RACE GUIDE
Half Marathon • May 9, 2026
Half Marathon
SCHEDULE
MAY 9, 2026
NOTE: Parking, shuttle, and start times are based on your assigned wave. Click here for a full wave chart and parking info.
4:00 AM
BEGIN LOADING SHUTTLES
4:20 AM
FIRST SHUTTLES LEAVE
4:45 AM
BIB PICK-UP AT START LINE OPENS
5:15 AM
FIRST PRIZE RAFFLE
5:15 - 5:30 AM
WALKERS START ON COURSE
5:55 AM
NATIONAL ANTHEM
6:00 AM
GUN START & ROLLING WAVES BEGIN
6:40 AM
LAST OAKHURST SHUTTLE LOADS
7:30 AM
FINAL WAVE & START LINE CLOSES
8:00 AM
SPECTATOR & RETURN SHUTTLES BEGIN
10:15 AM
AWARDS CEREMONY
12:30 PM
FINAL RETURN SHUTTLE TO OAKHURST PARKING LOTS
Pre-race
EXPO
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Race Expo + Merchandise Hours
7:00 PM - Bib Pick-up Closes
*We cannot accommodate runners before 10:00 AM
Race registration fees do not include park entry. All visitors are required to purchase a pass in order to enter Yosemite National Park. Seniors over 62 can purchase a lifetime pass for just $80. Active members of the U.S. Military are eligible for a free pass as well as U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities. If you already own a National Park Annual Pass, you’re good to go! Otherwise you can purchase one at the park entrance, or just a three-day Standard Entrance pass.
First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
Visit National Park Service site for more information and to help plan your visit.
For those with a reserved campsite, you will check in with our campground host. Campground check-in begins Thursday, May 7th at 3:00 pm. Check-out by Sunday, May 10th at 9:00 am at the latest. Please note that VR campground reservations are now SOLD OUT.
If you rented a tent, please return it before the check-out deadline to help us stay on schedule. Please remember: RVs and trailers are NOT allowed.
A shuttle will be provided to take you from the campground to the start line on race morning.
Location: Recreation Point Group Campground Bass Lake, CA 93604 (next to bib pickup/finish line).
Please note that NO DOGS are allowed on the shuttles. Strollers are allowed on the shuttles for spectators.
MANDATORY SHUTTLE TIME FOR CAMPERS
Shuttles will leave from Rec Point at 4:20 AM sharp. If you miss this shuttle, you’ll need to drive into Oakhurst and take the later shuttles to the start line.
The finish line is located near the campground, so you won’t need a return shuttle.
Parking options near the expo will be limited (see orange outlined areas on the map below), and the parking at the camping area is only open to those who reserved a campsite through Vacation Races in advance. For additional parking, use the lot at the Little Denver Church Picnic Site shown on the bottom portion of the map; the lot is located just south of the Recreation Point area.
This is the same location as the finish line. At our pre-race expo, you will be able to pick up your bib and race shirt as well as other gear and branded race merchandise, while also exploring local vendors and sponsor booths. Bib pick-up and vendors will be available until 6:00 PM. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bags in support of our zero-waste mission. The race expo will be held outside, rain or shine.
Join us for a
PASTA PARTY
Kick off your Yosemite Half Marathon weekend with a laid-back carb-loading party at Miller’s Landing. Enjoy a hearty spread of pasta, sides, and drinks while soaking up live music, yard games, and good vibes with fellow runners. It’s the perfect way to fuel up, connect, and get race-ready.
Please note space is limited. Call to reserve your spot: 559-642-3633
Friday, May 8th
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Miller’s Landing, 37976 Road 222, South Shore, Bass Lake
Adults $20 | Kids $10 (12 & under)
RACE MORNING
Race Morning
Getting to the
STARTING LINE
PARKING
THERE IS NO PARKING OR DROP-OFF AT THE START LINE.
All runners will need to be both shuttled to the start and back from the finish line. To reach the start line, all runners will park and load shuttles based on their location and their estimated departure time. Please be on time and error on the side of being early.
RUNNER DROP-OFF
If you are dropping a runner off, please drop them off at the Evangelical Free Church shuttle stop, where they will board the shuttle.
OAKHURST SHUTTLE DETAILS
4:00 AM
Parking Lots Open
4:20 - 6:40 AM
Start Line shuttles run
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Return Service to and from the finish line
OAKHURST ELEMENTARY SHUTTLE STOP (OPEN TO ALL RUNNERS & SPECTATORS)
You may park in one of these available lots and then walk to shuttle pickup at Oakhurst Elementary School (See Map).
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Oakhurst Elementary School Lot
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First Baptist Church
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Dirt Lot next to Baptist Church
You may also park on School Road and the surrounding streets. (Please do not block any driveway, fire hydrants, or bike lanes.)YOSEMITE HIGH SCHOOL SHUTTLE STOP (OPEN TO ALL RUNNERS & SPECTATORS)
You may park in the designated high school lots, on School Road and the surrounding streets as well as in the Evangelical Free Church parking lot.
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FAIRFIELD INN SHUTTLE STOP (WALKING DISTANCE ONLY)
Runners staying at the Fairfield Inn or nearby may walk over and take the shuttles located in front of the hotel. Other hotels within walking distance include: Hampton Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Yosemite Southgate Hotel, and more. This is a shuttle pickup only and does NOT have event parking. It is intended just for runners staying in the immediate area.
BASS LAKE AREA SHUTTLE DETAILS
VR Campground (Rec Point), Miller’s Landing, The Pines, and The Forks
4:00 AM
Parking Lots Open
4:20 AM
Start Line shuttle departure
*This will be the only departure time
8:00 AM
Shuttle return service
*Runner drop-off only from the finish line;
no spectator return services to these locations.
These stops are meant to service participants that will be staying at or near these locations.
Please note there is NO PARKING at Rec Point on the morning of the race.
There will only be one shuttle departure time for each of these locations. The shuttle service to the start line loading at 4:00 am and leaving at 4:20 am sharp. If participants miss the 4:20 am shuttle departure at these locations, they will then need to drive to one of the three Oakhurst locations, park and catch a later shuttle.
There will be service back to these locations from the finish line. For the return, there will be a regularly running boat shuttle across the lake to take participants back to Miller’s Landing. Runners will be able to take either a boat or shuttle bus back to The Forks. A shuttle bus will be running to the Pines. Please confirm transportation to the start line and back from the finish line when you check in at these specific places.
There will be no spectator shuttle service from any Bass Lake locations. Spectators will need to find their own way to and from the finish line to cheer for their runners.
ON THE COURSE
On The Course
STARTING LINE
Runners must ride a shuttle to get to the start line. When runners get off of the shuttles they will be greeted by staff who can also help direct them. In addition to staff, crew, and volunteers, there will be wayfinding signage to help guide runners.
If runners proceed straight they will find hot chocolate, coffee, water, sunscreen, bug spray, porta-potties, etc. If runners turn right upon disembarking from the shuttle they will find the Bib Pick-up tent and the start line staging area. We ask runners to either gather in the start line staging area or near the coffee and toilets so as not to impede shuttle turnaround operations.
Walkers will be released between 5:15 AM and 5:30 AM. The official gun time start will happen at 6:00 AM. After that we will encourage runners to stage for unofficial wave starts every 10-15 mins after the official gun time. Runners do not need to be in a hurry after getting off the shuttle as their official time does not start until they cross the start line. The only participants that absolutely must be to the start line on time are the walkers and the overall award competitors.
Course
INFORMATION
Your timing chip is on the back of your bib. The chip looks like a sticker—do not fold your bib.
No chip = No recorded time!
To be eligible for masters and overall awards based on gun time, you will need to line up at the front of the BLUE WAVE at the official start time. Please be courteous to others at the start of the race.
Overall awards will be based on gun time. This is for overall male, female, non-binary, and masters divisions. Age group awards will be based on chip time. If you are planning to compete for one of the overall top spots, you must load the 4:00 AM shuttles to start the race at 6:00 AM.
Your time does not officially start until you cross the starting line, so please be courteous to others as we start the race. Once the race starts at 6:00 AM, the start line will stay open. We will have an open rolling wave start for all other waves as they arrive (as described above) to help spread out the runners and in order to accommodate shuttle operations. All age division and team awards are based on chip time, starting when you cross the line.EARLY START FOR WALKERS
If you’re planning to walk, you can head to the start line anytime between 5:15 am and 5:30 am. It may be dark at this time, so please consider bringing a headlamp if you plan to start at this time. Otherwise, plan to use your cell phone flashlight for the first couple miles. Please recognize that the top competitors will be starting at 6AM and will be running hard and fast. To be considerate to these participants, walkers should keep to the right of the road and leave plenty of room on the left for runners to pass.
THE MAIN EVENT
Runners aiming for overall awards, your starting gun is at 6AM!
STAGGERED STARTS FOR RUNNERS
All other runners will start in waves, launching approximately every 15 minutes after the main start, with the final heat going out at 7:30 am. Your wave assignment, which is based on your estimated finish time, can be found on your bib.
!! Runners staying in the Bass Lake area (VR Campground, The Pines, Miller’s Landing, or The Forks): Regardless of your assignment, you should plan to start with the earlier waves, since you have just one shuttle pickup time from your location at 4:20am. Do not be late!
This means that you can take as much time as you need to get ready to start the race. Once you feel like you are ready, just make your way over to the starting line and begin. Your time will start once you cross the timing mats. As shuttles arrive at the start line, runners will be able to use the bathroom, stretch, drink some coffee/hot cocoa, pick up their bib if needed, etc.
This race requires some highway road closures. For your safety and to comply with permit requirements, runners must be at mile 10 by 10:45 am. Runners who have not made it to mile 10 by this time will be pulled and transported to the finish line.
The time limit for all runners to finish the race is 4 hours. This pace is equivalent to an 18-minute mile, which allows plenty of time for walkers. We expect your immediate cooperation and understanding if we need to pull you off the course for safety reasons. Noncompliance will result in a ban from future events. We will make every effort to keep the finish line open so that everyone can complete the race.
We will have pacers assigned to several goal finishing times. These pacers will help to organize waves and maintain the assigned pace associated with that wave of runners. We will have pacers for the following goal times: 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00, 3:30 and sweeper.
The 1:40 and 1:50 pacers will start a little after gun time at 6:00 AM. The 2:00 and 2:10 will start at 6:30 AM. The 2:20 and 2:30 pacers will start at 6:45 AM. The 2:45 and 3:00 pacers will start at 7:00 AM. The 3:30 pacer will start at 7:15 AM and the sweepers will start at 7:30 AM. If you want to run with a pacer, please plan on starting at these times.We will use a wave start to ensure a well-organized race and to avoid overcrowding on the course, allowing the overall award competitors to toe the line and lead out the pack. Participants who are less concerned about placement awards should start toward the middle and back of the group as well as at later start times. Runners are organized into color waves indicated by the colored dot found on the race bib. These groupings are assigned based on the expected finish time which runners indicated during registration.
The following chart shows an estimate of when each wave should plan on parking near a shuttle stop, loading and departing for the start line, and then actually crossing the start line to begin the race. Following this logistical strategy will help operations run smoothly but rigid adherence is not absolutely mandatory. The most important aspect of this plan is that top competitors, walkers (leaving early), and anyone riding the shuttle at the Bass Lake stops, MUST BE at the shuttle stop no later than 4:10 am and on the shuttles departing at 4:20 a.m.
DON'T HAVE A WAVE COLOR ON YOUR BIB?
Not to worry! Plan to take the shuttle that matches your expected finish time. Want to compete for an overall award? Plan to take a shuttle to join the blue wave.
WANT TO RUN IN A DIFFERENT WAVE?
If you have friends or family that are running in another wave, please plan to run in the slower wave together. Similarly, if you feel your pace has changed from when you first registered, you can switch waves and shuttle times accordingly.
The first 5 of the course is on a fire road which is a rough terrain trail. There is no steep uphill or downhill here, but it’s not exactly flat either. Miles 5-9 are a fast downhill descent on a beautiful paved road. Then after crossing RD-274 (Malum Ridge Rd) you will turn right onto N Shore Road and run around Bass Lake until about mile 12.1. From there you will take a left on S Shore Road, run past the Rec Point entrance, and finally make a left turn into the Little Denver Church Picnic Site parking lot following the path the last .2 miles of the course back to the finish line at Recreation Point (Bass Lake).
This is an open course with cars on the road as well as runners. The course will be well-marked, but it is your responsibility to stay to the right when running with traffic on Beasore Rd and to the left when running against traffic once you reach The Pines. Please be courteous and mindful of both cars and other runners. DO NOT step off the course into traffic; you will be disqualified. We want you to stay safe.You can see the elevation map here. The first half of the race does not have much elevation change, but there’s a fast downhill descent mid-race.
The total race gain is 469 ft. with max elevation of 5448 ft.
We will have aid stations near miles 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Each aid station will have bathrooms, water (blue coolers), electrolyte drink (red coolers), and Honey Stinger energy gels. Miles 5 and 7 will also have oranges and bananas.
There will be medical assistance around mile 7 aid station.
Trash cans will be set up at all of these aid stations. Please use these to discard fruit peels, Honey Stinger pouches, and any other trash accumulated along the way. Do not discard trash at mile markers, on cones, or anywhere else throughout the course other than in these designated aid station trash cans.
All aid stations are cup free. Use a reusable cup or bring your own hydration method.
A gear check bag will be provided at the starting line, and all checked bags will be transported to the finish line. Write your name and bib number near the bottm of the white plastic bag with a permanent marker. Add distinguishing marks or fun artwork to make the retrieval process much quicker.
Please avoid placing valuables in the bag. DO NOT PUT YOUR CAR KEYS OR ANY VALUABLES IN THIS BAG. Gear check bags can be picked up at the finish line after finishing the race. Unclaimed bags will be held for one week and can be shipped to runners for a $25 shipping fee. Anything unclaimed after one week will be donated.
Runners can discard clothing they no longer need in the bin provided at the first aid station (around mile 3).
After all runners have passed, this bin will be transported to the finish line, and the clothing will be loosely organized by color near the gear check recovery area. Depending on your start time, you might need to wait for your clothing at the finish line. Again, any other items found along the course will not be brought to the finish. Clothing not claimed by noon will be considered abandoned.
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Spectator Information
Spectator
PARKING & SHUTTLES
Spectators are not allowed at the start line, Beasore Drive, or along the course, but are encouraged to be at the finish line to cheer on all our runners.
No reservation or wristband is needed for the shuttle. Your bib is all you need to board. Spectators are not allowed.
There is NO PARKING within Recreation Point nor at the Bass Lake Recreation Offices across the street. Cars in violation of this risk being ticketed and/or towed.
While there are other parking options nearby, please keep in mind that parking immediately around the finish line is limited.
You may either: Park anywhere near Bass Lake and walk (less than a mile) to the finish line.
PARKING OPTIONS
Designated day-use parking areas near the finish line along Rd 222
The corner lot of Rd 274 and Rd 222
Take a shuttle from Oakhurst to and from the finish line,
beginning at 8:00 AM
Shuttle pick up spots in Oakhurst
• Oakhurst Shuttle #1 Oakhurst Elementary School
• Oakhurst Shuttle #2 Yosemite High School
• Oakhurst Shuttle #3 Fairfield Inn
OTHER PARKING OPTIONS INCLUDE
All parking areas listed in the map above (if available.)
Parking on School Road and the surrounding streets
(Please do not block any driveway, fire hydrants, or bike lanes.)
NOTE: Following the race, the shuttles that are departing from the finish line to the parking lots in Oakhurst will take runners and spectators. The last shuttle is at 12:30pm. Runners heading to The Pines and The Forks will take shuttle buses. There will also be a boat shuttle heading to Miller’s Landing, but it is reserved for runners only (no spectators).
VOLUNTEER
We can’t put on a race without our amazing volunteers. Whether you are a spectator along for the trip or a family member that is not running the race, we encourage you to volunteer.
Helping out at the race is a meaningful way to pass the time, and you can earn a discount toward a future vacation race (or pass the discount along to your runner friends). Volunteers can help out at the expo or on race day. Sign up online or check to see what positions are available at the expo on Friday. We love our volunteers!
POST RACE
Post Race
FINISH LINE AREA
The runner area is for runners only! Please do not enter the runner area or partake of runners’ food or chocolate milk.
The awards ceremony will take place near the finish line at 10:15 am.
In addition to the expo, the merchandise tent will be set up after the race near the finish line.
WILL YOUR RUNNER FINISH EARLY?
If your runner is expected to finish before the 8:00 am shuttles begin, we advise you to park at the limited Bass Lake locations listed HERE and walk to the finish.
Post-Race
INFORMATION
Our on-course and finish-line moments will be captured by our official photography partner, FinisherPix. You’ll spot signs or flags along the course letting you know a camera zone is coming up. That’s your cue to straighten up, wipe your face, surge past someone, or serve your best race-day look. Your personalized race photos will be available for purchase and are typically uploaded within a week after the event. Once they’re live, we’ll send all runners an email with the link.
Pro tip: Wear your bib on the front of your body and keep it visible throughout the race. Bibs worn on legs, backs, or under layers often don’t get picked up by the cameras.We have teamed up with Brooksee’s innovative tracking system to ensure that your friends and family can follow your race in real time—no phone or watch needed! Timing readers are placed along the course (at least one per mile), updating your location every 8 to 10 minutes or more frequently. Brooksee estimates your position between checkpoints based on pacing data, providing accurate, real-time updates and predicted finish times. Tracking is simple: Spectators can follow your progress here.
Want text updates? Supporters can opt-in for free text notifications when you reach key points along the course.
Race results can be found here after the event. Please note that the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line. Since our age group winners are determined by chip time, it’s possible to finish before someone else in your age group while still having a slower overall time than they do. Masters and overall awards are based on gun time—top competitors should start at the front. Age division and team awards are based on chip time; your time will not start until you cross the start line. If you start toward the back, expect a delay before crossing the start line; please be courteous as the race begins.
After the race, the timing chip is disposable; you can throw it away or keep it.Make Your Medal Uniquely Yours with an iTAB! You’ve trained, raced, and crossed the finish line—now commemorate your achievement with a custom iTAB. The iTAB is a small engraved plate featuring your name and finish time, designed to fit neatly onto your medal or attach to the ribbon. This simple addition transforms your medal into a personalized keepsake, capturing the memory of your hard earned victory. You can order at the merch tent or here.
There is no official lost and found. If you have lost an item, please submit a request by clicking the button below. We will hold onto lost items and unclaimed gear check bags for one week only, so be sure to reach out as soon as possible.
A bin for extra clothing will be available at the first aid station. Again, this is the only official clothing drop and any clothing left scattered along the course will be considered trash which may be discarded or donated.The medical area at the finish line is for athletes only; family members are not allowed. Overcrowding prevents medical staff from doing their jobs. If you need information on an athlete receiving medical attention, please wait outside the area for updates.
Finisher medals will be awarded to all the top five runners in each of the following age groups will receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and 75 and older. At this time, we do not offer awards for non-binary age groups. We will have an Awards Ceremony at 10:15 AM. If you are not around for the ceremony, your top finisher award can be mailed to you with a shipping fee of $15.
The top 3 female, male and non-binary overall finishers and top 3 masters female and male finishers overall finishers will be given a custom award from our partners at RowdyLegends. Runners can take home their own custom 2026 Yosemite Half Marathon artwork from RowdyLegends by visiting their booth at the expo, finish line, or by ordering online.
Yosemite Half Marathon
COURSE RECORDS
Course record holders are rewarded with a complimentary race entry every year if their record time is unbeaten. We currently do not have non-binary course record for this race.
Masters Female | Faye Morgan | 1:26:06 | 2018 |
Masters Male | Fred Mills | 1:19:51 | 2022 |
Overall Female | Mary Kate Anselmini | 1:22:01 | 2017 |
Overall Male | Eric Jones | 1:09:09 | 2018 |
EXPERIENCES
Experiences
BOOK YOUR YOSEMITE WEEKEND STAY WITH HOTELPLANNER
You’re officially in for Yosemite Half Marathon— now lock in your race weekend home base. HotelPlanner is our official lodging partner, offering exclusive rates for runners, friends, and family, plus 24/7 support if plans change. The page is set up with race weekend dates and lodging near the Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line.
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RESTAURANTS
FAQS
Yes. There will be a bib pick-up tent near the start line. It will open at 4:45 race morning.
Yes, as long as they have a photo of your ID.
We love dogs but they are not allowed on course. This course is fully paved and is both stroller and wheelchair friendly.
Yes. We want you to be able to run together. The only exception is the blue wave for overall award competitors. Please leave the room at the front for those competing based on gun time.
There is no parking or drop-off at the start line. All runners will need to be both shuttled to the start and back from the finish line. To reach the start line, all runners will park and load shuttles based on their location and their estimated departure time. Please be on time and error on the side of being early.
Shuttles will run between Oakhurst (Yosemite High School and Fairfield Inn) and the finish line at Recreation Point starting at 8:00am, offering round-trip service for both runners and spectators. Spectators can park in Oakhurst and walk to shuttle pickup. Limited return shuttles will also be available for runners heading back to Bass Lake area locations (Miller’s Landing, The Pines, and The Forks), with a boat shuttle option for guests staying at Miller’s Landing and the Forks.
Yes, but not until after the race. We have preorder race shirts based on the sizing requests during registration. In order to make sure that all participants can get the size that they originally requested, we don’t offer exchanges until postrace at the finish line area.
You may defer your entry to any Vacation Races Half Marathon, Ultra, or Trailfest event. Deferrals are processed on the Let’s Do This registration platform. An administration fee of 50% of the 2026 registration fee will be charged. You will pay this fee when you register for the 2026 race. The deferral will expire after the 2026 event, and you will not be able to defer your registration again.
You can transfer your race entry to another person online until the Wednesday before the event or in person at the expo. The original runner pays a $30 transfer fee. Only the race entry transfers; add-ons, such as merchandise or photos, do not, and these are non-refundable. The new runner will pay the current race price. No refunds are given for shipped items. If the new runner doesn’t complete their registration, no refund will be issued.
All registration fees are non-refundable. This race, in accordance with management executives, city officials, and local law enforcement, has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes, such as, but not limited to, inclement weather, a pandemic, or a threat of terrorism. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided.
We offer Refund Protect. When selected, it covers refunds if you’re unable to run due to qualifying reasons. Please note that this does not cover extras that have already been shipped. Exact terms and eligible reasons are outlined during the checkout process.
If you’re worried about needing to cancel or change your registration, we recommend adding Refund Protection.
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