2020 Yosemite Half Marathon
May 9, 2020
Bass Lake, CA
This is a fast scenic course through the Sierra National Forest just outside Yosemite National Park! Enjoy a peaceful 5 mile run through the trees, a fast 5 mile descent, and a beautiful 3 mile loop around Bass Lake. In May the lake is full and the waterfalls are pumping. There's no better time to visit.
This race sells out quickly every year. Yosemite is calling. See you there!
Quick Info
Race Details
Date: May 9, 2020
Location: Bass Lake, CA
Start Time: 6:00 or 7:30am
Weather: 38 – 72°F
Course Type: Point-to-point
Stroller friendly? No
Disability friendly? No
Dogs allowed? No
Expo
May 8, 2020, 12–6pm
Recreation Point Campground
Bib & Packet Pickup
Expo pickup recommended. Other options.
Registration Periods & Pricing
Early: $120 July 12 – Sep. 15
Regular: $145 Sep. 16 – Jan. 26
Late: $165 Jan. 27 – Race Expo
Refund Policy
Refunds available during:
*Early Registration: yes (no fee)
*Regular Registration: yes ($10 fee). *Late Registration: NO
*Refunds not available due to weather
Deferral, Race Transfer, and Bib Transfer available during all registration periods ($20 fee).
Travel & Other Info
Fly Into
Fresno Yosemite Int'l Airport (FAT)
Sacramento Int'l Airport (SMF)
Directions to the expo: Rec. Point, Bass Lake, CA
Lodging
Look for lodging near the town of Bass Lake. The Madera County Tourism site has other helpful recommendations.
Heats & Waves
Need to find out which heat you're in? Log in to your runsignup.com account, click Profile >> Manage Registration >> your heat will be in the race details.
The Course
The first 5 miles of our course will start on Fire Rd and is on a rough terrain trail. There is no steep uphill or downhill here, but it’s not exactly flat either.
The last 8.1 miles are identical to our inaugural course. Miles 6-10 are a fast downhill descent on a beautiful paved road. Then after crossing RD-274 (Malum Ridge Rd) you will turn right on N Shore Road. You will run on N Shore Road around Bass Lake until about mile 12.25.
From there you will take a left on S Shore Rd. The race will finish at Recreation Point.
Check out this time lapse video for a rough idea of what the course will look like.
Beautiful race and well organized
This was a beautiful race and well organized! Thanks :D
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner
Aid Stations
Expect about 6 aid stations on the course beginning around mile 3. Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly electrolyte drink, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies, and sometimes more.
All stations are cup-free so plan to bring your own hydration solution or request a free HydraPouch when you register.
Sign Up
Countdown to race day!
Registration Periods
Early: July 12 – Sep. 15
Regular: Sep. 16 – Jan. 26
Late: Jan. 27 – Race Expo
*There is a limited number of entries to each race, and this event may sell out. If the event is sold out, registration will close regardless of registration period.
When can I sign up for the next one??? :D
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner
Don't Miss a Deadline
Get deadline reminders and be eligible for giveaways.
Travel & Lodging Info
Get oriented with Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Yosemite National Park, and the surrounding area where the race will take place.
Vacation Races Campground
In addition to hotel or vacation rentals in the city of Oakhurst or around Bass Lake, runners have an option to stay at the official Vacation Races Campground. This is the most convenient (and most fun) place to stay during race weekend! It is located at Recreation Point, where our finish line and race expo will be. You can sleep in your car, tent, hammock, or rent a tent from us for an additional charge (no RVs or trailers). Whichever you choose, you still have to reserve a spot. Campsites do not include cots, sleeping bags, pillows, headlamps, cooking stoves and supplies.
More Details »
Race Day
For a detailed itinerary, parking & shuttle info, etc. visit the Race Details page »
Club Hikes
To help you make the most out of your visit to Yosemite 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.
Yosemite Falls
Nevada Falls
Half Dome
Clouds Rest
Other events you're Going to want to put on your list
Hi, there will be a backpack drop-off at the start line that we can pick it up at the finish line? Thanks.
Hi Maycon – Gear drop will be available at the start line for pick up after the race at the finish line.
What is the total elevation gain on this run?
Hi Irma – This course has a negative elevation gain because of the downhill. There will be some small rolling hills once you get near the lake that might feel bigger due to all the downhill you’ve done.
You can find the course and elevation map here:
https://vacationraces.com/half-marathons/yosemite/details/#course
What’s the age limit for kids??
Hi Amanda – There is not an age limit as long as the runner can finish in the 4-hour time limit.
I had to defer my race last year and received an email stating I would get a code to use. I have not received the code. How do I go about getting the code? I also had a military entry.
Hi Cynthia- I just resent your deferment code – let me know if you receive it.
Race Day Bib pickup: If unable to make expo to pick bib up, will it be available get on race day? Do I have to notify any one to do this?
Hi Cliff – You will be able to pick your bib up race morning at the start line. You don’t need to indicate this in your registration, all bibs not picked up at the expo will be taken to the start line.
If you are staying at the Campsite; do you start on the 1st Wave (6:00am) even though you were assigned the 2nd Wave (7:30am) when registering? The shuttle comments indicated we would start at 6:00am if staying at the campsite regardless of which Wave you were assigned to.
Hi Irma – Correct – regardless of what heat you were assigned, all campers will start in the first heat at 6am.
Do the slower runners start at the first heat? 0600?
Hi Candace – You can find a breakdown of which corrals go in which heat here: https://vacationraces.com/half-marathons/yosemite/details/#tab-con-1
Hi I was wondering how you make the payment if you’re raising money for charity?
Hi Pat – We will email you an invoice for the final amount that is not raised the week of the race.