The Grand Teton Half Marathon & 5K features possibly Vacation Races’ prettiest course ever….you’ll run a flat, paved road over the Snake River and through scenic pastures. A peaceful, well-packed dirt road in the final miles leading up to a stunning reveal of the Grand Teton mountain range and a …
MORE
The Grand Teton Half Marathon & 5K features possibly Vacation Races’ prettiest course ever….you’ll run a flat, paved road over the Snake River and through scenic pastures. A peaceful, well-packed dirt road in the final miles leading up to a stunning reveal of the Grand Teton mountain range and a picture-perfect finish line.
The Grand Teton Half Marathon takes place in the town of Jackson, Wyoming, just outside the entrance to Grand Teton National Park. It’s a beautiful course with captivating views of snow capped mountain peaks, huge gulps of crisp fresh air, and maybe even some wildlife.
The race starts at 6:30 AM with groups starting according to your bib wave. All runners (and even walkers) will have 4 full hours to take in the scenery and make your way to the finish line.
This is a GREAT course! Possibly our prettiest ever! It’s very scenic and the finish line has some amazing views of the Teton range! You don’t want to miss out on running this.
The race will begin in Wilson, WY. The start line is at the Stilson Lot just off the Teton Pass Hwy at Beckley Park Way. We’ll begin by running west with traffic along Teton Pass Hwy (hwy 22) for a little over a mile. We will then take a right on 3rd Street, followed by an immediate right onto Main street crossing HHR Ranch road and jump onto the jogging trail.
We will stay on this beautiful and flat paved trail until we come to Moose Wilson Rd, which we will cross, and run over Snake River using the pedestrian bridge. After crossing the bridge, we will run east against traffic on Teton Pass Hwy (hwy 22) until about mile 6.25. We will then take a left onto Spring Gulch Road where we will stay for the remainder of the race, 4 miles of which is on a packed dirt road.
The elevation change on the course is marginal. The chart makes it look like a beast, but it is only over a few hundred feet. This will be a slightly challenging, but overwhelmingly beautiful course! You’ll gain 583 feet, with a max elevation at 6,383 feet.
All runners will have 4 hours to finish the race. That is an 18 minute mile – plenty of time for walkers! If at anytime we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner off the course we would hope for understanding and immediate cooperation.
LESS
Most beautiful place meadows , fields
Even the cattle are happy in this place. Every view looks like a painting- except it’s real!! The mountains, the food at all the local places, delicious, most expensive trip … MORE
Even the cattle are happy in this place. Every view looks like a painting- except it’s real!! The mountains, the food at all the local places, delicious, most expensive trip to date, worth every Penny. It’s one of the best places on Earth. Pricey though. Loved going to Jenny Lake- take the time to go there, Nike hike and beautiful views.
Another awesome race
have had such a wonderful experience. The race was very well organized. Overall just an amazing race, spectacular views, great route. Highly recommended this race or any Vaction Races race. … MORE
have had such a wonderful experience. The race was very well organized. Overall just an amazing race, spectacular views, great route. Highly recommended this race or any Vaction Races race. I can not wait for my next one;)
Beautiful place for a racecation
Well organized, early start. Fantastic finish and scenery like no other. My favorite race location net to Big Sur. The course itself is not challenging but the altitude is, so … MORE
Well organized, early start. Fantastic finish and scenery like no other. My favorite race location net to Big Sur. The course itself is not challenging but the altitude is, so it’s a great blend.
Loved it, Scenery unmatched.
The miles flew right by because the scenery was so distracting! Very little uphill, perfect for a first time half marathoner. VR does a great job managing races MORE
The miles flew right by because the scenery was so distracting! Very little uphill, perfect for a first time half marathoner. VR does a great job managing races
Amazing scenery vs Heat and altitude
This was my first vacation races event and they do not disappoint. We volunteered on Friday with set up for the expo which was fun and gave an inside view … MORE
This was my first vacation races event and they do not disappoint. We volunteered on Friday with set up for the expo which was fun and gave an inside view to how absolutely friendly, nice and knowledgeable the entire team is at VR. Race day temps were higher than I anticipated and the heat intensified the altitude struggle. So, if you’re looking for a PR opp and you don’t train in altitude it might be best to keep looking. However, if you want a great course with amazing views (distractions) you’ll be tickled to run this one.
Grand Tetons is my favorite race
The course is great and you get to look at the Tetons the entire race. Vacation Races are my favorite races to do. I really enjoyed being able to start … MORE
The course is great and you get to look at the Tetons the entire race. Vacation Races are my favorite races to do. I really enjoyed being able to start first as a walker and get finished before it got to hot.
Amazing race no matter your pace
Absolutely stunning views!! Strong support all along the course. Vacation Races is incredible no matter if you are a walker, first time half marathoner, middle of the pack, or leading … MORE
Absolutely stunning views!!
Strong support all along the course.
Vacation Races is incredible no matter if you are a walker, first time half marathoner, middle of the pack, or leading the way.
Beautiful Scenery & Fantastic Overall
This race was very well organized all the way from registration through the finish line. The run offered pretty views of the Tetons throughout and the finish line at the … MORE
This race was very well organized all the way from registration through the finish line. The run offered pretty views of the Tetons throughout and the finish line at the golf course was beautiful. Medal and snacks at the end are well worth the 13.1 miles. Volunteers at the aid stations were very supportive and the stations were placed in good locations at every 2 miles. Having no cups was different to me, but an easy thing to get used to. The shuttles at the end were a bit confusing, but a really minor thing as the rest of the race day was fantastic. I’d love to run this race again as everyone was very friendly and you can’t beat the views.
Best experience of my life
I would recommend this race to everyone. Event was well-organized and ran efficiently, road course was well-marked with gorgeous views of the Teton range throughout, beautiful medals, great race shirt, … MORE
I would recommend this race to everyone. Event was well-organized and ran efficiently, road course was well-marked with gorgeous views of the Teton range throughout, beautiful medals, great race shirt, boxes of snacks and chocolate milk at the finish. It is walker-friendly, and the Explorer Challenges give you a chance to experience activities in and around the park to earn more swag.
Beautiful course.
This race was possibly the best race I've ever done. The scenery is amazing. The finish line is of the grand tetons. Bib pick up was easy and convenient. Vacation … MORE
This race was possibly the best race I’ve ever done. The scenery is amazing. The finish line is of the grand tetons. Bib pick up was easy and convenient. Vacation Races communicates very clearly to the participants.
The weather for the 5k was very hot. But it had a nice course and medal. The half marathon was perfect weather. The race had a staggered start because of covid and had a radio station we could listen to so we could stay in our car and know when to go to the start line. Originally, I had planned to take the bus from Jackson, however because it was cold outside, I decided to drive to the start line so I didn’t have to wait outside. The course was nice, mostly on paved roads with a little section of dirt roads and a bike path. Due to covid, there was supposed to be no spectators at the finish line and they requested for participants safety reasons to not drive on the road to the finish line, which was made very clear by the race company. Normally, they would have busses for the spectators to go to the finish area. Since they did not, some participants didn’t think rules applied to them and had their family members drive to the finish line area, which made the finish area very congested with cars and runners. Vacation Races sent an email subtlety calling out those who ignored the rules and apologizing to those who followed the rules, which I appreciated. The finish medals were top notch. And this finish line is my favorite, which makes waiting in the bus lines worth doing this race. Since we could not park at the finish line they had busses to take back to your car. This was my only issue, solely because the lines were right next to each other making it confusing which line was the right line to be in. However, they already sent an email saying they will work on that issue before next year. Also, not at the fault of the race company, but our bus driver got lost and we had to tell him where to go. I believe this was just our bus drivers fault because the person running the busses told the driver where to go, so he should have known. I completed the grand quad, so I ended up getting 8 stunning medals including the races the following weekend at yellowstone. I will definitely be doing this race again.
The views were amazing!
A must do, the Grand Tetons were breathtaking. The swag is the phenomenal. Great post race recovery snacks. Volunteers and race staff were top notch! MORE
A must do, the Grand Tetons were breathtaking. The swag is the phenomenal. Great post race recovery snacks. Volunteers and race staff were top notch!
A Grand 13.1
After finally getting a chance to experience this race for myself, I now understand why it sold out so quickly. This should be a bucket list race for everyone. You … MORE
After finally getting a chance to experience this race for myself, I now understand why it sold out so quickly. This should be a bucket list race for everyone. You won’t regret it!
The course is the most gorgeous one I’ve ever run. I don’t know how it was possible, but the Tetons became more breathtaking as you progress along the entirety of the 13.1 miles. The course is well marked and stocked with amble fuel stations along the route. A majority of runners brought their own hydration packs with them, including myself, but it was good to know they were there if we needed them.
According to their website, this is considered the easiest course they offer. I would agree that compared to some of their trail and ultra races, this one is a cake walk. However, be mindful of the elevation and the temperatures at this time of year. The heatwave had more of an impact on the 5k than the half marathon this year, but still something to consider.
The finish line is located at a golf course with the a captivating panoramic view of the mountain range. I could have stay at the driving range all afternoon looking at it, but there was just too much left to explore in the park! Shuttles were provided for runners to return to the start, as this is a point to point course and no parking was permitted at the finish line due to local COVID restrictions.
As an organization, Vacation Races consistently produce the highest quality of races. They think of every detail, from their in-depth race guides, eco friendly hydration stations, and even COVID friendly drive thru bib pickups. And let me just say, their “bling” is top notch! You have so many opportunities to earn extra swag, such as completing one of their recommended hikes, which earns you a medallion or a pin. Vacation Races consistency goes out of their way to ensure their runners get the most out of your race weekend in some of the most beautiful places in the world. But don’t take my word for it. You’ll just have to see it to believe it.
Great destination race in Wyoming
If you're considering running a half marathon in Wyoming, especially a destination race, you've probably heard of this one. And with good reason - It's just as beautiful and worth … MORE
If you’re considering running a half marathon in Wyoming, especially a destination race, you’ve probably heard of this one. And with good reason – It’s just as beautiful and worth the trip as everyone says it is! I probably lost at least five minutes taking pictures along the course.
… of course, the altitude (and direct sunlight, if you’re as fortunate as we were) are also just as challenging as everyone says. Even though the course is pretty flat, don’t expect a personal best. At least it gives you more time to enjoy the scenery!
Perfect race setting
Lots of aid stations, friendly volunteers, well organized and the best finish line ever. The waves were staggered and I was allowed to start earlier which was helpful. Everybody seemed … MORE
Lots of aid stations, friendly volunteers, well organized and the best finish line ever. The waves were staggered and I was allowed to start earlier which was helpful. Everybody seemed to have a wonderful time. The views were amazing. Appreciate the bus ride back to the start line!!
Wonderful Race Production and Course
This course is definitely the most beautiful I have ever run. The last few miles you have an unobstructed view of the Tetons! The finish line location is beautiful and … MORE
This course is definitely the most beautiful I have ever run. The last few miles you have an unobstructed view of the Tetons! The finish line location is beautiful and a great place to soak in your achievement. Swag is great and I love that they have the double including the Yellowstone half the next weekend.
Easy course, great 1st half event
Definitely a good location for vacation before and after race day, disappointed with shuttle system back to start line after the race. Aid stations, and volunteers were great! MORE
Definitely a good location for vacation before and after race day, disappointed with shuttle system back to start line after the race.
Aid stations, and volunteers were great!
Beautiful!
The course was stunning! Aid stations, support, Swag, medals and race communication the best I have ever experienced. Vacation Races knocked it out of the park. Everyone should experience this … MORE
The course was stunning! Aid stations, support, Swag, medals and race communication the best I have ever experienced. Vacation Races knocked it out of the park. Everyone should experience this event.
Awesome course
Vacation Races knows how to put on an event! The volunteers are just wonderful and so helpful. The scenery along the course.....AMAZING! You get to meet so many interesting people … MORE
Vacation Races knows how to put on an event! The volunteers are just wonderful and so helpful. The scenery along the course…..AMAZING! You get to meet so many interesting people from across the United States. I love the T-shirts and the medals are epic and BIG!! Then if you’re lucky enough to place, you get another BIG medal to add to your collection. Vacation Races, you are the BEST!!!
Tetons are more than Grand! Exceptional
Beautiful race! The view were beyond what words could describe. Loved every minute of this course. Did this with my sister who is a walker. Vacation Races does caters to … MORE
Beautiful race!
The view were beyond what words could describe.
Loved every minute of this course.
Did this with my sister who is a walker.
Vacation Races does caters to ALL levels of abilities. They go out of your way to make sure your experience is the best ❤️
Grand Tetons, Grand Time
Overall the race path is easy to tackle - either on paved bike paths or dirt roads. Elevation changes is minor, but be aware the starting elevation is high, and … MORE
Overall the race path is easy to tackle – either on paved bike paths or dirt roads. Elevation changes is minor, but be aware the starting elevation is high, and having a few days to adjust before the race really saved my butt (especially since it is my first race). The only issue is the bottleneck at the start of the race, with the first mile on the side of the freeway. There is not enough space to spread out/pass, which causes the runners to spill over form the shoulder onto the roadway. It is not a very busy road, but definitely a hazard.
The scenery is gorgeous, especially along the last stretch into the valley with the Tetons rising on the left. Great distraction and motivation in the finishing miles!
A great destination race, arriving a few days earlier will give you time to explore Grand Tetons and/or Yellowstone Nation Parks, and also time to acclimate to the elevation.