New medal for 2019! 
2019 Yosemite Half Marathon
May 11, 2019 | Bass Lake, CA
Next Price Jump is in
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 11, 2019
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 10, 2019, 1–6pm
Recreation Point Campground
Bib & Packet Pickup
Expo pickup recommended. Other options.
Registration Periods & Pricing
Early: $110 July 13 – Sep. 9
Regular: $135 Sep. 10 – Jan. 27, 2019
Late: $160 Jan. 28 – Race Expo
Refund Policy
Refunds available during Early Registration (no fee) and Regular Registration ($10 fee).
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)
Driving Directions: Coming Soon
Lodging
Look for lodging near the town of Bass Lake. The Madera County Tourism site has other helpful recommendations.
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.
The courses are always incredible
Have done Rocky Mtn twice and Yosemite once and can second that you guys are great. So much easier to deal with than a certain Mouse controlled race series and the courses are always incredible. Looking forward to Teton in June!
Yosemite & Rocky Mtn. Runner
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.
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.
Race Package
Registration Periods
Early: July 13 – Sep. 9
Regular: Sep. 10 – Jan. 27
Late: Jan. 28 – Race Expo
Register for the
I love Vacation Races
Yes!!! I'm going [to Yosemite] in 2018 and I am super excited, but first Grand Canyon Half Marathon, Lake Powell Half marathon, Zion Half marathon... :) I love Vacation Races races...can you tell? ;)
Superfan
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.
Don't Miss a Deadline
Sign up to get deadline reminders and to be eligible for giveaways.
Travel Info
Get oriented with Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Yosemite National Park, and the surrounding area where the race will take place.
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
Is there a time limit to be done by?
Hi Rachel – There is a 4-hour time limit for the race.
Can campsites be reserved after registration?
Yes, you’ll just need to log back into your RunSignUp profile and update your registration settings.
Can you “walk” the race 8nstead of jogging/running?
Hi Elle – Yep! We have walkers at every race – just be sure you can finish in the 4-hour time limit.
What is the race shuttle route? Need to know this so that I can pick a location that the bus will stop at. Thank you .
Hi Ronald – There will be one shuttle pick up location in Oakhurst, near the high school. You will need to drive to that location to get on the shuttle.
Thank you. Does Vacation Races still offer the flat rate of $75.00 to
Military. I have done the 2016 Zion and 2016 Lake Powell Halfs at that rate.
I have already made reservations at Yosemite Sierra Inn for May 10-12.
Need to confirm military rate. Is there a military rate code when registering?
There is a military rate but it has been changed to a percentage, which if registering during early bird registration will come out to be about $75. You will see the military question on page three of registration – the discount will be given at checkout.
Thank you very much.
Regarding the free training plans (awesome, by the way!!) do they take into account the fact that the race will be mostly downhill, and training will probably require special attention to that?
Hi Christina – Yes, they training plan is catered to each specific course.
Is there a way to get a refund later if I end up not able to run the race?
Hi Audrey – You will be able to get a full refund during early bird registration (until September 10th), a full refund minus a $10 processing fee during regular registration (until January 28th), and refunds will not be available during late registration (after January 28th).
If I have a different start time than my friends, can I change my start time to run with them?
Hi Tammy – Yes, you can start at the same time as your friends.
Hi there,
I’m super excited for this race, it will be my first year doing this. Just a quick question about lodging – where is the best place to stay in regards to location to the race? After the race, I plan on camping but prior, I would love a comfortable room so I can get a good rest.
Hi Tyler – The shuttle pick up is in Oakhurst so you might want to check into lodging there:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/lodging+in+Oakhurst,+CA/@37.348916,-119.7515225,12z/data=!3m1!4b1
Who can I speak to about volunteer options?
Hi Sophia – Please email info@vacationraces.com for any volunteer questions.
Are there any 2019 Yosemite race dates or weekends where both the half-marathon and 5K are run?
Hi Bentley – There is only the half marathon distance at the Yosemite race, no 5k.
Are campers allowed in the finish line campground or just vehicles and tents?
Hi Stefanie – Campers are allowed but there are no hookups.
If we are staying in the Pines area, will there be any carpools/shuttles to the main Oakhurst staging area?
Hi Chad – There will not be race shuttles from The Pines but you are welcome to guest post on our Facebook page, Yosemite Half Marathon, to connect with other runners about carpooling.
What day is the camp charge for? Day before race?
Hi Chris – The campsite is available Thursday at 3pm through Sunday at 9am.
How do i change my heat information on the Registration
Hi Sudharsan – Please email info@vacationraces.com to have your heat changed.