The Yosemite Half Marathon is produced by Vacation Races as part of the National Park Half Marathon Series. Enjoy a fast scenic course through the Sierra National Forest just outside Yosemite National Park! Enjoy a peaceful 5 mile run through the trees, a fast 5 mile descent, and a beautiful …
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The Yosemite Half Marathon is produced by Vacation Races as part of the National Park Half Marathon Series. Enjoy a fast scenic course through the Sierra National Forest just outside Yosemite National Park! Enjoy a peaceful 5 mile run through the trees, a fast 5 mile descent, and a beautiful 3 mile loop around Bass Lake. In May the lake is full and the waterfalls are pumping. There’s no better time to visit.
The first 5 miles of the course will start on Fire Rd and is on a rough terrain trail. There is no steep uphill or downhill here, but it’s not exactly flat either. Miles 6-10 are a fast downhill descent on a beautiful paved road. Then, after crossing RD-274 (Malum Ridge Rd), you will turn right on N Shore Road. You will run on N Shore Road around Bass Lake until about mile 12.25. From there you will take a left on S Shore Rd. The race will finish at Recreation Point.
This race sells out quickly every year. Yosemite is calling. See you there!
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Super supportive crew!
I signed up for this race based on the regular course, then it changed due to winter weather damage. The new route was not my favorite but I still finished … MORE
I signed up for this race based on the regular course, then it changed due to winter weather damage. The new route was not my favorite but I still finished and the views were spectacular! Love the joyful atmosphere of the race, the people I met, and the gear/swag was fab. Aid stations were often and plentiful. Overall a supportive and fun race. Now I just have to come back and do it again on the normal course 🙂
Professional Race Organization?
It was evident VR has extensive experience in executing running events. It is a shame I, and others, experienced confusion and a hazardous section on the route. We were told … MORE
It was evident VR has extensive experience in executing running events. It is a shame I, and others, experienced confusion and a hazardous section on the route. We were told not to miss the 4:15 am shuttle pick up at Miller’s Landing for a 6:00 am start time. It seems other shuttles times were available. The starting line was very narrow and we all tried to squeeze through a tight area. I witnessed three racers fall on the extremely muddy and unsafe section of the race and assisted an elderly gentleman who fell and hit his head on a tree root. This section should have been vetted at least 1 day before the race event. I have never participated in a race where the section was so dangerous. As a result, I’m sure all race times could have improved by 15-20 minutes. Thus, any unofficial time is pointless. Finally, VR should offer a senior rate and offer more flexibility in refunds.
Great organization and participants
This was my 2nd VR and I am already looking for which one I will do next year! With the course change, Yosemite may not have been as great this … MORE
This was my 2nd VR and I am already looking for which one I will do next year!
With the course change, Yosemite may not have been as great this year, but I had a wonderful time due to the race organization, wonderful fellow participants, and beautiful area to visit. Especially enjoyed the after party.
My first half marathon crushed!
This course was great, even though it had to be redirected from previous years due to the snowy weather in Yosemite. As a first-time half marathoner, I was ready to … MORE
This course was great, even though it had to be redirected from previous years due to the snowy weather in Yosemite. As a first-time half marathoner, I was ready to crush this race, despite the mud that came around miles 4-7 and slowed us all down. Besides that, I loved the organization, the destination, the hot cocoa and snacks at Pines Resort pre-race, and all the replenishment stops for water and refreshments throughout the course. VR kept us all clear in communication on what to expect and how the shuttles would run that nothing else came as a surprise except the mud! This is a beautiful scenic ride around Bass Lake and is mostly road and some rolling hills from miles 1-3 and 7-13. It was nice to run away from the big city and I enjoyed running with other outdoorsy folk! Hope to make another Vacation Race!
My 1st half!
We ran an alternate course compared to previous years due to the road going out of commission for the bad weather. Miles 4-6 were the toughest starting with a long, … MORE
We ran an alternate course compared to previous years due to the road going out of commission for the bad weather. Miles 4-6 were the toughest starting with a long, hard incline, followed by lots and lots of mud! It was a little crazy trying to run through there but the rest of the course was beautiful and really great to run on. I personally enjoyed the rolling hills the first 3 miles, but the views around mile 8 just couldn’t be beat. I’m definitely looking into other Vacation Races to do around the US!
Challenging but loved it!
After having some hot chocolate at the start line, we started off from the Pines village where we raced by quaint houses by the Bass Lake, an impressive miniature waterfall, … MORE
After having some hot chocolate at the start line, we started off from the Pines village where we raced by quaint houses by the Bass Lake, an impressive miniature waterfall, and cheerful residents. After about 4 miles in and some hill climbing, we came to the most exciting part of the race — MUD RUNNING. Not only did this make my race challenging but memorable too. 6 miles onwards, Bass Lake was literally running the course with us! LOL.. Loved it. The race was very well-managed, with potter potties and water at each mile. This was my first VR and I am super-impressed with the race production. Coming back again next year for another VR experience!
Woo Hoo!I PR’d @ Yosemite half marathon
The VR Yosemite half difficult with a hill @ mile 4 and a muddy trail mile 5-6; however, I still PR’d! VR’s organization, communication and race swag are amazing! They … MORE
The VR Yosemite half difficult with a hill @ mile 4 and a muddy trail mile 5-6; however, I still PR’d! VR’s organization, communication and race swag are amazing! They clearly communicated that the course was different than originally planned due to inclement weather causing road cave ins and closures. I wore my medal proudly while I was visiting Yosemite and can’t wait to add it to my collection. Thank you for another fabulous, orchestrated half and vacation. I will be signing up for another VR soon!
Another great experience with VR
The course was centered around Bass Lake with a view of the Sierra National Forrest. There were some small hills, and one that seemed to go on forever, but the … MORE
The course was centered around Bass Lake with a view of the Sierra National Forrest. There were some small hills, and one that seemed to go on forever, but the trail that started around mile 4 and ended just before mile 7 was very muddy and slowed down a lot of people. I believe that was part of the new route they had to add this year. Hopefully, next year the road will be repaired, so the course is even easier.
I really enjoyed being able to venture out to Yosemite National Park while being in the area for the race. The views are amazing! The VR team put on a great race. I love that they are a cup free organization, and their refueling boxes always have great treats at the finish. And you can’t forget the medal… it was BIG, and I definitely earned it, lol.
I would totally do this race again!
Fun but need more attention to detail
Overall pretty good experience and I would run it again. A couple things could have been improved: 1. Clarification on start line/shuttles. They made it sound like 4:15 was the … MORE
Overall pretty good experience and I would run it again. A couple things could have been improved:
1. Clarification on start line/shuttles. They made it sound like 4:15 was the only shuttle pickup time, however, they had rolling shuttle pickup so I could have slept more!
2. Better spectator access
Unforgettable Race Weekend
This year's course was not for the faint of heart. It quickly challenged your fitness. The scenery makes up for it. Overall, it was an amazing race weekend. Entering Yosemite … MORE
This year’s course was not for the faint of heart. It quickly challenged your fitness. The scenery makes up for it. Overall, it was an amazing race weekend. Entering Yosemite NP the day before made the weekend so exciting! Crossing the finish line, made the muddy and hill portions worth it! Would definitely run it again!
Great race given the conditions!
I really enjoyed this race. Everything ran very smoothly, instructions and guidance from Vacation Races were always very clear and thorough. The course was tough at times, very muddy for … MORE
I really enjoyed this race. Everything ran very smoothly, instructions and guidance from Vacation Races were always very clear and thorough. The course was tough at times, very muddy for a few miles but this was to be expected given the weather in the area. Was overall a very good experience, I would love to do this race again.
I would highly recommend this course!!
This was not only my first ever vacation race but my first half marathon! The course was great, the views were stunning, and for a first time half marathon runner … MORE
This was not only my first ever vacation race but my first half marathon! The course was great, the views were stunning, and for a first time half marathon runner it was completely achievable! I thought I was going to finish at the 4-hour mark and ended up finishing at 3 hours and 5 minutes. It was very well organized, the swag was on point, and the food and drinks you got at the end help me refuel!!
Awesome First Experience
Could have been even better if conditions would have allowed for an easier run without mud and clear skies for beautiful scenery, but the organization did everything they could by … MORE
Could have been even better if conditions would have allowed for an easier run without mud and clear skies for beautiful scenery, but the organization did everything they could by providing ample water/snack stations! Volunteers were all great and locals provided much-needed support too
AMAZING FIRST HALF MARATHON EXPERIENCE!!
Everything was easy to find for bib day pickup. Everything was very well communicated beforehand through emails. Residents sit outside with their families and cheer you on as you run … MORE
Everything was easy to find for bib day pickup. Everything was very well communicated beforehand through emails. Residents sit outside with their families and cheer you on as you run around Bass Lake. It’s a gorgeous view with aid stations about every two miles. Portable restrooms, fruit and water stations. Amazing experience! Must do!
I loved this race!
Amazing production! Course was a bit more challenging due to a change. But overall I highly recommend vacation races. Great views, people, swag, course, communication, and production. Fun time for … MORE
Amazing production! Course was a bit more challenging due to a change. But overall I highly recommend vacation races.
Great views, people, swag, course, communication, and production. Fun time for my first Half Marathon!
All around great race !!
Vacation Races could have easily canceled, instead they turned it around and knocked it out of the park!! They are very organized, well staffed, very encouraging, and supportive. The fact … MORE
Vacation Races could have easily canceled, instead they turned it around and knocked it out of the park!! They are very organized, well staffed, very encouraging, and supportive. The fact that they have several aid stations was also awesome. I am totally hooked on their races now. Pay attention to alllll the stuff they email you and listen to the podcasts too.
Such pretty scenery!
As a first timer running a half marathon I was excited to have such a pretty course. The course was a bit rough for me because I’m not used to … MORE
As a first timer running a half marathon I was excited to have such a pretty course. The course was a bit rough for me because I’m not used to hills/trail running but it was still a great experience! I would definitely do another race with vacation races!
Had a blast!
The race was well organized with rightly placed aid stations, bib and gear pickups were smooth. The 2-mile mud run was the best part of the race. I am grateful … MORE
The race was well organized with rightly placed aid stations, bib and gear pickups were smooth. The 2-mile mud run was the best part of the race. I am grateful that my first half marathon was with VR and at the scenic Bass Lake area. Highly recommended.
What a wild course!
Despite the organizers' best efforts amidst weather and course terrain, there was a LOT of mud. My group started a little late which made us get stuck (figuratively and literally) … MORE
Despite the organizers’ best efforts amidst weather and course terrain, there was a LOT of mud. My group started a little late which made us get stuck (figuratively and literally) behind many walkers. However, the volunteers were excellent, aid stations perfectly spaced, and the course was very dynamic and the miles flew by!
Great scenery and a fun first half!
Wonderful scenery around the lake. A bit rainy, which was a bummer. Tough stretch of the race from miles 4-7 through the muddy forestry road. Volunteers were all wonderful. Overall, … MORE
Wonderful scenery around the lake. A bit rainy, which was a bummer. Tough stretch of the race from miles 4-7 through the muddy forestry road. Volunteers were all wonderful. Overall, an amazing race!