2021 Yosemite Half Marathon
May 8, 2021
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 8, 2021
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 7, 2021, 12–6pm
Recreation Point Campground
Bib & Packet Pickup
Expo pickup recommended. Other options.
Registration Periods & Pricing
Early: $120 July 17 – Oct. 18
Regular: $145 Oct. 19 – Jan. 24
Late: $165 Jan. 25 – 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).
Want to use a deferred credit?
Login to RunSignup, click Deferrals, Complete Deferments
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 in Oakhurst or 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 the 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.
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.
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner
Aid Stations
Expect about 6 aid stations on the course at around mile 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12. A medic will be stationed typically at the aid station at or near mile 7. Keep in mind, the exact location of each aid station may vary from race to race. Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, 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.
Registration Is Now Open!
Registration Periods
Early: July 17 – Oct. 18
Regular: Oct. 19 – Jan. 24
Late: Jan. 25 – 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.
Race Deferment & Credit
You can manage your deferred credit by logging in to RunSignup, clicking Deferrals, and Complete Deferment. From there you can transfer into another race.
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 - SOLD OUT
In addition to hotel or vacation rentals in the city of Oakhurst or around Bass Lake, runners have the 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
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