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 – Sep. 13
Regular: $145 Sep. 14 – 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).
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.
Such a fun and beautiful race
This was such a fun and beautiful race. And the three days of camping were awesome, right near the finish line.
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner
Aid Stations
Expect about 6 aid stations on the course beginning around mile 3. 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 opens July 17th at 8am (MT)
Registration Periods
Early: July 17 – Sep. 13
Regular: Sep. 14 – 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.
One of My Favorite Weekend Getaways in My Lifetime
If you see Dehn, tell him he did a spectacular job coordinating the Yosemite Half. Mom and I had a blast. I get around and the Yosemite Half has been one of my favorite weekend getaways in my lifetime.
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 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
Other events you're Going to Love!
Will there be tracking for the runners this race?
Hi Jason – There will not be tracking available, unfortunately. We have tried it in the past and the remote course location made it very inaccurate.
Any chance we can still get camping if we forgot to add it to our cart at checkout?
Hi Tabitha – The race-sponsored campground is sold out but you can find other camping options here:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/camping+near+Oakhurst,+CA/@37.355458,-119.7641019,11z/data=!3m1!4b1
Keep in mind that the race finish line is at Bass Lake.
Looking for a bib. Was closed out. Read other comments below . Thank you .