The Jackson Hole Marathon races cover the best of the Jackson Hole Valley and finish at the base of the Teton Mountain Range in Teton Village. If the altitude doesn’t take your breath away, the scenery certainly will! While you’re here, enjoy Jackson’s vibrant food and art scene, sample some …
MORE
The Jackson Hole Marathon races cover the best of the Jackson Hole Valley and finish at the base of the Teton Mountain Range in Teton Village. If the altitude doesn’t take your breath away, the scenery certainly will! While you’re here, enjoy Jackson’s vibrant food and art scene, sample some of the best craft breweries in the country, and explore endless open space in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
The Jackson Hole Marathon course is USATF certified (WY17001TK) and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. The course is run at altitude of ~6,300ft with an elevation gain of 522ft and a loss of 511ft over 26.2 miles. The entire marathon course is run over paved roadways and pathways, apart from less than a tenth of a mile at the finish which is on grass (and slightly uphill).
The marathon course starts near Jackson Town Square’s famous elk antler arches. The first four miles take you past the beautiful views of the National Elk Refuge, through the neighborhoods of east Jackson, and along the base of Snow King Mountain before you separate from the road and hop on the pedestrians-only pathway network and head out of town limits.
For the next nine miles, you’ll be heading around South Park Loop, and enjoying majestic views of the Jackson Hole Valley, the Tetons, and probably at least a couple of horses.
At about mile 14, you’ll be turning west on the pathway along Highway 22. As you near mile 17, you’re in for a treat as you cross the Snake River and enjoy some of the best views of the day (selfie time!).
Between miles 18 and 20, you’ll be looping through the quaint-quirky town of Wilson and then you’re heading north toward the Grand Teton and the Finish Line. Next stop: the elk antler arch finish line in Teton Village.
99.6% of the course is run on paved roads and/or paved pathways, but the last .1 mi into the Finish Line is on grass. Please, no whining.
The Hole Half Marathon course starts near the entrance to the Ranch Lot in Teton Village, head south on the Jackson Community Pathway System to the Village Road Transit Center/Stilson Lot. Runners will turn around just before Stilson and will join the Marathon heading north back to Teton Village, finishing on the Village Commons.
The race weekend is presented by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Hole Racing Company.
LESS
The views!!!
The views and the scenery would make anyone forget the last 6 miles are uphill. I was worried about the last 6 miles but truly the view were spectacular and … MORE
The views and the scenery would make anyone forget the last 6 miles are uphill. I was worried about the last 6 miles but truly the view were spectacular and the weather was perfect. Glad we went a few days earlier to acclimate to the altitude. Would highly recommend. It’s a smaller race but really fun.
Views for miles
Great weather and a beautiful course for my 49th state. This race starts in Jackson Hole and ends in Teton Village. This is a small race, so don't expect a … MORE
Great weather and a beautiful course for my 49th state. This race starts in Jackson Hole and ends in Teton Village.
This is a small race, so don’t expect a large expo. The bib pick-up was quick and easy. There were just a couple of vendors and info tables. Everyone was friendly and helpful.
There is a full, half and quarter marathon. Each starts at a different place and time. I think the idea is to have a lot of people finishing around the same time. There is an October fest celebration after the race in Teton Village.
The full starts in Jackson Square under the antler arches. You have a few flat to slightly downhill miles in town before leaving the city. You eventually go to a paved trail. The race is cupless. There are aid stations with fluids, but you must provide your own cup. There are several places where you have to cross intersections, so you have to be aware of traffic. I didn’t have any problems and the cars were courteous of the runners.
I was alone for a lot of the race. The course was marked well. Which is good, because you are in the middle of nowhere most of the time.
About the midway point, the half marathoners start to flow in from another road. You merge with them around mile 14. There is a bit of a bottleneck soon after because you get back onto a trail. You’ll want to stay on the right side of the trail because there are bikes at times.
The altitude is over 6000′ and peaks at 6300′. It was very noticeable to someone like me who usually runs at 1000′ or less. The second half of the race is also a gradual uphill. I almost gave it a 4 for difficulty.
I felt like I was running in the wilderness forever before I finally saw Teton Village. You don’t see the finish line until you turn the last corner with just over 1/10th of a mile left. The last bit is on grass, but at that point you just want to finish.
There was some food and beverages at the end. I didn’t stay for the after party. I had to check out of the hotel and head to Yellowstone. It was a great place for a race with Grand Teton and Yellowstone close by.
Gorgeous Race!
This is a phenomenal race mainly because of the course scenery. There isn't much swag since everyone gets the same shirt (marathon, half-marathon, quarter marathon). Additionally, everyone gets the same … MORE
This is a phenomenal race mainly because of the course scenery. There isn’t much swag since everyone gets the same shirt (marathon, half-marathon, quarter marathon). Additionally, everyone gets the same medal. I wish the shirts and medal were different between the races.
Jackson Hole/Teton Village is EXTREMELY expensive, so if you have running buddies yall could split up the bill. The marathoners started in the town center with the elk antlers and it was in the high 30s, so it was chilly. We run throughout the town for a bit until about mile 3, then we ran the rest of the race on various bike/running paths.
This is a cupless race, so bring your own water to refill at the aid stations and/or buy one of the reusable water cups at the expo. The aid stations had water and Gatorade, and sometimes GU gels. I felt like this course was mainly flat, but apparently it was uphill for the second half. I didn’t feel it because I was focused on the scenery and it was still very cool.
All the runners ended in Teton Village with an Oktoberfest! You have to pay for the beers there, but at least the atmosphere was fun! If I had more money and/or lived closer, I would definitely do this race again!
Tremendous views, memorable race
For starters thank you to the race directors for allowing a 2023 deferral at no extra cost. I also flew in from Atlanta and greatly appreciated the AM bib pick … MORE
For starters thank you to the race directors for allowing a 2023 deferral at no extra cost. I also flew in from Atlanta and greatly appreciated the AM bib pick up. Very flexible especially compared to a lot of other races.
Cold start to the morning made colder by the first 8 miles being in the shade of the mountains. Even with gloves my fingers were numb and only thawed out after getting out into the sun around mile 9. Rolling hills throughout, you’re almost always at a slight grade up or down. Beautiful views of the valley and mountain though with wildfires it was tough to make out the mountains well. Surprised myself with a PR at altitude. Highly recommend.
Most beautiful race I have ran.
The Jackson Hole Marathon is absolutely gorgeous. You wont get better scenery. Bib pick- up was the day before from 3pm-7pm and they do have race day mourning pick up … MORE
The Jackson Hole Marathon is absolutely gorgeous. You wont get better scenery.
Bib pick- up was the day before from 3pm-7pm and they do have race day mourning pick up if you need it. The shirt was nice, but nothing to special. They have a small selection of hats, shirts, and hoodies if you want to buy more. Not really an expo since its such a small marathon. No vendors.
Transportation- The marathon starts in the city of Jackson Hole and ends in Teton village. They do offer a shuttle ride from Teton village to Jackson hole for the start line in the mourning. However, there is no race transportation from Teton village back to Jackson hole. So you will need to use the public bus or have someone pick you up if your not staying in Teton village.
Weather- The weather this time year can be up and down. It was partly cloudy and 35 at the start at 7:30 and by noon it was around 50 when I ran. However, two days before when I arrived there was a lot of rain an day after was super fogy and in the 20s. Weather can vary a lot with this one due to being in the mountains in the fall. Be prepared for anything.
Size- Smaller race. 233 marathoners and I believe around 600 if you count the other two races (witch will also be on the course)
Course- For the marathon you start in Jackson hole. For about 3 miles you go through the city and neighborhoods. Running on the road. At about mile 3 you get on a bike path that goes outside the city. This is when it gets really nice. You then run south for about 7 miles and you can really start to see the mountains its so gorgeous as the sun rises. Then mile 7-13 you go north. Around mile 10 I saw a fox cut in-between two runners ahead of me. It was so cool and crazy. There is chances of seeing moose and elk on the trail and even a small chance of a bear. So be on the look out for wildlife anytime. You actually run through the half marathoners start line at 13.1. Which is on a back country road with a lot of different ranches for about 3 mile loop. Then miles 16-26 are the best. You will also be joined by the quarter marathoners. As you are running north towards the Tetons and Teton village. You can see snow on top of the mountains. Its so beautiful. You really cant get any better scenery in the whole US then this. You finish in the beautiful Teton village.
Volunteers at the aid stations were really nice. Note this is a paperless marathon. Meaning you will have to carry your own cups. They will have water and Gatorade at each aid station, but they don’t have any cups. So if your not use to carrying cups. You might want to practice with them.
Crowd support is also pretty low and non existent outside the start and finish line, if that maters for you. You could have a good distance between you and the other runners infront and behind you. The time limit is 6 hours, However, they do have an early start of 30 minutes if you need it.
Medal- Medal was awesome. this year it was a bear print with a bear in it. Other years I have seen they done other animals/mountainous. So they keep it up with the theme of the race.
Difficulty- This will be an easy marathon. Its not hilly. Never going to be to hot or humid. If it rains it might suck, but you can say that about any race. However, the only thing that could make this hard is the altitude. Altitude has never impacted my running, but this could impact yours. Make sure you stay extra hydrated.
Only negative about this race is its expensive. Jackson hole not an easy place to travel too and hotels all around are expensive. However, you can visit both Teton and Yellowstone national park. I highly recommend visiting the parks before/after the race. They are less crowded this time of year and are a short drive away. Even if you don’t want to hike. Just driving around and pulling over at the stops in the two parks is worth it.
I have only done 7 marathons at the writing of this, and this is my favorite race. Its well organized, beautiful, and easy. Highly Recommend this for Wyoming race.
A great destination race
Very well organized, staffed, and communicated about; course was very well marked, and the scenery is tough to beat. The course itself was relatively level, staying within the valleys; I … MORE
Very well organized, staffed, and communicated about; course was very well marked, and the scenery is tough to beat. The course itself was relatively level, staying within the valleys; I gave the course difficulty a 4 only because I train at low elevation, and Jackson Hole is at 6000′, but the optional extra half-hour early start for lowland trainers such as me gave me the margin I needed to finish within the race’s time constraints — much appreciated!
Cold, warm, altitude and beauty
I loved visiting Jackson Hole. This was a well organized race-feels like "grass roots" with a high level of organization. The start is COLD (31°) and the finish is warm … MORE
I loved visiting Jackson Hole. This was a well organized race-feels like “grass roots” with a high level of organization. The start is COLD (31°) and the finish is warm (71°). Wear layers.
The people and volunteers were fantastic. I appreciated the 1/4 marathon distance where my husband could participate too. The plan was for us to finish together, but the altitude hit this flatlander harder than expected and I had to walk much more than anticipated.
The race itself paralleled the highway which wasn’t my favorote part, but the scenery was beautiful.
Such a lovely race!
Jackson Hole is absolutely beautiful - this course is blessed with breathtaking scenery. I was a bit disappointed that it didn't take advantage of the scenery a bit more (you … MORE
Jackson Hole is absolutely beautiful – this course is blessed with breathtaking scenery. I was a bit disappointed that it didn’t take advantage of the scenery a bit more (you can see the mountains, but you don’t run through anything more exciting than a neighborhood and a downtown area), though I understand getting into the mountains would’ve been logistically and physically demanding for both the runners and the organizers.
Aid stations were fine; no real spectators, but I expected and was ok with that. My only real complaint was packet pickup – perhaps this was a COVID measure (first timer here!), but it took place in a park in Jackson Hole and was extremely disorganized. Things happen, and waiting in two separate lines for bibs and shirts isn’t the end of the world, but just something to be aware of.
Overall, would absolutely recommend this race and am so glad it served as my WY half!
Beautiful Course
The JH Marathon is a must-run event given the scenery of the course and the surrounding opportunities to explore two national parks! Overall the race directors did a fantastic job … MORE
The JH Marathon is a must-run event given the scenery of the course and the surrounding opportunities to explore two national parks!
Overall the race directors did a fantastic job communicating what to expect for the race weekend. My only complaint was that the packet pick-up was an unclear process that took longer than a race with thousands of participants. A few signs and a single line would for this size event would have sufficed.
Despite a confusing packet pick-up, this race was excellent. The course is at elevation, but I did not have any issues coming from a sea level altitude. The course is not challenging, but be prepared for a slow climb toward the finish that is barely perceivable.
Gorgeous course!!
I loved this race! I am coming from the DC metro area, and was worried about the elevation. I do the run walk, and I shortened my running portion. By … MORE
I loved this race!
I am coming from the DC metro area, and was worried about the elevation. I do the run walk, and I shortened my running portion. By mile eight, I settled into my pace. I ran my fastest marathon since 2014, which colors my review 😊
The course was gorgeous, and the weather was, too. It was chilly at the start and there was gorgeous fog over the valley at the beginning. There were horses and cows and quaint mountain cabins and of course the mountains. I really appreciated that this was not a downhill course. I have run Pocatello, Aspen Valley, Utah Valley, and Mount Charleston. In all of those races, it was super hot at the end and my quads were on fire. At the end of this race, I felt great, and the temperature was pleasant still. Some of the leaves were turning Dash it’s really a gorgeous place even in the off-season.
Now for a little bit about logistics: I stayed in Teton Village, the site of the finish. The finish was a cool party and I was happy I didn’t have to go anywhere after that. There is not a lot in the village in the off-season, so bring your supplies. The town of Jackson is just down the road, where the packet pick up is, and it has more shops/restaurants. I really appreciated the quiet of Teton Village, the efficient shuttle to the start. They did a great job with us race!
Small town race
This is a smaller field for the marathon (esp in 2020). I felt the race did a great job considering. The scenery is beautiful. It is a point to point … MORE
This is a smaller field for the marathon (esp in 2020). I felt the race did a great job considering. The scenery is beautiful. It is a point to point and there was no busing in 2020 so that made it tricky. We stayed in the town of Jackson. If the buses are running you probably don’t need a car. The weather was not good and being from a very flat part of the country the high elevation start made it a little tricky. I was very happy with my performance.
Scenic and Destination Race
Beautiful destination, easy free parking, well organized. COVID precautions, scenic course, small, cloudy. This course could be challenging on a sunny day, very little shade but it was chilly, cloudy … MORE
Beautiful destination, easy free parking, well organized. COVID precautions, scenic course, small, cloudy. This course could be challenging on a sunny day, very little shade but it was chilly, cloudy and windy on my day and I was grateful for that. Plenty of aid stations and porta potties and they stayed manned all throughout the race. I finished 5th from last and was happy to to see other faces at the aid stations. Part of the swag was a ram face mask that I have worn a lot. This rivaled Big Sur for destination activities. I went to Teton Natl Park the next day and hiked for most of the day. The next day I went to Yellowstone and spent the day there. If you’re looking for a marathon in Wyoming, this is it.
The most beautiful course I have run!
I am extremely glad I chose the Jackson Hole Marathon as my race for Wyoming. The course was absolutely gorgeous and unforgettable. That said, we had the bad weather trifecta … MORE
I am extremely glad I chose the Jackson Hole Marathon as my race for Wyoming. The course was absolutely gorgeous and unforgettable. That said, we had the bad weather trifecta of cold, wind and rain. Throw in the altitude, and this was a challenging race. Because of COVID-19 (I assume??), there were no shuttles to return us to our cars at the starting line. The race director had indicated in an email that we could take Uber, Lyft or the local bus. I assumed Uber/Lyft would work well. Unfortunately, this was not a viable option–there were no drivers in the area. But because of the infrequent bus schedule, that left me waiting for an HOUR for a bus back to the start. I was completely chilled to the bone by the time I returned to my car nearly two hours after the finish. If I were running this again, I would secure post-race transportation in advance. Medal was great and distinctive to Jackson Hole.
A "moose-t" run marathon with A+ scenery
BOTTOM LINE: From now on, whenever non-runners (and even some runners) ask why I’m running in all 50 States, I have an easy two-word answer: Jackson Hole. The opportunity to … MORE
BOTTOM LINE: From now on, whenever non-runners (and even some runners) ask why I’m running in all 50 States, I have an easy two-word answer: Jackson Hole. The opportunity to discover incredible hidden gems like JHM is what motivates me to travel the country and the planet in search of the world’s best races. Few marathons can top Jackson Hole’s mix of eye-popping scenery, comfortable low-key production and easy access to two of the nation’s most beautiful destinations in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It’s no surprise then that Jackson Hole was just voted the best marathon in Wyoming by runners across the country on RaceRaves.
For most of us Jackson Hole isn’t easy to get to, but then again that’s part of its allure. Flights into Jackson are typically expensive and indirect, with the airport located right at the base of the Teton Range. For this reason (but also because we have a Southwest Airlines companion pass) we flew into the closest Southwest hub, Salt Lake City, and made the 280-mile drive to Jackson through rustic Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. The drive felt like a Cliffs Notes version of the Great American Road Trip. And we stayed just outside of town (~2 miles from the marathon start in Jackson Town Square) at the Flat Creek Inn, a nice affordable alternative to the host hotel in the heart of Jackson.
The race is held on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, when Grand Teton and Yellowstone experience the last gasps of the summer tourism season. So while there will still be plenty of cars in the parks, traffic won’t be what it is during the summer months. At the same time, weather for race weekend this year was gorgeous, with temperatures ranging from the high 30s to mid 70s with plenty of sun. And few sights are more stunning or life-affirming than Grand Teton and the little Tetons on a sunny day.
Note to sea-level sissies like me: Jackson Hole sits at ~6,300 ft, and though the altitude may not perturb your breathing, you’ll likely notice your legs feeling heavier than normal on race day. Luckily the course is relatively flat with gentle climbs and descents, so you’ll have that going for you in your battle against the thin air.
PRODUCTION: Don’t confuse adjectives like “low-key” and “relaxed” with “loosely organized” — race directors Jay Batchen and Lisa Smith-Batchen know exactly what they’re doing. This is a race for runners by runners, and one that does exactly what it needs to do production-wise before yielding the stage to the star of the show, Jackson’s pristine beauty. The marathon course was impeccably measured and marked, with plenty of aid stations (or so it seemed, though I didn’t stop at any). As a cup-free event, runners were instructed to carry their own “hydration system” (cup, bottle or vest) which could be filled and refilled at aid stations; I carried in one pocket a handy collapsible HydraPak SpeedCup which I ended up not using.
If race photos are your jam then Jackson Hole may not be for you, since Katie was the only photographer I saw on the course.
Reminiscent of Disney events, the post-race food was a FitFul box containing pita chips, hummus and applesauce. Best of all was the goodie bag, which included a voucher for a free beer (with the purchase of an entrée) at the popular Snake River Brewing, which happens to be Wyoming’s oldest brewery as well as a great place to celebrate another marathon success with friends. Cheers!
SWAG: My favorite finisher medals tend to feature some memorable aspect of the community, whether it be a city skyline or popular local attraction. Case in point the smartly crafted JHM medal, which depicts the iconic Jackson Elk Antler Arch with a “JHM” dangling from the peak of the arch. And not that anyone runs (or judges) a marathon next door to Grand Teton National Park based on its shirt, but JHM’s is a nicely understated blue Greenlayer tee that I’ve happily included in my regular rotation.
For a more detailed rundown (+ pictures) of our Jackson Hole weekend, my blog awaits at https://blisterscrampsheaves.com/2018/12/11/jackson-hole-marathon-race-report/
Beautiful half marathon
*The scenery was beautiful. * Race was very well organized. * Medal is one of my favorites. This was state my 21st state and one of the most scenic half … MORE
*The scenery was beautiful.
* Race was very well organized.
* Medal is one of my favorites.
This was state my 21st state and one of the most scenic half marathons I have ran. I would highly recommend stay at one of the hotels in Teton Village. It is a short walk to the buses that take you to the start and you finish at Teton Village. We stayed at the Snake River Lodge and it was closest to the buses. It was chilly while waiting to start, but, they had heaters and even let runner stay on the buses until the half started. Don’t be fooled by the temperature, once you start it heats up quickly. I was wishing by the end that my layers included short and a tank top.
From around mile 5 to finish is a constant gradual elevation climb of about 150ft. You don’t even see it happening it is so gradual.
Very happy I chose this destination to check of Wyoming, highly recommended.
Beautiful run
We started downtown where they have the antler arches and finished at the ski resort. It is a beautiful town and has a lot of places to shop and eat. MORE
We started downtown where they have the antler arches and finished at the ski resort. It is a beautiful town and has a lot of places to shop and eat.
Beautiful and scenic
I doubled this race with American Discovery Trail in Colorado Springs, CO (Labor day). This is the ultimate small-town - scenic race. I loved the Low-key start. We took the … MORE
I doubled this race with American Discovery Trail in Colorado Springs, CO (Labor day).
This is the ultimate small-town – scenic race. I loved the Low-key start. We took the bus from Teton Village. No issues involved in transportation or parking. The website is very detailed and helpful.
The course started at the square and we stayed mostly on the bike trail. I was holding out hope that this Mississippi girl might actually get to see her first Moose, but I didn’t get lucky this time. :/ Scenery was otherwise beautiful! I never got bored.
The only negative is the last few miles of the race if on a busy highway with a small shoulder. Lots of traffic.
Bottom line: A must!
Spectacular!
I absolutely loved Jackson Hole Marathon, and I'd say it probably earned the top spot of my all time favorite marathons both in terms of organization and scenery. I prefer … MORE
I absolutely loved Jackson Hole Marathon, and I’d say it probably earned the top spot of my all time favorite marathons both in terms of organization and scenery. I prefer smaller and more scenic as opposed to crowded city runs and it definitely fit the bill. From the beginning:
I flew into Salt Lake City and drove the 4.5 hours to Jackson (cheaper than flying directly into Jackson airport). The Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole was a beautiful, quiet place to stay, and convenient to downtown, the grocery store, and everything else. Jackson isn’t a cheap place to visit but it’s totally worth it with lots to see and do, and great restaurants and beer. The bib pickup location was the Chamber of Commerce downtown on Friday afternoon. Very quick and efficient – and great t-shirt for 2016!
The start is in downtown Jackson (about a mile from Wyoming Inn – my husband dropped me off but shuttles also run from the finish to the start area). The town square is lovely with the antler arches on each corner. I think there were supposed to be heated bathrooms in the visitor center open that morning but that didn’t happen for some reason. There were portajohns and I found an open hotel with easy bathroom access! There are lots of fellow Marathon Maniacs and 50 Staters at this race so the start was a fun, casual few minutes before the gun went off at 7:07am. The weather was cool but not cold, and mostly clear.
The course itself is point to point, running from Jackson to Teton Village on mostly paved paths with only a few manned road crossings. It’s absolutely breathtaking and not at all crowded. I carried my phone and took several pictures. It’s not a downhill course, but not terribly challenging either. You are at about 6600 feet and there are some hills but nothing bad. There are several aid stations but the most important consideration is that it’s a cup-less race, so you need to carry your own water system with you, either a bottle, hydration pack, or hydra pouch. Volunteers were very helpful and supportive the entire way.
Again, the course was beautiful, within sight of the Tetons, pastures, the Elk Refuge, and lots of other breathtaking beauty around you. You may be alone for some of it, as it’s a small race, but nothing wrong with that!
The finish was in Teton Village which was lovely. My husband met me there and we drove back after hanging out a bit (about 11 miles to Jackson). The medals were very cool, one of my favorites, and there were snacks and drinks available, including the local Snake River Brewing which I fell in love with. It was low-key but festive.
The weather really cooperated with us this year. I can see how it could be a very hot course without a ton of shade in some parts, but it was cool with partly-cloudy skies the entire race, only getting a little warm towards the last couple of miles. Perfect!
Be sure and take the time to see Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. We spent time in each and saw tons of wildlife! Well worth taking a couple of days minimum!
Great views, flat course
This mostly flat course winds has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, with the Tetons mostly in view for the last several miles. It's a small race, … MORE
This mostly flat course winds has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, with the Tetons mostly in view for the last several miles. It’s a small race, so if you don’t like crowds it’s perfect. About 5 miles were along the shoulder of a fairly busy highway (22) when I ran in 2014, but since then a bike path has been completed. Not alot of spectators/cheering. Very peaceful and serene.