Grand Teton Half Marathon
Wilson, Wyoming, WY
Bucket-list Teton scenery on a flat-to-gentle course — just respect the altitude.
- When
- June 6, 2026
- Distances
- Half Marathon · 5K
- Surface
- Mixed
- Course
- Point-to-point
- Elevation gain
- 329 ft
- Altitude
- 6,100 ft–6,350 ft
- Weather
- Cool
- Nearest airport
- JAC
- Suggested trip
- 3 nights
Score breakdown
7.8/10Strong. A strong destination race with real appeal.
Also worth knowing (not weighted)
Editorial score (v0.1) — full method on How we score. Never affected by sponsorships.
Weather
| Month | Avg high / low | Band |
|---|---|---|
| June | 37–70°F | Cool |
Historical averages for planning — not a forecast. Always check conditions before race week.
Route & course
Half Marathon
Point-to-point · Mixed · starts 6:30 AM- Elev gain
- 329 ft
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- 6,350 ft
- Low point
- 6,100 ft
- Start and finish are in different locations
- Plan shuttle, drop-off, or two-car logistics
- Conditions can differ from start to finish
First ~4 miles flat; first hill near mile 5. Miles 1–6.25 on paved roads/trail; left onto Spring Gulch Road at mile 6.25, final ~4 miles on packed dirt. Wave/stagger details not published — single gun start at 6:30 AM. 4-hour time limit (18 min/mile pace). Zero-waste: no cups on course.
5K
Loop · Road- Elev gain
- —
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- Start and finish in the same area
- Easier spectating and repeated aid access
Friday evening race. Paved loop starting and finishing at Stilson Lot; flat with minimal elevation change through the pathway system. Exact start time not confirmed in sources.
Travel
- Base town
- Jackson, WY
- Nearest airport
- JAC · 15 min
- Rental car
- Recommended
- Rideshare
- Limited
- Lodging
- Good
- Facilities
- Good
- Trip length
- 3 nights
- Travel complexity
- 4/10
Point-to-point course
You finish in a different place than you start, so plan for transport back to your car or lodging.
JAC is a small airport with limited direct flights and higher fares; rental cars recommended. Race-morning shuttles are mandatory (no personal vehicle access to start or finish), adding a logistical layer. Jackson has good lodging but books early for race weekend.
Fly into JAC or drive. Book lodging well in advance — race weekend coincides with peak early-summer Jackson Hole tourism. Pair with Grand Teton NP (30 min north) or Yellowstone (90 min north) for a full destination trip.
Best for / avoid if
Best for
- destination racers
- scenic runners
- first-time half marathoners
- families pairing race with a national park trip
- scenery lovers
- runners comfortable with moderate elevation
Avoid if
- you live at sea level and haven't altitude-trained
- you want a PR-flat fast course at low elevation
- you dislike point-to-point shuttle logistics
- sensitive to altitude
- dislike possible summer storms
First-timer mistakes
Underestimating the altitude (6,100–6,350 ft) is the top mistake — even a flat course feels hard at elevation. Also, forgetting to bring a reusable cup or hydration vessel will leave you unable to drink at aid stations; the race is zero-waste with no disposable cups provided.
Where to stay, eat & explore
Local picks for the weekend.
- Grand Teton National Park Activity
World-class hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives just 30 minutes north of Jackson — ideal pre- or post-race excursion.
- Yellowstone National Park Activity
About 90 minutes north; pairs naturally with the race trip and is the site of Vacation Races' companion Yellowstone Half Marathon.
Book well in advance — race weekend falls during peak early-summer Jackson Hole tourism season.
- The Wort Hotel Lodging
Historic hotel in downtown Jackson.
- Persephone Bakery Food / restaurant
Artisanal pastries and coffee in Jackson.
Runner reports
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Race history
Race-trip notes
Plan to arrive Friday for packet pickup at the expo; shuttle logistics on race morning are mandatory (no personal vehicle access to the finish). Pair the trip with Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park — Vacation Races even offers a Grizzly Double combining both half marathons in one week.
About this race
Organized by Vacation Races, the Grand Teton Half Marathon is the largest of Jackson Hole's three local half marathons, drawing over 2,000 participants each June. The route crosses the Snake River, winds through scenic pastures, and climbs gently along Spring Gulch Road — a deceptively manageable course made challenging by its 6,100–6,350 ft elevation. It is a zero-waste event (no disposable cups); runners must carry their own reusable vessel.
Last verified June 27, 2026. Race details can change — always confirm with the official race website.