Yellowstone Half Marathon & 5K
Yellowstone Half Marathon & 5K
June 9-10, 2023 | west Yellowstone, MT
June 9-10, 2023 | West yellowstone, MT
A stunning trail race with views of the Gallatin National Forest. You'll climb into the forest, where you may spot local wildlife that call this area home!
Half Marathon
5K Race
Expo & Bib Pickup
Get to Know Your Half Marathon Course
2023 Course Update
West Yellowstone, Montana and surrounding areas have received severe winter weather this year. This means that we will have a course change for the 2023 Yellowstone Half Marathon. This new course will offer a true combination run - rugged trails, dirt roads, paved paths, and grassy ski trails - and keep us clear of the winter damage.
We look forward to seeing you in June! If you have concerns regarding the Yellowstone Half Marathon, please contact info@www.vacationraces.com.
2023 Map & Elevation
This is an alternative 2023 course. The start and finish line locations have not changed.
Mile-by-mile Description
Mile 0-1: Road/Pavement through a portion of the Town of West Yellowstone
Mile 1-3: Mostly forest service roads (dirt roads). Though they could be muddy or have puddles depending on snowmelt.
Mile 3-5: Grassy surface. Think rolling long grass that may be clumpy in some areas (not a lawn). This pathway is a XC ski trail in the winter, and long grass mixed with dirt spots, small rocks in the summer. This portion can have some rolling hills too.
Mile 5-6.5(ish): More dirt road with some small rocks.
Mile 6.5-7.5: Paved pathway on the rail trail system.
Mile 7.5-13.1: Dirt roads with some small rocks.
Dirt Trail
Much of this course is on a technically difficult dirt trail - expect loose rocks and uneven ground! We recommend training on trail before the event.
Trail Shoes
We recommend wearing trail shoes for this event. They will provide better support and protection on rough terrain.
Yellowstone Course Mile-by-mile!
- The first three miles will be a loop, partially through town, and partially on trail just outside of town.
- Miles 3-4 are pretty flat and straight as you head towards the hills.
- At mile 5 is where it really starts to get pretty, and challenging. You run over a beautiful bridge that crosses the South Fork Madison River and really start to enter the forest.
- Mile 6 is the most challenging section. You will start running uphill and in the 6th mile you will gain about 200 feet in elevation. Thick forest on either side. If you have to use bear spray it will be in this section (just kidding, but not really). You then start to flatten out and then enter a downhill.
- The course gets more technical around mile 7 with some rocks and a less defined path. The course will be clearly marked, but those in the front will feel like you are running through some weeds.
- Mile 8 is real fast down hill. Continues to be technical and weedy.
- Mile 9-10 is downhill for bit an then starts to flatten out a bit as you enter some really beautiful area.
- At mile 11 there is a slight hill that will feel big if you are not ready for it. Its only a 40-50 foot gain, but it's later in the race.
- Mile 12 to the finish will be slightly downhill or flat.
Dirt Trail
This course is on a technically difficult dirt trail - expect loose rocks and uneven ground! We recommend training on trail before the event.
Trail Shoes
We recommend wearing trail shoes for this event. They will provide better support and protection on rough terrain.
Aid Stations (Bring your own cup!)
All aid stations are cup-free so remember to bring your own hydration solution or request a FREE Nathan reusable cup when you register.
Expect about 6 aid stations on the course near mile 3, 5, 7, 8.5, 10.25, and 11.5 (Exact locations vary). A medic will be stationed typically at the aid station at or near mile 7. Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies, and sometimes more. Cups are not provided on course to help reduce waste.
2023 Course Difficulty
Factors:
Technical dirt trails, some mud possible
Training:
We recommend training on paved ground with an extended uphill section. Check out the downloadable training plan PDF!
Interested in running a Double or Quad by combining the half marathon with other races? Click here!
GET INVOLVED
Support Our
Park Communities
Fundraise for your chosen race and your registration fee could be waived. All funds go to Wander Project to support efforts in and around the communities that host our events.
New this year, YOU choose whether the funds you raise support a WP community partner or an organization that matters to you!
Volunteer with Us
Our volunteers help runners at the race expo, finish line, merchandise tent, and beyond! Join us for a 3-4hr shift and earn a $50 or $100 credit towards a future race (credits can be gifted!)
HOW TO PREPARE
Bib Pickup Options
You have a couple of options for picking up your bib and race packet including at the race expo or we can mail it to you. When you register, we ask you to indicate when you plan to pick up your bib. If you plans change, don’t worry about it. We only ask to help us plan in terms of numbers.
Option #1: Race Expo (recommended)
Race expos are held the Friday before the race. They typically run 5-7 hours, allowing you to get your bib at your convenience.
Option #2: Race Morning (not recommended)
We will have limited race morning packet pickup near the start line. We do not recommend waiting until the morning, but if it cannot be avoided - we understand.
Option #3: Shipped Before the Race
There is a cost of $30 if you want to have your bib and shirt mailed to you. We do this as a convenience for runners not wanting to drive to the area early. You can add a shipped bib to your registration until one month before the race by logging into RunSignup, clicking Manage Registration, and Add Ons.
Refunds: Once your package is shipped, you are officially checked in to the race and no longer qualify for our refund, deferment, or transfer options.
Race Expo
Location: Old Airport Road lot (off Iris Street)
Date: Friday, June 9th
Hours: 11:00am - 5:00pm
This is a great opportunity to pick up your bib, check out the area, and meet fellow runners.
We’ll have our merchandise table set up, so be sure to stop by and say hi! We have a variety of swag from shirts and tanks to our favorite Hydro Flasks and everything in-between.
Bring Your Own Bag
In our ongoing effort to eliminate waste during our races, our expos are bagless events. We encourage you to BYOB (bring your own bag) to hold your bib, race shirt, and any goodies you pick up from the race expo!
The race starts at 6:30 am (MT) sharp at the Old Airport Road lot! We do not start our races late so please get to the start line early. Runners will have 4 hours to finish the race. That is a 18 minute mile- plenty of time for walkers!
Friday (June 9)
11:00am - Race expo & bib pickup opens
5:00pm - Race expo closes
*Bib pickup will be available until the 5K start
5:15 pm - 5K runners must be parked
5:45 pm - 5K runners line up
6:00 pm - 5K starts!
6:45 pm - 5K Awards Ceremony
Saturday (June 10)
4:30 am - Parking lot opens
4:45 am - Bib pickup opens near the start line
5:45 am - All cars should be parked
6:15 am - Runners line up & last call for gear check
6:25 am - National Anthem
6:30 am - Yellowstone Half Marathon starts!
9:15 am - Awards Ceremony (near the finish line)
Arrive early & get ready with us
We encourage runners to arrive early on race morning. Find a parking spot, grab some Summit Coffee or hot chocolate, and listen for updates from our race announcer (they're the one with the megaphone and early-bird energy)!
Parking
Parking: Opens at 4:30 am
Location: Old Airport Road Lot off Iris Street in West Yellowstone
We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners, but please arrive early to avoid congestion. Most hotels are a short walk from the start line if you are staying in town and feel like walking.
Camping is not allowed in the parking lot.
Click image to expand
Runner Drop-off
If you are dropping a runner off, please enter the parking area and drop your runner off just past the parking lot exit. This will allow cars parking to enter the parking area and avoid any traffic jams from runners being dropped off.
We welcome spectators at the Yellowstone Half Marathon!
You may park at Old Airport Road along with the runners and meet your runner at the finish line. Once your runner has crossed the finish line, please exit the runner recovery area to avoid crowding. The beverages, supplies, and medical tent at the finish line are for runner use only - thank you!
We recommend downloading the RaceJoy app to track your runner's progress and send them cheers along the way. Spend your morning in town and head to the finish line when they're close!
Yellowstone 5K
Date: Friday, June 9th
Start Time: 6:00 pm (MT)
Location: Old Airport Road lot (off of Iris Street)
The Course
This is 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.
Stroller Friendly? No
Disability Friendly? No
Click for an interactive map
Aid Station
There will be one aid station on the course near the half way point (mile 1.5). The aid station will have water, Gnarly, and bathrooms. Like the half marathon, this race will be cupless!
Bib Pickup
5K runners can pick up their bibs at the race expo until just before the start of the race. Please plan to come early to avoid a last minute rush.
What are the Doubles & Quad?
During the month of June we host four races on back-to-back weekends:
Weekend 1: Grand Teton Half Marathon + Grand Teton 5K (June 2-3, 2023)
Weekend 2: Yellowstone Half Marathon + Yellowstone 5K (June 9-10, 2023)
These races showcase the incredible beauty of Wyoming and Montana AND they are driving distance to each other! To give our runners an extra challenge (and an opportunity to keep exploring the parks), we've created a series of combination events. Our intrepid Double and Quad runners commit to running either a 5K + Half Marathon, 2 Half Marathons, or all 4 races in the span of one week!
Bison Double
Races:
Yellowstone 5K
Yellowstone Half Marathon
Two races, one weekend! You'll run both Yellowstone races within the span of 24 hours. Pretty hard, core right?
Check in before the 5K and use this bib for both races.
With a Bison Double registration, you'll earn:
Grizzly Double
Races:
Grand Teton Half Marathon
Yellowstone Half Marathon
Two half marathons, two Saturdays, and one week of exploring in some of the most incredible places in the United States!
Check in at Grand Teton and use this bib for both races.
With a Grizzly Double registration, you'll earn:
Grand Quad
Races:
Grand Teton 5K
Grand Teton Half Marathon
Yellowstone 5K
Yellowstone Half Marathon
We initially thought this would be too intense, but for you champions - the demand was there! You'll run four races over two weekends, with tons of time for hiking the National Parks in-between. We're pretty sure this one of the most hardcore vacations we can imagine!
Check in at Grand Teton and use this bib for all four races.
With a Grand Quad registration, you'll earn:
Double & Quad Registration
You MUST register for your specific Double or Quad, not separate races.
If you register for the races separately, you will need to upgrade into the correct Double/Quad in order to receive special swag and medals.
Need to upgrade to a Double or Quad?
This is considered an event transfer. You can transfer into a Double or Quad via your account on Run Signup.
*if you deferred or transferred into this race your race credit will appear as $0. Contact us at info@www.vacationraces.com and we'll complete the upgrade for you!
As nature lovers, we are committed to keeping our events sustainable and managing negative impacts on the environment. Here's how you can help us:
CUP-FREE RACING
Single-use plastic is a huge source of waste at any public event. We have reduced that impact by making our events "cup-free".
What does that mean for you?
Coolers of Water and Gnarly Hydrate (electrolyte drink) are available at all aid stations, but cups will not be provided on course or at the finish line. In order to stay hydrated, we ask you to bring one of the following:
1. Reusable water bottle
2. Nathan reusable cup - These light-weight cups fold into a pocket or waistband. Request one when you sign up to run!
3. Hydration pack - These are refillable backpacks meant for running that allow you to access fluid via a built-in straw.
Stay hydrated on course with a reusable cup!
ZERO WASTE CONTAINERS
You can help us reduce trash by sorting disposable items into the appropriate container.
You’ll notice three containers at our events:
Please avoid putting organic waste and compostable items in the wrong bin. It gets gross to sort through.
Race Results
Visit RunSignup for race results. Runner times are available ~20 minutes after you finish the race. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Because our age group winners are based on chip time, it is possible to cross the finish line before someone else in your age group while still finishing with a slower time than them.
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you!
Got questions about your placement? please email timing@runsum.com.
You can view race results from past races below:
2020 Yellowstone Half Virtual Results | Virtual 5K Results
2018 Yellowstone Half Results | 5K Results
2017 Yellowstone Half Results | 5K Results
2016 Yellowstone Half Results | 5K Results
Half Marathon Photos
Half marathon race photos are typically available for FREE via RunSignup the Friday following the week of the race. We will send out an email when they're posted to the album. Currently, we do not offer race photos for the 5K.
Past races are available via the link, with the exception of our 2016 & 2017 races. They can be accessed for a fee.
Share your experiences with us!
Be sure to use #YellowstoneHalf in any photos you post from the race or your adventures exploring the park so we can share in the fun with you!
Exclusive Yellowstone Marathon merchandise will be available both at the race expo and near the finish line! When possible, we'll have race merch for sale in our online store after the race is over. Please allow time for us to add items online.
Note: Signing up for each race separately will NOT register you for a Double or Quad. Runners MUST sign up directly for their desired Double or Quad in order to be eligible for the additional swag and medals.
