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 …
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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
Beautiful & easy course around the Teton
Easy course, mostly flat. Great organization and lots of aid stations. Great views of the Tetons! A very fun run for beginners and for training MORE
Easy course, mostly flat. Great organization and lots of aid stations. Great views of the Tetons! A very fun run for beginners and for training
Unbelievably Gorgeous
Having been to the Tetons before, I expected great views for the race and they exceeded all expectations. The course was creatively designed to maximize views and barely any elevation … MORE
Having been to the Tetons before, I expected great views for the race and they exceeded all expectations. The course was creatively designed to maximize views and barely any elevation gain.
A beautiful race!
There were so many different beautiful sections of this race - dandelion fields, mountains (of course), rivers, even horses we all got to say hello to as we ran by! … MORE
There were so many different beautiful sections of this race – dandelion fields, mountains (of course), rivers, even horses we all got to say hello to as we ran by! The course is basically flat the whole way, and even though I was a little nervous about running on a road, they did a great job with barrier cones, and any traffic that came by was going slow and honking at us to say hello.
A pretty perfect race for my first half marathon!
The most beautiful race I've done.
There was a very good expo. Great finisher's medal and I got first place in my age group so I also got a gold medal. The weather was perfect for … MORE
There was a very good expo. Great finisher’s medal and I got first place in my age group so I also got a gold medal. The weather was perfect for a long distance race. There were plenty of water/sport drink stops with very cheerful volunteers to keep you going. The best part of this race was the beautiful Teton Mountains to look at throughout the run.
Amazing scenery, great place to visit
The race course is beautiful and the scenery is amazing. For us flatlanders at sea level it was a little challenging to run at 6,500 with the last 7 miles … MORE
The race course is beautiful and the scenery is amazing. For us flatlanders at sea level it was a little challenging to run at 6,500 with the last 7 miles up a gentle incline, but with proper training it’s extremely runnable. Bib pickup was easy and the course is very easy to follow. The only downside was the spectator buses were late so my wife arrived at the finish line after I did. I would certainly recommend this race to anyone. This is now my 4th race with VacationRaces and I think they put on great races in great locations. I will be doing more for sure.
Incredible views!
The view of Grand Teton and volunteers were amazing! Easy to start/finish with shuttle buses. Great communication! I will be back next year. Well done! Kristen MORE
The view of Grand Teton and volunteers were amazing! Easy to start/finish with shuttle buses. Great communication! I will be back next year.
Well done!
Kristen
GREAT Race - Fun Event
I really enjoyed the Grand Tetons 5K and Half. The Vacation Races team was super, the swag was top notch and for me you can't beat the course where you … MORE
I really enjoyed the Grand Tetons 5K and Half. The Vacation Races team was super, the swag was top notch and for me you can’t beat the course where you can see and enjoy the Grand Tetons throughout the day.
The only thing I didn’t like was having to rush back to our hotel to check out and not being able to stay around and enjoy the after race events. This was a point to point race so we had to shuttle back.
BEAUTIFUL
This race is SO beautiful! There were frequent aid stations, awesome gear choices, cool medals, and so many beautiful views of the mountains. I wasn't prepared for the elevation, so … MORE
This race is SO beautiful! There were frequent aid stations, awesome gear choices, cool medals, and so many beautiful views of the mountains. I wasn’t prepared for the elevation, so I ended up walking most of it versus running the whole thing, but I didn’t even mind it. It was my first time seeing big mountains like these, so I was taking it all in and taking so many pictures! It was cold in the morning, but it warms up pretty fast, especially if you’re moving! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this race and would definitely recommend it
Talk about a finish line!!
Only suggestion I would give for improvement would be the shuttle to the finish line for spectators. The shuttles ran late and we missed a portion of the finish. But … MORE
Only suggestion I would give for improvement would be the shuttle to the finish line for spectators. The shuttles ran late and we missed a portion of the finish. But everything else was so amazing, that the shuttle issue was forgotten quickly. The most beautiful finish line ever! Great organization and great snacks! And awesome medals!!
First race and I’m itching to run more!
It’s easy to get caught up in your performance but don’t forgot to look up and take in the views! Having a buddy is great for pacing and helps keep … MORE
It’s easy to get caught up in your performance but don’t forgot to look up and take in the views! Having a buddy is great for pacing and helps keep the run fun 🙂
Beautiful race!
Gorgeous scenery from start to finish. Vacation Races puts on great events from start to finish. Great volunteers. Wonderful expo, finish line, swag & communication. MORE
Gorgeous scenery from start to finish. Vacation Races puts on great events from start to finish. Great volunteers. Wonderful expo, finish line, swag & communication.
Family Friendly Fun!
I signed up for this run because it was stroller friendly and in an area I’ve never been. The title itself, Vacation Races, lends an air of awesomeness and intrigue, … MORE
I signed up for this run because it was stroller friendly and in an area I’ve never been. The title itself, Vacation Races, lends an air of awesomeness and intrigue, so I signed up and found lodging and told all my friends about it. My dad was the only one who was able to make it out , and we had an amazing time! The information put out before the run was spot on, and I enjoyed using the apps they recommended too!
Very scenic one way course
Course was mainly a paved bike trail for first half and last half was back road. Logistics for where to stay required a bus if you stayed in Jackson but … MORE
Course was mainly a paved bike trail for first half and last half was back road. Logistics for where to stay required a bus if you stayed in Jackson but they provided plenty. If you run the 5k the night before its the same first 3 miles. 33rd state and enjoyed the area.
I loved everything about this race!
Beautiful course, smooth check-in, organized well, fuel stations were top notch and the goody box at the end is seriously legit! What an amazing race. Great energy. Will definitely do … MORE
Beautiful course, smooth check-in, organized well, fuel stations were top notch and the goody box at the end is seriously legit! What an amazing race. Great energy. Will definitely do it again!
Don't underestimate the altitude
As usual, VR races are organized, well supported and held in areas that are scenic and, well, a vacation destination. Grand Tetons did not disappoint. I, as well as many … MORE
As usual, VR races are organized, well supported and held in areas that are scenic and, well, a vacation destination. Grand Tetons did not disappoint. I, as well as many other runners I had the opportunity to socialize with, expressed the race difficulty is with the location altitude. I was glad I ran the 5K the evening before and experienced the effect of the altitude. It gave me the opportunity to rethink my next-day, half marathon strategy – not the time I planned, but, had fun. Course is well-supported with awesome volunteers. Medal is definitely “bling”; race shirt is average. I probably will not do again (been there, done that) but have already registered for my next VR at a different location – Antelope Canyon trail half.
A privilege to run with such beauty
The course was relatively flat and easy to manage. Mile 11 was a dirt road with quite a few potholes which didn't feel great, but spiced things up. My main … MORE
The course was relatively flat and easy to manage. Mile 11 was a dirt road with quite a few potholes which didn’t feel great, but spiced things up. My main complaint on the course was that some of the spots where we were on roads the cars were getting too close for comfort.
The scenery was beautiful. Anytime I felt the drain of a long race or felt a little tired, I reminded myself how cool it is to be running in Wyoming and how grateful I was to be there.
Wow! Great views and amazing race.
This was my first half and it exceeded my expectations of what it should be. Aid stations were amazing, people were even better, and the views made me keep going … MORE
This was my first half and it exceeded my expectations of what it should be. Aid stations were amazing, people were even better, and the views made me keep going when I wanted to quit. I highly recommend!!
The most beautiful half marathon of all
I ran the Grand Quad which is the Grand Teton 5K + half with the Yellowstone 5K + half as part of my goal to run a half marathon or … MORE
I ran the Grand Quad which is the Grand Teton 5K + half with the Yellowstone 5K + half as part of my goal to run a half marathon or longer in all 50 states. Let me say that out of the 50+ half marathons I have done this was the absolute most beautiful course and one of my favorites. The race starts in Wilson, Wyoming which is about a 5 to 10 minute drive from Jackson Hole and close to the entrance of Grand Teton National Park. For the trip I flew into Salt Lake City on Thursday and stayed there Thursday night and drove 4-5 hours to Jackson Hole Friday morning. There are closer airports but they have much more limited and expensive flights plus SLC is one of my favorite cities to visit. I would definitely book lodging early for this race. While this vacation was absolutely amazing it was not cheap. Jackson Hole where most of the hotels are is expensive. I as staying in Jackson for 5 nights and chose the super 8 because it was relatively cheap but it was still over $200 per night. It was fine but not as nice of a hotel as I usually stay at. It is a good option but if I did it again I might try to stay at a hotel in downtown Jackson where there is more restaurants and things to walk to (the super 8 was like a 5 min drive to downtown Jackson so not a huge deal). After I checked in my hotel I went to the expo. This time the parking lot was very spacious and it was easy to park. The expo wasn’t huge but had a few booths. For the Grand Quad you can get all your packets at the Teton expo. One minor complaint is they use the same bib for all 4 races. I understand being environmentally friendly and reducing waste but with a week between races it would be easy to lose the bib. Also I know a few 50 staters who collect bibs for each state (I personally don’t). I was also extremely close to throwing it out and forgetting to pack it when I left my hotel in Jackson. I’m sure this has happened and vacation races has a solution for it though. You also get a shirt for both Teton and Yellowstone and an additional swag item. I got a nice sweat shirt. Vacation Races are cupless and you can get a collapsible cup to take with you for the race. I did the 5K (which I will review separately) after packet pick-up. For race day morning there are a few options. Probably the easiest is to park at the race start as you can wait in your warm car. It was one of those days that was cold in the morning but got warm by the end of the race. If you are staying in Teton Village or downtown Jackson there is also shuttles that take you to the start. The start had water, coffee and cocoa available with a good amount of porta potties. There was maybe a 5ish minute wait. The start is very organized and in waves. Unlike Yosemite where there was a lot of time between waves, there was maybe 1 or 2 minutes so all runners were through the staring line by around 15 minutes. As I said before the course is absolutely gorgeous with stunning snow-capped mountain views pretty much the entire race. The only part of the race I didn’t love is the beginning is on the shoulder of the road. It is coned off but quite tight and hard to pass people. It was less of an issue during the half since everyone was running a similar pace. The next section is on a bike path. The rest is on more remote roads so traffic isn’t an issue. Pretty much the entire race has gorgeous scenery. You also pass by quite a few cows and horses. The course isn’t too difficult itself. It is mostly flat but is a point to point that is a gradual uphill so it’s not a super fast course but you could have a fast time as long as you prepare for the toughest part which is the altitude. Obviously with running Yellowstone next week I did not have the time to come early to acclimate. If you are just doing Teton I would try to arrive a week early to acclimate if you want a good race time. But don’t worry if you are not acclimated just plan to be about 20 minutes slower than usual which means 20 more minutes to soak in the scenery. There were pretty frequent aid stations about every 2 miles and closer together towards the end. They are cupless and have jugs with water and electrolyte drink. For vacation races my strategy is to bring a handheld water bottle for water and use the collapsible cup they give for electrolyte drink. I believe every aid station had gels and a few had fruits. They also had porta potties. I wasn’t having stomach issues so didn’t need to use them but the lines seemed shorter than Yosemite. The finish area is beautiful. You get your medal which is always really nice and a box full of snacks. I was pretty slow since my plan was to take it very easy this week as my foot has still been funky since Yosemite and I wanted to make sure I can get through all my half marathons this week and the one in Indiana the following week (after which I plan to rest my foot and let it heal). One major disappointment is they did not have enough Moose double medals due to supply chain issues. I wish they would have emailed us before the race. They did take our bib down and also sent an email with a link to submit your info if you didn’t get the medal so the medals can be mailed. They also sent a very nice apology and apologized for not letting us know sooner but they didn’t find out until it was too late. I do believe this is true since for Yosemite they did email before the race. It was kind of a bitter ending to what I would have otherwise consider a just about perfect race. Also there was a bit of a wait for the shuttle. It wasn’t terrible but about 20 minutes so account for that in planning. After the race I spent a few days in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park which were amazing and I saw so many animals. I saw a ton of bison, elk and antelope and even saw a good number of bears. With the exception of the issues with the challenge medals I have nothing but good things to say about this race and would highly recommend it. I doubt you will find many more scenic races. It was also an amazing vacation doing the Grand Quad. Even if you are not a 50 stater, if you are looking for the best race-cation definitely do this one. It is an expensive trip and not the easiest place to get to but I am so glad I did it once and I am considering coming back to do it again when I finish all my other running travel goals.
Great and Incredibly Scenic Race
This was a great, fairly challenging race for someone not accustomed to running at altitude. I would recommend to any runner, especially those with an interest in the national parks … MORE
This was a great, fairly challenging race for someone not accustomed to running at altitude. I would recommend to any runner, especially those with an interest in the national parks and the scenery.
Great race in majestic scenery
Great race in majestic scenery, great parking, great set up with no snafus, and easy course if you are a beginner. If you have not been in the Teton, or … MORE
Great race in majestic scenery, great parking, great set up with no snafus, and easy course if you are a beginner. If you have not been in the Teton, or nearby you are in for a surprise, what a great place to have a run!