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Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend

Yellowstone Half Marathon offers rugged beauty and a unique trail experience near a national park.

Race Date

Jun 13, 2026

Location

West Yellowstone, MT

Solid Pick51

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Location
West Yellowstone, Montana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
15,536

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyHidden Gem

Atmosphere

Local CommunitySpectator SupportWell OrganizedWell Supported

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Yellowstone Half Marathon, first run in 2014 and now in its 11th edition, draws runners from across the country to the stunning landscapes near West Yellowstone, Montana. While the median field size hovers around 950 finishers, the race offers a distinct experience from typical road races, with a community atmosphere fostered by organizer Vacation Races.

This event is not designed for personal bests; instead, runners are encouraged to embrace the beauty. The course is a challenging mix of pavement, dirt roads, crushed gravel, and technical trails, featuring significant climbs and rocky descents. Participants should prepare for the altitude and wear appropriate trail shoes for the rugged terrain. Aid stations are plentiful and well-stocked, ensuring support throughout the adventure.

Beyond the course, the race provides perks often absent in larger events, such as convenient parking, pre-race amenities like hot cocoa, and even bear spray training. Free race photos capture the memorable journey, and the finish line celebration is a fitting reward for conquering this unique, scenic half marathon.

Race-provided description

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Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

West Yellowstone, MT

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Mountain, Park

Surface

Dirt Trail, Paved

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Quality Score

Solid Pick51
Methodology
Heritage20/20

11 years running

Size15/15

~950 finishers a year

Momentum4/5

shrinking

Loyalty4/20

4% returning runners

Course & details2/15

limited extras

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:25:24

Weather5/10

typical high 68°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

39°

Afternoon (High)

68°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

56%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 15,536 finishers actually crossed the line across 11 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

15,536

Median time

2:36:39

Latest turnout

894

States

51

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:355:55

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend?

The Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend is held on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Where does the Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend take place?

It takes place in West Yellowstone, Montana.

What distances does the Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend course flat and good for a PR?

The Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend is a hilly, out & back course.

How many people run the Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend?

HalfRuns has finish records for 15,536 runners who have completed the Yellowstone Half Marathon Weekend.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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