National Parks and running. They go together like peanut butter and chocolate. See what others have said about Vacation Races. Want to see your story featured here? ​We'd love if you'd share it with us!

Another AWESOME race experience!

On behalf of the Half Twisted Runners I want to thank Vacation Races for another AWESOME race experience. Time and time again you deliver a high quality and well organized event. Although the cousre change made it a bit more challenging, the views wre much better than last years race. You all should be very proud of this event and I look forward to coming back next year......You guys ROCK!!!!

profile-pic
Eric Sorenson

Thank you for putting on a terrific event! The volunteers were amazing, course was perfectly challenging, and I would definitely recommend this race to a friend. Thank you thank you!

profile-pic
Darcie M
Bryce Canyon 50K Runner

One of My Favorite Weekend Getaways in My Lifetime

If you see Dehn, tell him he did a spectacular job coordinating the Yosemite Half. Mom and I had a blast. I get around and the Yosemite Half has been one of my favorite weekend getaways in my lifetime.

profile-pic
Pamela Ogata

This was an awesome race and the area is beautiful. Highly recommend.

profile-pic
Jared Macarin
Mt. Rushmore Half Marathon runner

When can I sign up for the next one??? :D

profile-pic
Cristal Porter
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner

A tricky, first half marathon, but I'll be back... Looking forward to next year!

profile-pic
Caleb Alons
Rocky Mountain Half Marathon Runner

Y'all weren't lying when you said "challenging course"...it was almost my first DNF! Support from fellow runners and volunteers saw me to the finish though. Keep doing what you guys do, these races will always be a favorite of mine.

profile-pic
Rachel Davis
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

Can’t say enough amazing things about it!

I have been tracking all the races for several years now trying to find the courage to try one. I was afraid I bit off more that I could handle but ended up having my best time so far this year! It was challenging and beautiful and you can tell the staff are all passionate about what they do and helping others find and keep the passion too! I thought the attention to “details” was the best. A trash can at ever mile marker, aid stations every two miles during the toughest parts, a gear drop between miles one and two, coffee and hot chocolate with reusable cups. I could go on and on. To top it all off the club challenge is an amazing add on! Very worth it!

profile-pic
Carrie Helle

Always love Lake Powell, one of my favorite Vacation Races!!!

profile-pic
Chuck Coats
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

I want to do all of them

Yes!! I just want to road trip around the US and do all of them. It'll take almost a year, but think of all of the food and fun!!

profile-pic
Rachel Ann Nelms
Vacation Races Runner

Rocky mountain and Joshua Tree were the two hardest races I've done, but they were completely worth it! Grand Canyon has so far been my favorite! Beautiful course, spirited people, and amazing staff. Not to mention the race shirts always have great designs! My goal is to complete all NP half marathons. I will be doing Zion, Yosemite, and hopefully Lake Powell next year 2018! Thank you Vaction Races for the fun times and everlasting memories.

profile-pic
Shayna Buffalow
Rocky Mountain, Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree Runner

One of my favorite races!!!

I did the Inaugural Half (Oct 10, 2015) and it was one of my favorite races!!!

profile-pic
Denise Marie
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner

This was the hardest and most rewarding race I have done in my entire life. It felt like we were running in the clouds. I literally felt my mother presence when I got to the top of the mountain and shed a tear. Thank you for putting on an amazing race. We will be back next year for sure.

profile-pic
Anthony Guajardo
Glacier Half Marathon Runner

Beautiful race

Beautiful race, coming back next year!

profile-pic
Susy Gutierrez
Bryce Canyon Ultras Runner

Best put together race ever!...Definitely running Lake Powell Half Marathon 2018.. Team Don't Worry 'Bout it!

profile-pic
Anita Gonzales Stika
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Truly a Once In a Lifetime Experience

We wanted to take a quick moment to congratulate you on such a wonderful first race of the year. I know it was not without its challenges, but those just made it all the more memorable experience! Our team has been talking about how this was truly a once in a lifetime experience and regardless of the bitter cold and travel challenges, it was more than worth it seeing Zion in a magnificent blanket of snow! VR 2019 Zion will go down as one of our all time favorite races. My only question is... can you make it snow like that every year? :) Just a quick update on how VR is impacting our mission at Make A Wish SC... we had 48 runners Run Wild for Wishes in VR events in 2018 and so far have 30 and climbing signed to run in 2019. We’ve raised over $75,000 and climbing since our VR teams inception. That has allowed us to grant an additional 10 plus wishes. That’s 10 children and their families that have been brought joy, hope and encouragement in a very difficult time in their lives. We again can’t thank you enough for being part of our mission and part of our family! We are doing something so wonderful while experiencing some wonderful wishes of our own. Your amazing races in amazing locations and providing the generous in-kind bibs are making this possible. THANK YOU!

profile-pic
Michelle Rice

I can't wait!!!!

Made it to the Tetons in '16 with college teammates, the Smokies this year with other college teammates. And plan on Glacier (and Smokies) in '18 and Zion in '19! I can't wait!!!!

profile-pic
Janelle H.
Teton & Smokies Runner

Beautifully challenging course

Fun race, beautifully challenging course on an ideal day for running. The finish area on the East Glacier Hotel lawn was great. Well done to all organizers and volunteers.

profile-pic
Kerry Green
Glacier Half Marathon Runner

Great race at beautiful place...and I love my medal

profile-pic
Danuta Piatek
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

Ran this last year, great race!!!

profile-pic
Ruth Eller
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Can confirm, as a 2016 finisher of the Caldera Triple. Lifechanging great experience. See you in 2019 at Zion and Glacier! <3

profile-pic
Casey J.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Runner

Probably the best run 1/2 I have run! Great logistics! Thanks!

profile-pic
Tyler Schaff
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

I would love to do this one again.

profile-pic
Dinora Gonzalez
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Ran this in 2017 and 2018. Very well ran, thank you. Aid stations were very good! Grafton mesa marking was much better this year. I have mixed feelings on the cemetery decent and climb missing, that detail likely helped my overall time but was looking forward to that challenge. Although during the race I was like thank God I'm hanging a left here and not a right down that switch back. Found myself questioning the direction of the path several times, however I expected that and am OK with that. I did not catch the name of the person that did most of the talking at the pre run meeting and did the MC at the finish line this year. Maybe I caught he was the race director. Any way, I was impressed with him. Great character and professionalism with genuine concern for the runners. Such a good race. Next year I will do another VR event.

profile-pic
Jeff Lewman
Zion Ultras 100 Mile Runner

Definitely a highlight so far this year

Standing in the middle of nowhere at 5 AM with almost 2000 other runners, watching the sky turn pink and waiting for this run to start, was definitely a highlight so far this year. Hope to do it again.

profile-pic
Gary Anderson
Glacier Half Marathon Runner

Such a fun and beautiful race

This was such a fun and beautiful race. And the three days of camping were awesome, right near the finish line.

profile-pic
Pamela Hansen
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner

Tough but breathtaking

I ran Bryce as my first 50k last year. Ultra adventures races are tough but breathtaking.

profile-pic
Nidhi Shah
Bryce Canyon Ultras Runner

Looking forward to my adventure

Looking forward to my adventure with you guys next year 😁🎉

profile-pic
Helayne Heidenreich Lehman

Awesome race - thank you!!!

profile-pic
Doug Calton
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Mount Rushmore was fantastic!

This is my third Vacation Race! I loved all of them! Mount Rushmore was fantastic! It was incredibly easy to get around the area! Keystone was so quaint! The course had many “holy moly” moments but so beautiful! Thank you for another wonderful race!

profile-pic
Sharon Gerleman

I want to say how much I enjoyed both the Yellowstone and Glacier half marathons I ran last year, and if my knee starts cooperating I will participate in the Teton half this summer. They were both very well organized and had beautiful courses.

profile-pic
Meredith Zemke
Glacier Half Marathon runner

Can't wait to race it again with the Sole Sisters!

profile-pic
Tammy Humble Colby
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Vacation Races, you have spoiled me!

So far, of all the races I've ran, VR have been the best supported races with the coolest finish. This was a tough and rewarding course. I will do it again.

profile-pic
Kelly Harnett

I loved this Race!

You are always the most organized and well put together, #1 in that category. The Course was challenging and amazing and I loved the route! When you said it was reverse of last year, I was so glad I did it this year because the views were to die for. Loved it more than Glacier, Teton, Zion, West, and when I heard it was more challenging than Glacier I won't lie, I was scared! But in the end another Love, I will do it again. ❤ Your races are my favorite!

profile-pic
Anna Russell Struhs

Beautiful, fun and hilly course!

Everyone involved in the course was helpful and friendly. The aid stations were fantastic and there were plenty throughout the course. The course was hilly but the views were beautiful. Love, love, love this race!

profile-pic
Tyla Wilson

Hardest 50k I've done.

profile-pic
Justin Pollert
Bryce Canyon Ultras Runner

This race was amazing, fabulous job everyone!!!!

profile-pic
Claire Karol Weis
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

the most stunning, challenging course I've ever done.

Glacier was the most stunning, challenging course I’ve ever done. It was gorgeous. I can’t wait to get back in 2018!

profile-pic
Wesley F.
Glacier Half Marathon Runner

You all did a fantastic job putting this race on! Thank you!

profile-pic
Elisha Crutchfield Kehl
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

Ran it the past two years. Love it! Waiting to sign up again, this time with my kiddos running it too!

profile-pic
Lou Swartz
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

I would love to do this race again

profile-pic
Danuta Piatek
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Woohoo! We’re coming back for more, with more next year. (Let us know when 2018 registration opens). LP planners/coordinators are awesome, thank you!

profile-pic
Smallnavajo Harrison
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Thanks, Vacation Races, for an awesome race. If you can lose the brief deluge at the start, you'll have a perfect race!

profile-pic
Doug Calton
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

Beautiful and Well-organized!

Everything about this race was fantastic! From signing up to crossing the finish line, everything was smooth, organized, and well done. I originally signed up for the 2018 Mount Rushmore Half, but a work conflict made that impossible, so the wonderful people at Vacation Races let me defer to this year. (Thank you!!!) The race info emailed out the week before the race included EVERYTHING I needed to know, which was incredibly helpful for planning the trip from CO to SD.As for the course, the first 7-ish miles are really difficult, but the views are stunning and the aid stations are spaced out well. (Also, I was 21 weeks pregnant during this race- thank you for having porta potties at every aid station! 🙂 Much appreciated! haha)The finish in Keystone was great, volunteers were awesome, and the post race snack box was the best (so many gluten free snacks!) I’ve ever gotten. Truly, I loved everything about this race. I mean, even the version of the National Anthem played before the race was amazing. I will definitely be signing up for another Vacation Races event! Can’t recommend enough!!

profile-pic
Katie Jones

Thank you for an amazingly beautiful and well run event!

profile-pic
Heather Thomas Van Buskirk
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

One of the most beautiful courses I’ve ever run!

The course was challenging but one of the most beautiful courses I’ve ever run. Great event, as always, Vacation Races!

profile-pic
Jana McConnaughey-Belisle

Great Event

Thanks for putting on such a great event! Also a huge shout out to all the volunteers, and the folks cheering us crazy people on!

profile-pic
Katrina Morrow
Bryce Canyon Ultras Runner

We had an amazing time

We had an amazing time this year in Glacier.

profile-pic
Christopher Dumais
Glacier Half Marathon Runner

Beautiful race and well organized

This was a beautiful race and well organized! Thanks :D

profile-pic
Jadi Hansel
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner

Great and beautiful race.

profile-pic
Sherry Postel
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Most beautiful place on Earth

Most beautiful place on Earth.

profile-pic
Sarah Adams
Glacier Half Marathon Runner

The courses are always incredible

Have done Rocky Mtn twice and Yosemite once and can second that you guys are great. So much easier to deal with than a certain Mouse controlled race series and the courses are always incredible. Looking forward to Teton in June!

profile-pic
Big Fat Bug Face Baby-Eating O'Brien
Yosemite & Rocky Mtn. Runner

Favorite Race

This wasn't my best race -- not by a long shot. But it was my favorite.

profile-pic
Unknown
Zion Half Marathon Runner

I just wanted to send a note about the pacer for 3:30. She was fanatic. She was energetic, positive, and even stayed at the finish line to congratulate incoming runners. I done a lot of races but I have never seen a pacer go WAY beyond just pacing! She deserves a medal😊

profile-pic
Laurie Goolsby
Mount Rushmore Half Marathon Runner

Definitely one of my favorite VR routes. Incredibly challenging, but breathtaking scenery.

profile-pic
Kirsten MInnerath
Mt. Rushmore Half Marathon runner

13.1 miles of gorgeous countryside and some hills for good measure. The rain held off and it was great running weather!

profile-pic
Kathleen Murphy
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

Already have my 2019 and 2020 races picked out! :-)

profile-pic
Rachelle Y.
Vacation Racer

Love Vacation Races!! You guys are the best!! You handle your business best to your ability!! You even address issues that have gone wrong. I have nothing but good things to say about your organization, especially whenever I come across someone who is doing one of your races for the 1st time. ❤❤❤

profile-pic
Annabelle S.
Vacation Racer

Organization and Amenities were Fantastic

Thank YOU for an incredible race! The scenery was beautiful and I personally feel that the organization and amenities were fantastic. Great job, I'm already looking forward to next year!

profile-pic
Trevor C.
Grand Teton Half Runner

You never disappoint

Amazing race. Bravo Vacation Races you never disappoint

profile-pic
Christopher Dumais

Yup...DO IT!!! Best race experience I've ever had.

profile-pic
Barb Wilkins
Antelope Canyon Ultras Runner

Fun times & great course...Our very first VR

profile-pic
Geri Mae Howard
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

What you really want is the medal

It was a loop course through the Gallatin National Forest which, for a non-trail runner, was challenging but very beautiful. There were plenty of aid stations well-stocked with wonderful volunteers and port-a-potties. They had a very nice snack box at the end and the volunteer fished out an extra cold chocolate milk for me.The shirt is best tech tee I've ever received, a beautiful hunter green with a classy design.But what you really want is the medal. That -ish is ridiculous!

profile-pic
spaceheater
Yellowstone Half Runner

Amazing race!

Would love to run this amazing race again!

profile-pic
Amanda L.
Glacier Half Marathon Runner

I love Vacation Races

Yes!!! I'm going [to Yosemite] in 2018 and I am super excited, but first Grand Canyon Half Marathon, Lake Powell Half marathon, Zion Half marathon... :) I love Vacation Races races...can you tell? ;)

profile-pic
Danuta Piatek
Superfan

#1 In My Opinion for Half Marathons

I would like to compliment you and express my gratitude for such amazing races. In 2017, I ran the inaugural Joshua Tree. In 2018, I ran Yosemite, and this year, I ran Zion. Every race has been a truly remarkable experience. You are well organized and have such great communication to the participants. I know there were challenges due to inclement weather at Zion, but the manner in which you communicated was impressive. I also was there when there was the shuttle situation at Yosemite, and you were also very quick to communicate and acknowledge the problem. I love your medals. I love your courses, and I love they way you operate. I also love that you give free race photos. What a treat. Moreover, the fact that you recognize the military’s service to the country and provide a discount is so appreciative. Not that many do that. In fact, I can’t think of another race that does that. It means a lot. My father was a 21 year Army Vietnam Veteran, and my husband is a 21-year Navy Veteran. Thank you so much for doing that. I also have to say that my son was scheduled to run Yosemite in 2018, but he had to bow out, and I think I was a day past the refund due date, and you were so kind to still honor the refund. I just want you to know that your races have quickly become a favorite of mine. I am at 67 half marathons, and I don’t think any race(s) could compete with the Vacation Races. I want to do all. I don’t know how I can fit it all in, and it may take quite some time, but I will try. Thank you again for everything. I just really wanted you to know how much I enjoy and appreciate Vacation Races. Keep up the absolute amazing job!!! You are #1 in my opinion for half marathons. No one can compete.

profile-pic
Elizabeth Fellows Wade

Great race. Couldn't of asked for a better first time running half marathon!

profile-pic
Michael Frazier
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

Best vacation of my life.

My family's visit to Grand Teton has so far been the best vacation of my life. Glacier has been on my bucket list ever since. This race is 6 days after my 50th birthday so this will be an awesome birthday gift!

profile-pic
Ginger P.
Grand Teton Half Marathon Runner

This was my 1st Half Marathon and I had a blast it was beautiful! Thanks for hosting a great race!

profile-pic
Tammy Humble Colby
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Great event!

Great event! Course was as difficult as it was beautiful. Vacation races are the best!

profile-pic
Amber Koehler

Loved this race. In fact, I had so much fun, I came home and signed up for Lake Powell.

profile-pic
Doug Calton
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

I’ve run two of their races and they were both great experiences. Well organized and breathtakingly beautiful settings.

profile-pic
Kyle W.
Vacation Racer

I was recently featured on the Boldly Went podcast sharing the story of running my first 100-miler at Bryce (mine is the second story). I look forward to returning to Bryce for a do-over, but I also wouldn't change my first experience for anything. Thanks!

profile-pic
Ellen Bayer
Bryce Ultras 100 Participant

Most difficult thing I've done

Easily the most difficult thing I've done in life. First Hundo in the bag!

profile-pic
Matt Cowgill

Amazingly Beautiful

Thank you for an amazingly beautiful and well run event!

profile-pic
Heather B
Grand Teton Half Marathon Runner

By far the best race and National Park I have ever been to

The Half Twisted Runners brought 33 runners to this years event and looking to bring more in 2018. This is by far the best race and National Park I have ever been to. You dont have to take my word for it........come check it out for yourself.

profile-pic
Eric Sorenson
Glacier Half Marathon Runner

I remember how it felt running through these tunnels. It was such an amazing run! Gorgeous scenery the entire 13 miles!

profile-pic
@knstacy7
Mt. Rushmore Half Marathon runner

The 55km this year was the best race experience I've ever had. Every single thing went perfectly. And the views...my god the views.

profile-pic
Barb Wilkins
Antelope Canyon Ultras Runner

Great event!

I just wanted to extend a THANK YOU on behalf of myself and my 2 friends (who I dragged along to run the 50 miler) for putting on a great event! Please pass this message along to as many of the squad / volunteers possible for making the race so well run.

profile-pic
Dude in the official race shirt crop top
Grand Canyon Ultra Runner

It was a great race! I would really recommend this one!

profile-pic
Rebecca Barr
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

Loved, loved, loved this half marathon!!! The scenery was absolutely beautiful!!! The elevation picture really had me worried but the hills were nothing, which allowed me to enjoy the scenery even more. This race was organized amazingly well, definitely not their first rodeo!! Thank you so very much vacation races for giving me this opportunity to run in the Smokey’s!!!! Great memories for a lifetime!!!

profile-pic
Christel Hughes
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon Runner

I loved the course, thank you to all the great volunteers out there!

profile-pic
Rorie Linford Boss
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Great, challenging course!

Terrific from start to finish - fun expo, nice to see no litter along the course, and Odie the goat was an awesome mascot. Hopefully only my first of many Vacation Races. Thanks to everyone who made this race happen.

profile-pic
Louise Wilkerson

loved this race

profile-pic
Christopher Dumais
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Had an amazing time

We had an amazing time. Thank you!

profile-pic
Deb Hamberlin
Bryce Canyon Ultras Runner

I'll be back at Zion 2020 for my 50th bday!

profile-pic
Eli N.
Zion Half Marathon Runner

Another great run!

Thank you for another great run!

profile-pic
Jamie Biehahn-Crissman
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner

Wonderful Race. I was able to break my PR in 2017.

profile-pic
Jose A. Flores
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

It was amazing!! Thanks!

profile-pic
Erin Cornwall
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Great race... few more hills than I expected, but after the "shower" around 6am everything else was awesome. Thanks!

profile-pic
Danuta Piatek
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

I have been in an athlete and race coordinator for a lot of years! I was super impressed with the organization and flawlessness of this race. And special Kudos to your staff and volunteers - so helpful, supportive, and kind! I currently work for the Huntsman World Senior Games and LOVED your recycle bins - could you share with me where you get them? Thanks for an amazing day and a Race so Well Done!

profile-pic
Michelle Graves
Zion 50K Runner

I did it and looooooved it!!!!

profile-pic
Debbie Simms
Antelope Canyon Ultras Runner

Stunningly well organized race experience. Everything about the day was just beautiful and well executed. So inspirational and fun, I would like to come work for you. Of course, it didn't hurt that I won my age group so my opinion might be slightly biased. ;)

profile-pic
Derek J Brouwer II
Yellowstone Half Marathon Runner

This land has my heart. I can't wait to return...

profile-pic
Christina Vincent
Antelope Canyon Ultras Runner

Pouring rain before the start everyone gathered under anything we could find lol great sportsmanship from all participants. Very well organized even being a first race, like the sip cup great way recycling method. Wonderful people organizing and vendors giving great information. Can't wait to get my 4th place age group award. Thanks Vacation Races see you again for a fun race.

profile-pic
Diane Bolton
Shenandoah Half Marathon Runner

This race is awesome.

profile-pic
Traci Poulson
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

Best race of my life!

I just wanted to say this was my first time doing a Vacation Race. Everything from the expo to the course to the extra medallion challenges was Amazing! Thank you to all the volunteers, race expo workers, race directors and timers! I am a race timer myself and have worked a zillion races and you all did such an amazing job! I'm so happy we chose Glacier National Park. It was the best trip and best race of my life!! Thank you all so very much! We are already choosing a Vacation Race for Next Year!😎

profile-pic
Holly Harper

Love everything about you

Love everything about you guys & need to run more with you in 2018! The locations, medals, support, merchandise - pretty unparalleled. When runners have so many choices, @VacationRaces stands apart.

profile-pic
LindsayLovesRunning
Vacation Races Runner

Awesome race!!! I couldn’t believe that I PR :) :) :) Knocked down 2:05 and finished in 2:02:19 :) :) :)

profile-pic
Danuta Piatek
Lake Powell Half Marathon Runner

We're also very highly regarded elsewhere

RaceRaves logo
BibRave 100 logo 2017

Share Your Story

Tell us about your Vacation Races experience!
>
Success message!
Warning message!
Error message!