Jackson Hole Marathon & Hole Half Marathon

Founded in 2011 by legendary ultramarathoners Jay Batchen and Lisa Smith Batchen, a two time Badwater 135 winner, the Jackson Hole Marathon offers USATF certified, Boston qualifying courses on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The event includes a full marathon, the Hole Half Marathon, and a quarter marathon.

Course architecture and elevation reality

All races follow point to point routes that finish at Teton Village Commons beneath an elk antler arch at the base of the ski area. The full marathon starts at Jackson Town Square under the famous antler arches, the half marathon begins at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole, and the quarter marathon launches from the Village Road Transit Center.

Despite starting at approximately 6,300 feet in elevation, the course is relatively flat with 522 feet of total gain and 511 feet of loss, resulting in a net elevation change of just 11 feet. The route passes the National Elk Refuge, where wildlife sightings are possible, continues through the rural ranch country of the South Park Loop, climbs a short hill before crossing the Snake River at mile 17, the event’s premier photo opportunity, and then tracks north toward the Teton Range for the final miles.

The surface is 99.6 percent paved along community pathways, with the final 0.1 mile on slightly uphill grass. Aid stations are located at miles 1.7, 3.1, 4.9, 6.9, 8.0, 10.6, 12.6, 15.0, 17.1, 19.6, 21.6, 23.2, and 24.9. This is a cupless race, requiring runners to carry bottles or hydration systems.

Notable performances and course records

Alexandru Bacosca won the men’s division in 2023 with a time of 2:39:22, while Becca Pizzi claimed the women’s title in 3:14:51. In 2024, the women’s winner finished faster than the men’s champion, posting a time of 2:57:49 compared to 3:02:40. Local ultramarathon legend Pam Reed has also competed in the event, finishing in 3:45.

Registration and timing strategy

Entry fees for the marathon range from $120 during January through April to $190 during race week. Half marathon registration runs from $105 to $170, while the quarter marathon costs between $65 and $85. Virtual race options remain available for $60 through September 20. The event does not typically sell out, with annual participation ranging from 500 to 1,000 runners.

The marathon enforces a 6.5 hour cutoff, equivalent to a 14 minute and 53 second per mile pace, with the finish line closing at 2:15 PM. An Early Bird start at 7:00 AM, 30 minutes ahead of the standard start, is available for runners needing additional time and requires advance email registration. The half marathon cutoff is 4.5 hours from its 9:00 AM start.

Critical logistics for race weekend

Shuttles depart from the Ranch Lot in Teton Village, approximately 40 minutes from the Jackson start, at 6:10 AM for Early Bird runners, 6:35 AM for marathon participants, and 8:05 AM for half marathon runners. There are no post race shuttles returning runners to starting areas, so transportation should be planned in advance.

Packet pickup takes place on Friday from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at a location to be announced for 2026. In previous years, this has been held at the SpringHill Suites.

Post race amenities include food boxes, beverages from Snake River Brewing, grassy seating areas, and direct access to the Oktoberfest celebration. Oktoberfest entry costs $40 and includes a souvenir stein with two fills. The Hobble pub crawl runs Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, offering a relaxed recovery focused social event.

Carb loading and celebration dining

Snake River Brewing, located at 265 South Millward Street, was founded on March 25, 1994 and is Wyoming’s oldest brewpub. It serves as the official race partner and has earned 36 medals and two Small Brewery of the Year awards from the Great American Beer Festival. The Jenny Lake Lager, a Vienna style amber named for the nearby lake, is a popular choice.

For pre race pasta, Glorietta Trattoria at 242 North Glenwood Street offers handmade pasta and wood fired cooking in a warm, rustic setting. Old Yellowstone Garage in Teton Village provides Italian options close to the finish line, while Bubba’s BBQ is often recommended for post race protein.

Lake based recovery options

Phelps Lake, located 15 miles away and about a 30 minute drive via the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, offers swimming at the famous jumping rock and a 2.7 mile loop trail, making it an ideal spot for post race cold therapy.

Jenny Lake, roughly 20 miles away with a 30 to 40 minute drive, provides shuttle boat service, kayaking, and hiking to Hidden Falls. Jackson Lake Lodge is known for its legendary huckleberry milkshakes, served through 60 foot windows with sweeping views of the Teton Range.