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
Be prepared to run on no sleep!
Great race, lovely scenery, fairly flat. I went out too hot and ate too many caffeine Honey Stingers, which led to me feeling like I was having a heart-attack around … MORE
Great race, lovely scenery, fairly flat. I went out too hot and ate too many caffeine Honey Stingers, which led to me feeling like I was having a heart-attack around mile 11. Almost went to the medic station, but I got a second wind around mile 12 and finished OK. The second half of the race is a steady 2-3% grade. So be prepared for that as it really does not stop. It’s not steep, but definitely grows old. The worst thing about this race is the start time of 6:30am (I think?). They also pretty much expect you to be there by 4:45am if you want a place to park. They say they close the parking lot at like 5:00am. Well, even though I went to bed at 8:00pm the night before, the race jitters and the early start time/parking time were the perfect combo to ensure that I got almost no sleep. So, be prepared to potentially run on no sleep as well (if you’re anything like me).
Loved it!!
This race (both the 5k and half marathon) were absolutely beautiful! It was an adjustment running at altitude, but I would definitely run this race again. There were plenty of … MORE
This race (both the 5k and half marathon) were absolutely beautiful! It was an adjustment running at altitude, but I would definitely run this race again. There were plenty of aid stations, spectacular views, and nice swag. Can’t recommend this race enough!
Vacation Races Never Disappoints
This was the 3rd event that my wife and I have done with Vacation Races. Finding the expo was easy and parking was excellent. We got were greeted by enthusiastic … MORE
This was the 3rd event that my wife and I have done with Vacation Races. Finding the expo was easy and parking was excellent. We got were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers and got our bibs and merch quickly.
The nearby town had an excellent bar/grill with awesome food and great service. Down the road a park offered great views and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see.
The 5k was all pavement and the scenery was excellent. For the half marathon, it’s a straight out and then get shuttled back situation. The race itself features views of the mountains and great conversations. It ran along a paved path and had some road running.
The aid stations were plenty, you do need your own reusable cup though. After the race, they feed you well, and the medals are stunning.
My wife and I did the “Grand Quad” series which was completing the 5k and half marathon at the Tetons and the following week at Yellowstone. It’s totally worth it and I recommend taking the time to check it out!
Gorgeous Location at high Elevation
If you are from a state with a lower elevation, running this race at about 6500' will impact your performance (unless you have acclimated). The views are fantastic, and the … MORE
If you are from a state with a lower elevation, running this race at about 6500′ will impact your performance (unless you have acclimated). The views are fantastic, and the finisher medals are impressive. Vacation Races does a nice job of organizing the event. This race is “cup-free”, meaning that you have to bring your own water bottle. I originally thought that the hydration stations would be crowded (with runners having to fill up their own bottles/cups), but the organizers did a nice job of making sure there were ample “fill stations” at the hydration stations. Only complaint = they needed more porta potties at the start area. Grand Teton National Park is amazing. I highly recommend staying a few extra days to explore the area.
Majestic Race
Paved, high-altitude, visually stunning, organized race. I saw big mountains, cattle & rivers. Pre-race Potty situation was a little hectic. MORE
Paved, high-altitude, visually stunning, organized race.
I saw big mountains, cattle & rivers.
Pre-race Potty situation was a little hectic.
Nothing compares to the mountain view
Once again a great production by Vacation Races. The views were spectacular. The course was well marked and controlled. The bathroom situation could have been better. Overall a great race. MORE
Once again a great production by Vacation Races. The views were spectacular. The course was well marked and controlled. The bathroom situation could have been better. Overall a great race.
Awesome views
It was a good race overall. It was pretty cold in the beginning, so make sure you plan accordingly. The restrooms were an issue and hopefully it improves next year. … MORE
It was a good race overall. It was pretty cold in the beginning, so make sure you plan accordingly. The restrooms were an issue and hopefully it improves next year. I had a really good time in Wyoming and Idaho all together. Make sure to make it a true vacation. Also, be prepared for the prices for stay, etc.
Road run with grand views
I participate with vacation races mostly for the destination, not the actual race. This was my second race with them and first time to the area. The route was easy … MORE
I participate with vacation races mostly for the destination, not the actual race. This was my second race with them and first time to the area. The route was easy and beautiful. You mostly run on a road that has great views of Grand Teton. I was starting to get an ache in my hip from being slanted on a small road and ended up walking some to save my body for vacation activities for the rest of the week. The road was still open for traffic both ways so you run on the shoulder slant. The start and finish are in very different areas so shuttles conveniently take you around. Plan for an early morning to get to the start and for time after before you are shuttled back to your car or lodging area. I stayed in Jackson and had plenty of time to still shuttle back, shower, and check out of my room by 11am. I enjoyed pairing this race with the Yellowstone Half Marathon for two weekends of beautiful destination races.
Absolutely stunning views!!
This course was relatively easy and very beautiful but due to the high elevation, it is not ideal for people who live at low altitudes. I’m from Southern California and … MORE
This course was relatively easy and very beautiful but due to the high elevation, it is not ideal for people who live at low altitudes. I’m from Southern California and trained at virtually sea level and this race was at 6000+ feet nonetheless it was beautiful and amazing. Next time I would simply train more in higher elevation so that I would be fully prepared. 🙂
Breathtakingly beautiful
One of the two most beautiful race courses I’ve experienced (Big Sur is the other). Got perfect weather - upper 30s/low 40s. Vacation Races always has fantastic production. Great swag. … MORE
One of the two most beautiful race courses I’ve experienced (Big Sur is the other). Got perfect weather – upper 30s/low 40s. Vacation Races always has fantastic production. Great swag. Free photos. Course wasn’t super challenging and altitude wasn’t terrible either. Highly recommend this race!
First timer and I’m hooked
I had an awesome time at this race. I cannot wait to race again. I am already in search for my next race to sign up for. I also plan … MORE
I had an awesome time at this race. I cannot wait to race again. I am already in search for my next race to sign up for. I also plan to do this one next year.
Awesome race with views all the way!
This was a great race. It was well organized, supportive and an overall really great experience. You had views of the Tetons the whole race! MORE
This was a great race. It was well organized, supportive and an overall really great experience. You had views of the Tetons the whole race!
Worth It!
The 5K the night before the half was a great introduction to this area! The scenery is breathtaking, but the elevation will take your breath away. Coming from Florida, I … MORE
The 5K the night before the half was a great introduction to this area! The scenery is breathtaking, but the elevation will take your breath away. Coming from Florida, I was not prepared for how much the altitude would affect my running. However, bringing an awesome group of friends to this half marathon and sharing this incredible experience with them, was the push I needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other! The packet pick-up was smooth with many helpful volunteers. The race swag was super cute and we all ended up purchasing additional items.
The half marathon started as a reverse of the 5K loop from the night before (which built up on confidence) and then took off over a beautiful bridge. The view never got old! During the half there were numerous aide stations with drinks and fuel. This event is a point-to-point race and shuttles were needed to return to your car. Although there was a line for the busses, the busses were readily available and the lines moved quickly. We also enjoyed all the photo opportunities at the finish…not to mention, FREE race photos!
We are looking forward to running Yellowstone to complete the Grand Quad Challenge and I am hoping to have the chance to run another Vacation Race in the future….I’m hooked!
OMG!! Am I in heaven???
Running the Moose Double, the hardware (medals) were so amazing!!! But the views of this race were spectacular! I got so many beautiful pictures of thr Tetons...I almost forgot I … MORE
Running the Moose Double, the hardware (medals) were so amazing!!! But the views of this race were spectacular! I got so many beautiful pictures of thr Tetons…I almost forgot I needed to finish the race! The aid stations and volunteers were great! I especially appreciated the fresh fruit some of they had when I needed to add some calories. I also appreciated the amount of aid stations there were as it actually made the miles go by so fast! This is my 6th race with Vacation Races , and definitely not my last. So far it has been the most beautiful course! Highly recommend!
Beautiful scenery and wonderful energy.
Is a lifetime or buck list experience. Don’t pass on it. Is a most do as a runner. I love it. Vacation racers are super organized and people has a … MORE
Is a lifetime or buck list experience. Don’t pass on it. Is a most do as a runner. I love it. Vacation racers are super organized and people has a wonderful energy.
Beautiful
This race is absolutely breathtaking and I'm not talking about hills! The scenery was picture picture as well as the weather. You could not have gotten a better course map … MORE
This race is absolutely breathtaking and I’m not talking about hills! The scenery was picture picture as well as the weather. You could not have gotten a better course map and weather for this race. I loved how it was a zero waste race with reusable water cups and restroom stops at each water station.
Highly recommend!
This was such an amazing race. First time running with vacation races and they didn’t disappoint! The course was incredible with 10/10 views. This was my first time running in … MORE
This was such an amazing race. First time running with vacation races and they didn’t disappoint! The course was incredible with 10/10 views. This was my first time running in a high altitude, air felt thin but I was able to keep my training pace and finish. Vacation races did a great job providing fuel along the way and at the end point. Will definitely be participating in more of their races in the future!
Most beautiful course ever!!!!
Great race! I would recommend to everyone! The bathroom line took a while in the beginning but once the race got going it was amazing! Wear layers. It is a … MORE
Great race! I would recommend to everyone! The bathroom line took a while in the beginning but once the race got going it was amazing! Wear layers. It is a chilly morning in the Tetons. Expecting rolling hills. There was not a lot of places were spectating could cheer unfortunately.
Best course views I ever run!
Vacation Races is a top tier production. Start to finish they kept everyone well imformed. The course was well equipted with aid/water stations, volunteers were friendly and the course is … MORE
Vacation Races is a top tier production. Start to finish they kept everyone well imformed. The course was well equipted with aid/water stations, volunteers were friendly and the course is a 10/10 beautiful!
Great race in an amazing place!
Perfect setting for my first half marathon! Course was relatively flat and plenty of aid stations with water, gnarly, bananas, and Honey stingers. Pacers were great hypers, event staff was … MORE
Perfect setting for my first half marathon! Course was relatively flat and plenty of aid stations with water, gnarly, bananas, and Honey stingers. Pacers were great hypers, event staff was great. LOVE the medal!