: Aug. 18 – Oct. 8, 2017
Regular: Oct. 9, 2017 – Mar. 4, 2018
Late: Mar. 5 – Jun. 1, 2018
Yellowstone Events |
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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 |