The Yellowstone Half Marathon is a rugged, high-elevation race set in the wild terrain just outside Yellowstone National Park. The course winds through Custer Gallatin National Forest on dirt roads and rolling climbs, where the air is crisp, the forest is quiet, and the landscape feels untamed. West Yellowstone sits …
MORE
The Yellowstone Half Marathon is a rugged, high-elevation race set in the wild terrain just outside Yellowstone National Park. The course winds through Custer Gallatin National Forest on dirt roads and rolling climbs, where the air is crisp, the forest is quiet, and the landscape feels untamed.
West Yellowstone sits on the edge of something massive—and you feel it. This isn’t the postcard version of Yellowstone; it’s the raw perimeter. Fewer crowds, more exposure, and a real sense of being out there. Long stretches of open road, dense forest, and the very real chance of encountering wildlife give this race an edge you don’t find anywhere else.
The half marathon course begins with a mix of town and trail before heading into more scenic, forested terrain with a steady climb and descent. Midway, the trail becomes more technical with rocky, uneven sections and fast downhills. The final stretch smooths out with a small late climb before a gradual downhill finish. Expect a rugged dirt trail throughout that requires solid footing and trail experience.
The 5K features a beautiful course to give you a chance to work your legs out and enjoy a run with friends and family. The race begins from the expo location on Old Airport Rd with the first mile running through town. Runners will then jump onto the forest service roads and run through the woods before returning to the finish line.
LESS
Trail run in bear country
Challenging course, mostly unpaved trail, bear spray not necessary (truck traveled course with loud music and horn honking morning of race), wonderful scenery, super friendly volunteers MORE
Challenging course, mostly unpaved trail, bear spray not necessary (truck traveled course with loud music and horn honking morning of race), wonderful scenery, super friendly volunteers
Awesome Experience
We had a group participate as part of the Grand Quad Challenge. I like the Grand Tetons race, but Yellowstone was my favorite! With more of a trail vibe, I … MORE
We had a group participate as part of the Grand Quad Challenge. I like the Grand Tetons race, but Yellowstone was my favorite! With more of a trail vibe, I was happy to have completed the race without getting injured. The scenery was beautiful and the aid stations were perfectly spaced. The altitude was still a factor, but I felt better than the weekend before.
The race swag and merch options were super. I couldn’t resist picking up some tanks and beach hoodies.
I highly recommend Vacation Races and specifically the Yellowstone Half.
Great Race, Great Community
This is the 3rd Vacation Race my wife and I have done. It’s also the second time we’ve raced this event. Like other events that they put on, has such … MORE
This is the 3rd Vacation Race my wife and I have done. It’s also the second time we’ve raced this event. Like other events that they put on, has such a different feel than your standard road race.
The community that VR has built deviates from the pretentiousness found at the big time half and full marathons, instead fostering a culture of support and camaraderie.
The race starts early enough that by the time you finish, it’s just starting to get warm. The course is challenging and enjoyable. To add to the enjoyment, my pacers were excellent!
Then when you finish, the post race nutrition boxes are filled with the sort of food that actually sounds appealing after running 13.1 miles. Though, I don’t think it would be the worst thing if they could partner with Athletic Brewing and maybe have a good N/A beer waiting at the finish, but that’s just my Wisconsin showing.
The event staff are friendly and inclusive. There’s no feeling of being out of place and they really go out of their way to make to make you feel welcomed.
And finally, the medals are awesome.
As I always tell anyone I talk to, if you have a chance to do a Vacation Race, do it!
Beautiful Road-Trail Hybrid Half
I ran this race as part of Vacation Races' Double "Grizzly" Challenge. I ran the Grand Teton Half one week prior to this race. The Yellowstone Half was definitely more … MORE
I ran this race as part of Vacation Races’ Double “Grizzly” Challenge. I ran the Grand Teton Half one week prior to this race. The Yellowstone Half was definitely more rugged; about 2 miles on rocky paths, 9 miles on dirt roads, and the rest in the town of West Yellowstone. The race website does advise carrying bear spray due to the “remoteness” of the race route. My friend and I did not carry bear spray, but we did adjust our pace so that we were always running with other people. This was an adventurous race. Not a race for time, but a run for making memories!
Very beautiful difficult course
This was my 3rd Vacation Races race. They always put on a well planned and executed race. The Yellowstone race was technically difficult from the 2 mile long incline at … MORE
This was my 3rd Vacation Races race. They always put on a well planned and executed race. The Yellowstone race was technically difficult from the 2 mile long incline at mile 5 to the rocky terrain at mile 9. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The medical tent at mile 11 came in very handy also. I just wish it would have been closer to those rocks at mile 9.
Beautiful and Challenging
Aid volunteers were encouraging and great! I loved the reusable cups and the fruit + honey stinger energy gels available along the course. The participants shirt was pretty cool too! … MORE
Aid volunteers were encouraging and great! I loved the reusable cups and the fruit + honey stinger energy gels available along the course. The participants shirt was pretty cool too! I love that most of it was on dirt, and there were definitely some rocky sections to make it more interesting.
Now addicted to vacation races
I really appreciated the map of the race ahead of time, it helped me prepare training with hills at certain points in my running. Everything was clear and concise! MORE
I really appreciated the map of the race ahead of time, it helped me prepare training with hills at certain points in my running. Everything was clear and concise!
An excuse to goto Yellowstone?! Do it!
Running at 6k elevation sucks. 5k course is flat. It starts on road for maybe a mile, then goto to hard pack trail path. Didn't have to worry about wildlife. … MORE
Running at 6k elevation sucks.
5k course is flat. It starts on road for maybe a mile, then goto to hard pack trail path.
Didn’t have to worry about wildlife.
Bring your own post race beer/beverage.
Great energy from race director.
Medals are cool.
Great race!
This was my second time doing this race and it was great! This time, completed as part of the Grand Quad. The course was challenging as there’s quite a long … MORE
This was my second time doing this race and it was great! This time, completed as part of the Grand Quad. The course was challenging as there’s quite a long uphill in the middle but it ja a fun course. Vacation Races also have great swag, snack boxes and the community/volunteers are top notch!
This race is epic. It’s a must do!
Off trail running, rocks, mud, ruts etc.. worth the time. Lots of participants, early morning starts off colder temps, warms up after an hour or so. Make sure you give … MORE
Off trail running, rocks, mud, ruts etc.. worth the time. Lots of participants, early morning starts off colder temps, warms up after an hour or so. Make sure you give yourself plenty time to adjust for elevation. Hydration is key to avoid altitude sickness. Also be bear aware, don’t be to concerned, but pay attention as black and grizzly bears frequent the area. Remember have fun!
Amazing race with even better views!
This was my first trail race. It was technically challenging with one never ending hill! There are a few rocky sections, mostly shaded, and a section on a pathway. It … MORE
This was my first trail race. It was technically challenging with one never ending hill! There are a few rocky sections, mostly shaded, and a section on a pathway. It was very well organized. Really one of the most professionally done races I’ve been involved with. I can’t wait to do this again next year!
Great trail run
The trail was great, very scenic, aid stations were spaced perfectly. Mile 5 was brutal, very rocky and uphill (everyone I saw was walking). But overall, I really enjoyed it. MORE
The trail was great, very scenic, aid stations were spaced perfectly. Mile 5 was brutal, very rocky and uphill (everyone I saw was walking). But overall, I really enjoyed it.
My first, but not my last VR race
This race company knows how to put on a good race. Process was smooth from registration, to the very comprehensive race guide they put out weeks before, to the expo, … MORE
This race company knows how to put on a good race. Process was smooth from registration, to the very comprehensive race guide they put out weeks before, to the expo, and the actual race day. Instructions were clear and offered a lot of perks that you won’t see in bigger races such as parking right next to the start/finish line, hot cocoa/coffee/banana morning of, bear spray training during the expo, easy gear check/gear drop, and FREE race photos! Aide stations completely stocked and easy to access. It was very easy to walk from hotels at West Yellowstone and it allowed my spectator to sleep in and walk over when convenient.
I was worried about racing at elevation coming from sea level, but I trained at additional intensity and that seemed to do the trick. I do recommend training on trails and wearing trail running shoes, not necessary, but very helpful. I finished significantly under my goal time! Weather was great, but a little hot at the end (no tree cover). Loved my shirt and medal and even bought an extra sweatshirt. Snack box at end had great variety and was not filled with junk, it had healthy options. I will be doing another VR race in the future.
SO WORTH IT
Here are my main take aways! -Give yourself a week before the race to acclimate to the altitude. - The course is a blend of pavement, gravel, and technical trail. … MORE
Here are my main take aways!
-Give yourself a week before the race to acclimate to the altitude.
– The course is a blend of pavement, gravel, and technical trail.
-Train for long hills. The climb at mile 5 is no joke, but it is possible to conquer!
-Wear your trail shoes. The grip is needed for the rocky down hill portion.
-There are tons of aid stations all throughout.
-Dont be afraid to stop and take pictures. It was more worth it to take in the scenery than hit a PR.
-The expo and pre/post race energy was amazing. Super invigorating.
I highly recommend this race!! I trained on a gravel trail with lots of hills and felt well equipped on race day. It was an awesome first half marathon experience for me.
Great race with amazing scenery!
I really enjoyed the entire race experience. The scenery was breathtaking- proximity to the park and easiness to find the spot was top notch. I love the race swag - … MORE
I really enjoyed the entire race experience. The scenery was breathtaking- proximity to the park and easiness to find the spot was top notch. I love the race swag – whoever design the shirt is a true artist. Waiting for many more to come!
The Big Country
The Half is a good course, two hills, big turn out. No doubt you will love this course. This is in Montana, just across the border. I love vacation races. MORE
The Half is a good course, two hills, big turn out. No doubt you will love this course. This is in Montana, just across the border. I love vacation races.
Fantastic!
This was amazing ! My wife and I absolutely loved it the scenery was breathtaking and the weather was perfect we will definitely come back for another one this was … MORE
This was amazing ! My wife and I absolutely loved it the scenery was breathtaking and the weather was perfect we will definitely come back for another one this was our 5th anniversary couldn’t have spent it any better
Glad I did it
Due to weather the course was changed and it followed the ski course. There was a paved out and back section along the River that was nice. It was overall … MORE
Due to weather the course was changed and it followed the ski course. There was a paved out and back section along the River that was nice. It was overall hilly but ok. The mosquitos were horrendous! Have never experienced anything like it. Overall it was a well run race, great swag, metal and post run nutrition.
Beautiful but challenging course
Vacation Races put this on and they had to change the course this year but we knew well in advance this was going to happen. The course had pavement, dirt … MORE
Vacation Races put this on and they had to change the course this year but we knew well in advance this was going to happen. The course had pavement, dirt hilly roads, and crushed gravel that I found sliding under my feet that made it challenging to keep pace. Don’t do this for a PR: do it for the BEAUTY! Much of the course was along a river and on the out and back portion, the runners you passed were so lovely and happy and cheerful! They had plenty of potties at the start and about 2 miles in they had a jacket drop so you could get your jacket back! I liked the gnarley a lot which I’d never had before. Loved at the end of the race they don’t rush you away from the finish line and they let you take pics, etc. Nice snack box at the end of the race. Lovely shirt. Fun signs at packet pick up for photo ops.
Well organized trail run
Well organized. Course had to be altered for snow this year but I wouldn't have noticed had they not said so- great trip through the woods. Some mild hills and … MORE
Well organized. Course had to be altered for snow this year but I wouldn’t have noticed had they not said so- great trip through the woods. Some mild hills and some grassy/muddy spots. Wear your trail shoes, if you have them but don’t stress if you don’t.