Yellowstone Half Marathon & 5K

The Yellowstone Half Marathon & 5K takes place on June 12-13, 2026, starting and finishing near Old Airport Road in West Yellowstone, Montana, USA. This rugged, high-elevation race winds through Custer Gallatin National Forest on dirt roads and rolling climbs, just outside Yellowstone National Park. The Half Marathon starts at 6:00 AM MT on Saturday, June 13, and the 5K starts at 6:00 PM MT on Friday, June 12.

Race Weekend Schedule:

• Friday, June 12: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Race Expo & Bib Pickup | 5:15 PM — 5K parking deadline | 5:45 PM — 5K runners line up | 6:00 PM — 5K start | 6:45 PM — Awards Ceremony
• Saturday, June 13: 4:00 AM — Parking opens | 4:15 AM — Bib pickup opens | 5:15 AM — All cars parked | 5:45 AM — Half Marathon lineup & gear check closes | 6:00 AM — Half Marathon start | 8:45 AM — Awards Ceremony

Course Details:

• Half Marathon: Begins with town and trail, then scenic forested terrain with steady climb and descent. Midway becomes more technical with rocky, uneven sections and fast downhills. Final stretch smooths out with a small late climb before gradual downhill finish. Requires solid footing and trail experience.
• 5K: Begins at expo location on Old Airport Rd, first mile through town, then onto forest service roads through woods before returning to finish line.
• Note: While iconic features like Grand Prismatic Spring are nearby, the course is approximately 24 miles away and does NOT take place within Yellowstone National Park boundaries.

Challenge Options (Doubles & Quads):

• Bison Double: Yellowstone 5K + Yellowstone Half Marathon
• Grizzly Double: Grand Teton Half Marathon (June 5-6) + Yellowstone Half Marathon (June 12-13)
• Grand Quad: All four races: Grand Teton 5K + Half Marathon and Yellowstone 5K + Half Marathon

What to Expect:

• Crisp mountain air and quiet pine forest
• Wide-open stretches with big-sky views
• Real possibility of spotting wildlife (including bears)
• Rugged dirt roads and rolling climbs
• Fewer crowds than inside the park — a raw, untamed feel

Awards & Recognition:

• Awards Ceremony after each race (Friday 6:45 PM, Saturday 8:45 AM)
• Results & photos available post-race

Included for Runners:

• Victory snacks
• Commemorative medal (personalization available)
• Race shirt
• Zero-waste event with reusable cups on course
• Honey stinger energy gels at aid stations

Parking & Logistics:

• Basecamp location: West Yellowstone, MT
• Closest airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
• Parking opens at 4:00 AM on race day; all cars must be parked by 5:15 AM
• Gear check available near start line

Lodging & Local Recommendations:

• Lazy Duck Inn — laid-back stay steps from start/finish line
• Slippery Otter Pub — ideal post-race pub
• Bunsen Peak — summit panorama across Mammoth and Gallatin Range
• Mystic Falls Trail — gentle climb through pine forest with steam and color
• Lamar Valley — Yellowstone's untamed heart for wildlife viewing

Volunteer: Sign up for a volunteer shift to support runners and earn a $50/$100 race credit toward future events.

Contact: [email protected] | Website: Vacation Races

The Yellowstone Half Marathon & 5K invites runners to experience the raw edge of America's first national park — where crisp mountain air, dense forest, and the real chance of encountering wildlife create an unforgettable trail running adventure.