2015 Yellowstone Half Race Guide

1

Welcome to Yellowstone Meet the Team Event Schedule Race Information The Course Parking & Finish Line 5K Info Spectator Info Expo Info Area Info Park Info Washburn Club Osprey Club Yellowstone Trifecta Partner Restaurant Connect Online (social media) Runner Demographics Race check list Post-Race Information Bib Info Cup-Free Info Photography Timing Specifics The Doubles

..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... .....................................................

2

3 4 5 6 6 8 9 10 10 13 13 14 14 16 18 22 23 28 28 29 29 30 31 32

WELCOME TO YELLOWSTONE Welcome to Yellowstone National Park! 2014 was our inaugural event. The response was overwhelming. We’re excited to be back this year and we’re so happy you decided to come run with us! Last year we came here with a half marathon, and this year we’re back in full force with the addition of a 5K! To those of you completing one of our Doubles this weekend, you’re incredible!

Did you know Yellowstone National Park was our country’s first national park? It’s 143 years old! But what’s truly amazing about this park is how much it has to offer. You can barely drive through the park without seeing impressive wildlife. Bison, elk, wolves, bears (to name a few) all find a home here. Looking for forests and mountains? Yellowstone has those. Waterfalls? How about the Little Grand Canyon. And the park doesn’t stop there. The world famous geyser, Old Faithful, is here, along with geysers and hot springs that will make you feel like you’ve stepped on to another planet. It’s incredible!

“You’d be hard pressed to find something that was a purer expression of the democratic impulse, in setting aside land, not for the privileged, not for the kings and nobility, but for everybody. For all time.” This sentiment is reinforced in the words carved into Roosevelt Arch at the north entrance of the park. On it, reads, “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.” Swing up that way to pay the arch a visit if you have the time.

We hope you enjoy your time here, and that you take full advantage of this incredible park and create memories.

Happy exploring!

Salem, Dehn, Lyle, Cherie, Megan S, Robin, Megan W

3

SALEM STANLEY -

Founder

Salem Stanley is the President and Founder of Vacation Races. He loves the personal growth that comes from athletics and physical challenges. He also is in love with National Parks. He received a BA in Business from Southern Virginia University where he was an All-American track athlete. He recently graduated with an MBA from BYU.

DEHN CRAIG -

Customer Experience - Marketing

Dehn ran track in high school and was the high school hurdle coach while still a student. After working in video production and getting an Engineering degree followed by an MBA (where he and Salem met), Dehn has finally found a home as our Marketing and Creative Director. He loves exploring the national parks with his beautiful wife and four Junior Rangers.

LYLE ANDERSON -

Race Operations

Lyle was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on his 30th birthday and was told that in 5 to 10 years he could be in a wheelchair. Lyle, now 37, has ran 9 Marathons, about 43 – 1/2 Marathons and has completed 8 – 1/2 Ironman distance races and 2 – full distance Ironman events. One of them being the Ironman World Championship in 2013 in Kona, HI.

CHERIE SANTIAGO -

Customer Service

Cherie may live in Southern Utah but her soul still lives in Southern California where she grew up surfing and sailing in the sun. She can be spotted running or biking around the trails or biking through Zion National Park to find more trails to run on. Cherie has been working with us on our race crew since our inaugural run in Zion. You can’t spell customer service with out CS!

MEGAN WHEELER -

Sponsorship and Expo

Megan began swimming at the age of 5. At the age of 16, Megan’s swimming career was cut short just before she attended Olympic Trials. Megan went on to swim at University of Southern California for two years before transferring to Eastern Washington University and graduating with a degree in Recreation Management. Even after Megan’s fourth shoulder surgery her passion for athletics has only grown, and she still enjoys a number of challenging activities including running, triathlons, and exploring the outdoors around the world.

MEGAN STANLEY -

Merchandise

Megan has been running since middle school and ran track and cross country in high school and college. She studied Physical Education and Recreation Administration at SVU and went on to coach high school cross country and track. She loves the outdoors and staying active with her family.

ROBIN RODGERS -

Communications

Robin is an Army Brat who graduated from BYU with a degree in Communications. She’s a recreational runner and a recent fan of half-marathons.

4

Friday 10:00 AM

Saturday

Packet pickup (Half Marathon & 5K) and Race Expo start.

6:00 PM

Race Expo ends (5K bibs no longer available).

6:30 PM

5K Bibs at start line.

7:00 PM

1/2 Marathon Packet pickup closes.

7:15 PM

5K bib pickup ends / Runners line up.

7:30 PM

5K Starts!

RACE EXPO - The expo will be held at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn (315 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT). The expo will be small, but we will have some fun events like Smokey the Bear, a bear spray demonstration, and more!

You can pick up your bib and gear, but plan to stay and check out our awesome vendors!

5:38 AM

Sunrise

6:00 AM

Open starting line parking.

Runners can pick up bibs.

6:30 AM

First prize raffle (every 5 minutes).

7:15 AM

Cars parking should be in start line parking lot.

7:30 AM

Last prize raffle.

Start line parking lot closes. Hard cutoff. Pacers line up.

7:45 AM

Runners line up / Last call for gear check.

7:55 AM

National Anthem

8:00 AM

Race starts! All divisions.

10:45 AM

Half Marathon bibs will be available until 7:00 PM (you can also get your bib race morning at the start line). You can pick up your 5K bib at the expo until 6:00 PM. We will then move everything 5K related over to the start line. You will then be able to pick up your 5K bib at the start line from 6:30 - 7:15 PM. You will not be able to get your 5K bib between 6:00-6:30 PM

Awards Ceremony

PARKING - There will be plenty of parking at the start line, but please get there early to avoid any rush. The start and the finish are the same place.

You can even walk from some hotels in town. *see page 8 for parking map

5

THE COURSE

AID STATIONS - We will have aid stations near miles 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12. All aid stations will have bath-rooms, water + Nuun, and Honey Stinger energy gels except mile 9. Mile 7 and 11 will also have oranges and bananas. There will be basic first aid needs at each aid station, but the EMT will be at Mile 7.

THE COURSE - This is a trail run. There are a couple sections that get a little technical and could

be a bit muddy because of the snow melt. If you have never run off-road before, this course might be challenging for you. If you prefer to run off-road in trail shoes, you might consider wearing them for this course, though you will also be fine in regular shoes.

This course is remote, but beautiful. Pay close attention to the aid station guide. Because of the remote nature of this part of the course there will be WATER ONLY at mile 9 - no bathrooms. There will be limited bathrooms at mile 7.

ELEVATION (ft) - You can see the elevation map below. The overall elevation change on the course is marginal, but there is a challenging hill between mile 5 and 7.

6

TIMING - All masters and overall awards will be based on gun time. If you plan to compete for these top spots you will need to line

up at the front of the line. All age divisions and team awards will be based on chip time. If you are standing towards the back, it may be a few minutes before you cross the start line. Your time does not officially start until you cross the starting line (unless you are competing for an overall top finisher spot), so please be courteous to others as we start the race.

OTHER COURSE INFO - Please stay on the course. Do not step off the course, there will be car traffic in spots. The last stretch up Spring Gulch will not be closed to traffic. Although it isn’t a very busy road, there may be the occasional vehicle you will need to look out for.

If you will be walking, please start towards the back to avoid congestion at the start.

PACERS - Pacers will line up at the start line around 7:30 am. There will be a pacer pacing the race in 10 minute intervals starting at a 1h40m pace up to 2h30m. We will also have a 2h45m, 3h, and 3h30m pacer. Please seat yourself near the time you expect to finish.

TIME LIMIT - All runners will have 4 hours to finish the race. That is a 18.5 minute mile - plenty of time for walkers! If at anytime we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner off the course we would hope for understanding and immediate cooperation. Failure to comply will result in being banned from future events.

GEAR CHECK - You will be given a Gear Check bag at the starting line if you wish. It will be a white garbage bag that you can fill with anything you want transported to the finish line. There will be permanent markers you can use to write your name and bib number.

Avoid putting valuables in your bag. *gear check bags will be available at the finish line as soon as the first person finishes.

Recovery Box - At the finish line we will have a Recovery Box (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and chocolate milk (as well as water and Nuun hydration). Please help yourself to one box, chocolate milk, and banana per runner.

In an attempt to reduce waste, we will provide a place to trade/leave any unwanted snack items.

CLOTHING ON COURSE - We will have a clothing bin to dump items in at mile 3. Anything else found along the course will be treated as trash. *clothing dropped off at mile 3 won’t be picked up until the last runner has passed mile 3 - so you may have to wait for your clothing.

=

+

+

ABSOLUTELY NO LITTERING

COURSE RECORD - Our course record holders receive a FREE RACE ENTRY every year that their time remains the course record! Our course records were set at our inaugural race in 2013. Walter Brown holds the record for the men and Lauren Tippets holds the record for the women.

Walter Brown South Jordan, UT

1:25:32

Lauren Tippets, Los Altos, CA 7

1:34:53

PARKING

AND

FINISH LINE STAGING PARKING - We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners. All the hotels are a short walk from the start line if you are staying in town and feel like walking.

Parking will be at the old airport in West Yellowstone by the start line. We will have a raffle in the morning and plenty of hot chocolate/coffee.

DROP-OFF - If you are dropping a runner off, please enter the parking area and drop your runner off just past the parking lot exit. This will allow cars parking to enter the parking area and avoid any traffic jams from runners being dropped off.

ER RUNN AREA AWARDS

Spectators and runners are welcome around the finish line to cheer on runners.

If you weren’t able to make it to the expo we will be selling merchandise at the finish line!

We will have our merchandise as well as some awesome shirts from Meridian Line!

The awards ceremony will take place at the stage just south of the finish line and will begin at 10:45 AM.

You will need to return your timing chip at the end of the race. We will have buckets and clippers all over the finish area so you can remove them and drop them in the bucket when you are ready.

If you checked gear at the start of the race, you will be able to pick it up just south of the finish line.

Lucid Images (our event photographers) will have a designated spot in the finish line staging area to take photos of runners. These photos are separate from those they will take of runners crossing the finish line and will be made available FOR FREE! The finish line will have restrooms and water as well as a recovery food box, chocolate milk, and bananas for runners.

There will be water at the finish line, but no cups. Please use your Hydrapouch or water bottle to fill up at the finish line.

8

THE COURSE - The course is a 3.1 mile run partly through town and partly through the forest on a groomed trail.

AID STATION - There will be one aid station on the course near the half way point (mile 1.5). The aid station will have water, Nuun, and bathrooms.

Like the half marathon, this race will be cupless!

BIB PICK UP - Runners can pick up their bibs at the expo or at the start line before the race. The expo will be held at the West Yellowstone Holliday Inn (315 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT) the day of the race (June 12th). The expo will be small, but we will have some fun events like Smokey the Bear, a bear spray demonstration, and more! You can pick up your bib and gear, but plan to stay and check out our awesome vendors!

PARKING, ETC. - All other race info like parking, etc. will be similar to the rest of race weekend.

You can pick up your 5K bib at the expo until 6:00 PM. We will then move everything 5K related over to the start line. You will then be able to pick up your 5K bib at the start line from 6:30 - 7:15 PM. You will not be able to get your 5K bib between 6:00-6:30 PM

YOUR “TRAILHEAD TO ADVENTURE” IN WEST YELLOWSTONE. ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR ESPRESSO, BIKE RENTALS, ENERGY FOODS, RUNNING ACCESSORIES, CASUAL CLOTHING, MAPS, AND UNIQUE GIFTS. LOOKING TO PASS THE TIME WHILE YOU WAIT FOR YOUR RUNNER? GET SOME COFFEE AND PASTRIES HERE! LOOKING TO RENT A BIKE AND EXPLORE THE PARK.. WE GOT THAT TOO.

9

SPECTATOR INFORMATION

EXPO INFORMATION

Because the course is mostly off the main road, it isn’t a very spectator friendly course. Spectators are welcome at the starting line, and the finish line.

The expo will be held at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn (315 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT). The expo will be small, but we will have some fun events like Smokey the Bear, a bear spray demonstration, and more! You can pick up your bib and gear, but plan to stay and check out our awesome vendors!

Another good place to cheer on your runner would be at mile 3. Once you cheer on your runner at the start and they are running the course, the Mile 3 aid station is just a short walk from the start line.

Half Marathon bibs will be available until 7:00 PM (you can also get your bib race morning at the start line). You can pick up your 5K bib at the expo until 6:00 PM. We will then move everything 5K related over to the start line. You will then be able to pick up your 5K bib at the start line from 6:30 - 7:15 PM. You will not be able to get your 5K bib between 6:00-6:30 PM

Spectators are encouraged to be at the finish line to cheer on all our runners.

We want you to be there to cheer on your runner, but please recognize that the runner area is for runners only! Please do not enter the runner area or partake of runner’s food and recovery supplies.

There are no vehicles allowed on the course. The only vehicle allowed on the course will be for a medical emergency. Deciding you don’t want to run anymore is not an emergency.

Looking for a place to pass the time while you wait for your runner? Get some coffee and pastries at Freeheel and Wheel on 33 Yellowstone Ave in West Yellowstone!

When you pick up your packet at the expo this year, we’re encouraging you to Bring Your Own Bag! To keep in line with our tradition of waste elimination and conservation of the land, we’re going completely bag-less at the expo this year!

If you would like to purchase a reusable, foldable bag, we’ll have them available at our merch store.

10

11

12

PARK INFO

Yellowstone National Park All visitors are required to purchase a pass in order to enter Grand Canyon National Park. Park shuttles will be running.

Private Vehicle: Per Person: Annual Pass:

$25 (valid for 7 days) $12 (valid for 7 days) $80 (grants entrance to every National Park in the country)

Seniors over 62 can purchase a lifetime pass for just $10. Active members of the U.S. Military are eligible for a free pass as well as U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities.

Yellowstone is a big park. It would be difficult to get around without a car, but the best things are seen on foot. We’ve broken the park into 4 quadrants and listed some of our recommendations. This is by no means a comprehensive guide, but hopefully it helps as you plan your stay.

QUADRANT III - Northwest corner.

• Mammoth Hot Springs • Norris Geyser Basin

QUADRANT IV - Northeast corner.

• Inspiration Point • Tower Falls • Mt Washburn • Lamar Valley • Grand Canyon

QUADRANT I - Southwest corner.

• Firehole Canyon Drive • Old Faithful • Midway Geyser Basin • Opal Pool • Grand Prismatic Spring • Turquoise Pool...

QUADRANT II - Southeast corner.

• West Thumb Geyser Basin • Yellowstone Lake • Uncle Tom’s Trail

13

MT WASHBURN CLUB Our club hikes are a salute to the hardcore among us. We want to reward anyone who completes a designated club hike after the race.

To join the Washburn Club, submit a picture of yourself at the summit of Mt. Washburn within 72 hours of the end of the race which includes: 1) A clear view of your face 2) Your bib with bib numbers clearly visible 3) Your finisher medal in plain view Mt Washburn - Mt. Washburn is located in the northeast section of the park. It is a 6.2 mile out and back hike with a total elevation gain of 1,400 ft. The views from the lookout are some of the best in all the park. After leaving the parking lot at Dunraven Pass you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Hayden Valley, and the Grand Tetons farther to the south. The trail has several switchbacks, offering different and unique views. The trail is likely to have some spots covered in snow (around mile 2.5 is where the most snow-pack is). It should still be hikeable, but you should check conditions before attempting this hike. Snow-pack might make it very difficult. You can read a detailed hike description here. *These hikes are challenging and should only be attempted if the hiker feels able and prepared.

Please take the hike seriously, and do not act irresponsibly if you decide to attempt the hike. It is not intended to be accessible to everyone. Weather can be unpredictable. Wear layers.

OSPREY CLUB A second hike is meant to provide a runner with options. The same rules apply: you must complete the hike within 72 hours of finishing the race. Submit a photo of yourself at the falls which clearly shows your medal and your bib.

Osprey Falls - The hike to Osprey Falls starts 5 miles south of Mammoth on the Old Bunsen Peak Road Trail and is 8 miles round trip. The trail follows the old roadbed for 2.5 miles through grassland and burnt forest. The trail veers off the old road and follows the rim of Sheepeater Canyon before descending in a series of switchbacks to the bottom.

There are about 11 switchbacks in total, amounting to a mile of trail. The switchbacks are VERY thin, sometimes less than a foot wide. The trail ends about 30 feet from the falls, but previous hikers say you can hike to the base of the falls if you’re cautious. You should bring WAY more water than you think you need. The altitude is high and the climate is dry. We would also recommend starting earlier in the day. * You can read a detailed hike description here.

14

Mt Washburn Difficulty: Moderate Total Mileage: 6.4 mi /10.2 km round-trip Type of Hike: Out and back Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft.

Trailhead Elevation = 8,838 ft.

Lookout Elevation = 10,243 ft.

Trailhead Coordinates Latitude: 44.784432 Longitude: -110.453871 Summit Coordinates Latitude: 44.797402 Longitude: -110.433835

Osprey Falls Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Total Mileage: 8.8 mi /14.1 km round-trip Type of Hike: Out and back Elevation Gain: 800 ft.

Trailhead Elevation = 7,200 ft.

Canyon Elevation = 6,400 ft.

Trailhead Coordinates Latitude: 44.932329 Longitude: -110.728111 Waterfall Coordinates Latitude: 44.929827

All runners that join the Washburn Club & Osprey Club will receive 50% OFF next year’s race entry!

After the race there will be a submission form online where you can upload your photo(s) and send them to us. We have a hard cutoff of 72 hours! If you don’t get it to us before Tuesday at 11 AM (MST) then we will only give you a virtual hi-five.

WASHBURN CLUB SUBMISSION FORM www.yellowstonehalfmarathon.com/washburn OSPREY CLUB SUBMISSION FORM www.yellowstonehalfmarathon.com/osprey YELLOWSTONE TRIFECTA SUBMISSION FORM www.yellowstonehalfmarathon.com/trifecta

15

YELLOWSTONE TRIFECTA The Yellowstone Trifecta is comprised of 3 different activities. You must complete all 3 in order to complete the Trifecta. Same rules as the Club hikes apply: take your picture at each of the 3 with your bib and finisher medal and send them to us 72 hours after finishing the race. The Trifecta is meant to be challenging, but less strenuous. These are iconic activities inside the park that should be experienced, but are doable with children. The 3 activities that makeup the Trifecta are:

1 Old Faithful - Watch Old Faithful Erupt!

Old Faithful is the most famous and celebrated geyser in the world. The 1870 Washburn Expedition camped near Old Faithful and discovered the geyser had frequent and regular eruptions over 100 feet. They dubbed the geyser Old Faithful. It erupts once approximately every 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the duration of the previous eruption.

Schedules for predicted eruptions are posted in the NPS buildings near Old Faithful.

2 Bison - You can’t leave Yellowstone without seeing bison! Yellowstone is the only place in the U.S. where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. While you might be able to find bison in any area of Yellowstone, check out Lamar Valley for a variety of wildlife viewing! Lamar Valley is a wide, expansive valley in sort of a remote north-eastern corner of the park. Take your picture with a bison... but do not approach the animals!

3 Artist’s Point - Artist Point is just a short hike off of south rim drive, and offers very popular and iconic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

It was difficult to pick just three activities for the Trifecta. For more of our recommendations of sites to see in the park check out our quadrant breakdown on page 14.

16

17

Partnering

RESTAURANTS We have a few restaurants that are supporting the race in one way or another. Below are the restaurants and what special deals they are offering.

Running Bear Pancake House - The Running Bear Pancake House will be offering 10% off Friday through Sunday to runners - be sure to show your bib! They’re open for breakfast and lunch and are known for their delicious pancakes. They offer family style dining and a kids menu.

40 Dunraven Street, West Yellowstone, MT (406) 646-7703 · www.runningbearph.com The Branch - “Open range cuisine” - See add below for details on specials.

315 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT (406) 646-7365 The Slippery Otter - While not offering any runner discounts directly, they have donated some giveaways in support of the race. Also, their Jalapeño Poppers with huckleberry sauce will change your life.

139 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT (406) 646-7050 Freeheel and Wheel - Come get some coffee and pastries while you wait for your runner!

33 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 2 5/8/15 2:32 PM (406) 646-7744

HalfMarathonBranchAd_1.2.pdf

Welcome Half Marathon Racers & Spectators!

JOIN US DAILY FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER LOCAL | FRESH | HEALTHY Extended Happy Hour, 4pm - close.

15% off appetizers $3 Well Drinks | $3 House Wine $3 Domestic 22 oz. draft beers | $4 craft draft beers Specials available for everyone Friday.

Racers only Saturday.

Corner of Yellowstone & Electric | Next18to the Holiday Inn | 406.646.7365

19

TOENAILS ARE FOR SISSIES.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2015 YELLOWSTONE HALF MARATHON Level II Trauma Center Round-the-clock Emergency Care Board-certified ER physicians Shorter ER wait times Text “ER” to 23000 for current ER wait times.

Where you go when it matters. www.eirmc.com

20

DELIVERING SUPERIOR AIR MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION TO EASTERN IDAHO AND BEYOND In a medical emergency, you need care that is experienced, trusted and stood the test of time in your community. Air Idaho Rescue (A.I.R) has been honored to provide the region with safe and rapid helicopter transportation for critically ill and injured patients since 1990 through the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC). With operations based out of EIRMC’s premier trauma services, A.I.R. responds within a 500-mile radius of the hospital.

Our parent company, Air Methods Corporation, is the largest and most experienced medical transport company in the world. From our aircraft to our medical staff, our devotion to excellence means your community receives care and service that is the gold standard in the industry.

TO BECOME AN OMNIADVANTAGE MEMBER visit OmniAdvantageMember.com or call 1.855.877.2518.

21

We will be making a slide show video using all the pictures YOU post! Be sure to follow us and use the official race hashtag #yshalf

We will be giving out prizes from our store (t-shirts and other merchandise) to our favorite photos.

Look for places to take a picture at the expo, volunteering, on the course, at the finish line, exploring the park, having a recovery meal/drink, celebrating with friends, camping, driving to or from the race... we want to share the weekend with you!

@VACATIONRACES #YSHALF

22

50States 3Countries

UNITED STATES | UNITED KINGDOM | NEW ZEALAND

44TEAMS

#itwouldbefuntheysaid | #WTFuuuuN?! | Albino Kenyan Running Team | Baby Deer Chasers | Bad Bitches | Badass Penguins | Boiler Bros and Babes | Button | City Squirrels | cougar | Cowboy Stampede | Get it, Got it, Run it! | HawkCats | Heavy Haulers | Honey Badgers | How the West Was Run | Iron House | KYHA | Marathon Maidens | Old balls and his kids | Outdoor Element | Padon | PIP Running | PNW Giants and Dwarves | Red Lodge Runners | Run like a girl! | Runaway Trains | Something Snappy | Super Runners | Superior Bear Bait | Team Awsome | Team MONDo | Team Papa Joe | Team RWB | The (Not So) Tender Loins | The Young and the Breathless | Time Wounds All Heels | Tooele Running Club | Tour de Patty | We Are Groot | Where’s The Finish | Why? | Wild Rush Mountain Runners | Yellowstone 13 |

571

Age Divisions

36%

5K Participants

This is their 1st time visiting Yellowstone National Park

BOYS/MEN <11 12-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75< 3

4

16

31

56

102

100

103

98

76

38

31

5

3

3

GIRLS/WOMEN <11 12-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75< 3

7

20

73

187

287

306

250

189

121

80

36

8

3

All runners will receive a finisher medal. Place medals will be given to the top 5 male and female runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group. Additionally, the top 5 in each age group and the top 5 teams will also receive a place medal. *If you qualify for a place medal but are not present at the awards ceremony to receive it we will happily ship it to you. Go to our website and request your medal and pay the cost of shipping (about $8).

23

-

There are 84 million acres of cherished landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites in America’s over 400 national parks – and they all belong to you. From Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, Gettysburg to Golden Gate, our national parks would not exist without the dedication, foresight, and generosity of Americans throughout history.

stevegeer/i Stock .

This is your land. Join us. nationalparks.org

Make your next national park experience unforgettable. Download the National Park Foundation’s FREE Owner’s Guide and more at nationalparks.org/ownersguide.

24

25

C ALL FOR ENTRIES

© PRESTON HONE

PHOTO CONTEST

DETAILS & ENTER ONLINE

J U N E 1 - S E P T .10 , 2 015 W W W.Y P F. O R G/C O N T E S T 26

27

RACE DAY CHECK LIST PRE-RACE

X

RACE DAY

Train

Bib and timing chip

Directions to hotel/campsite

Cup Free Hydration (Hydrapouch, hand held, water bottle, pack, etc.)

Directions to race expo

Running Shoes

Directions to race start/finish

Socks

Photo ID

Sunglasses

Valid Military ID (if you registered with a Military Discount)

Hat/Visor

Study the race course

Recovery plan Enjoy the park!

POST-RACE INFORMATION COMPETITOR RESPONSIBILITIES

RACE PHOTOGRAPHY

• Be courteous to other runners. Practice good etiquette.

• Headphones are allowed on the course, though we encourage you to enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature and make friends with other runners.

Do not play your music without headphones for all to hear.

• Each runner will receive a timing chip. This timing chip should be securely attached to your shoe and should be returned after the race.

NO CHIP = NO TIME. • Food is not for spectators. Please be courteous and limit yourself to one recovery box, one banana, and one chocolate milk. Thank you!

• Lucid Images will be taking photos at the start line, on the course, and at the finish line.

• To be sure you can find your picture later, wear your bib with the numbers clearly visible at all times. If the photographers cannot identify you by your bib then your photo will end up in an “unidentified runner” folder on their website.

• Photos are usually available on Lucid Images website the Wednesday or Thursday following the race. We will send out an email to notify all runners and post it on Facebook • Smile!

RACE RESULTS

• Results will be available later the morning of the race. We will post them on Facebook and also send them in a post-race email the day or two after the race. They will also be available on our website.

LOST & FOUND

• There is no official lost & found. If we find lost items we will hold onto them and you can contact us at info@vacationraces.com • There will be gear check at the start line.

• There will be a bin to dump extra clothing at mile 3. Anything found littered on the course elsewhere will be considered trash and either thrown away or donated.

POST-RACE SURVEY

• Within a week of race day we will be sending out a post-race survey. We would really appreciate it if you took the 5-10 minutes to complete the survey for us. The survey provides us with information that allows us to better work with the local community and gain more support for future races, but more importantly it provides us with valuable insight into what we are doing well and what we need to improve. We love our runners and couldn’t improve our race series without your feedback. Please watch for the email.

MEDICAL TENT

• The medical tent at the finish line is for athletes only; family members are not allowed. Overcrowding in the medical tent prevents medical staff from doing their job. For information on an athlete receiving medical attention please wait outside the tent for updates.

28

BIB DETAILS Indicates if you are Military Grizzly (or wolf) double participant OR Washburn/ Osprey Club member Your bib number.

Team name (if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on a team)

Your race shirt size

Indicates if you requested a Hydrapouch when registering.

Turn this in at the start line race morning.

We will have a raffle from 6:30-7:30 AM

CUP-FREE RACING

Having our races so close to the national parks, unnecessary waste and trash is something we are strongly against. We are dedicated to maintaining a clean race and preserving the beauty of the area we run in. There is nothing that will ruin a view more than seeing a piece a trash in plain view from a breathtaking landscape.

That being said, one of the most important things in a half marathon is ensuring that aid stations are plentiful and efficient. Hydration will make or break a race. What we do is offer a Hydrapouch for every runner that indicated they wanted one as part of their registration. Other options include running with a water bottle, fuel belt, camelbak or other hydration backpack, etc. Every runner prefers something different. Just make sure you have some way to stay hydrated!

Although we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have cups on the course, we have plenty of aid stations with water and Nuun! At all aid stations we will have blue coolers with water and red coolers with Nuun (electrolyte drink). Both will have the same speed valves attached. So at each aid station you will have your choice of water or Nuun.

At some places, the water will be hooked up to a system like the one pictured on the left. Each of these pipes will provide water from the several speed valves we have attached. Feel free to practice at the expo!

There will be water at the finish line but no cups!

The aid station will have a few cups in case of an emergency, do not plan on using them. Also, under no circumstances should you put your head under the valve to get a drink. Not only does this waste water, it is pretty inconsiderate of other runners.

29

RACE PHOTOGRAPHY from Lucid Images • Lucid Images will be taking photos at the start line, on the course, and at the finish line. They will be at the expo so be sure to stop by and say hello!

• To be sure you can find your picture later, wear your bib with the numbers clearly visible at all times. If the photographers cannot identify you by your bib then your photo will end up in an “unidentified runner” folder on their website.

• Photos are usually available on Lucid Images website the Wednesday or Thursday following the race. We will send out an email to notify all runners and post it on Facebook • Smile!

PHOTOS ON COURSE

• As a heads up to runners, there will be signs on the course to let runners know they are coming up on photographers. Ya know, just in case you wanted to freshen up your makeup or pick up the pace or otherwise pose for the photo :)

FREE PHOTO

• In addition to photos of runners on the course and crossing the finish line, Lucid Images will have a designated area near the awards ceremony stage where runners can pose for a finsher photo. This photo will be made available FOR FREE to runners!

30

TIMING SPECIFICS What to do with your shoe chip

BEFORE THE RACE

TIMING

All masters and overall awards will be based

• You will receive your shoe chip with your bib.

• Follow the image by image instructions above and zip-tie the timing chip to your shoe on race morning.

• NO CHIP = NO TIME!

on gun time. If you plan to compete for these top spots you will need to line up at the front of the line. All age divisions and team awards will be based on chip time. The first mile of the trail is about 10 ft wide. If you are standing towards the back, it may be a few minutes before you cross the start line. Your time does not officially start until you cross the starting line (unless you are competing for an overall top finisher spot), so please be courteous to others as we start the

AFTER THE RACE

• All timing chips must be returned after the race.

• We will have buckets along with clippers to remove the timing chip from your shoe all over the finish area (near the food, before you leave the runners area, before you enter the parking lot, etc.)

• Please remove the chip from your shoe and drop it in one of the buckets. This will be selfserve. Please do it as soon as you’ve got your legs and feel comfortable to do so (but before you leave the race and go back to your hotel!).

31

What are The Doubles? With the addition in 2015 of the Inaugural Grand Teton Half Marathon AND the Yellowstone 5K we saw a unique opportunity. We often dream of escaping responsibilities and disappearing into the wilderness for a time. Well, by having the Grand Teton Half and the Yellowstone Half on back to back weekends, The Doubles provide that justification you were looking for to escape into nature for a little while.

The Doubles below arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for runners who complete both races. The Doubles are for those who registered separately for the double. Runners who complete a double will receive a special shirt and medal (in addition to the finisher medal for the separate races).

The Grizzly Double - The Grizzly Double is a back to back weekend half marathon race. Runners who complete The Grizzly Double participated in the Grand Teton Half on June 6th, then (hopefully) spent the week exploring Jenny Lake, hiking Table Mountain, walking around Grand Prismatic, meditating at Artist Point, climbing Mt. Washburn and getting lost in the beauty of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Then on June 13th they will finish the Yellowstone Half Marathon. Two half marathons, two Saturdays. A week of exploring in one of the most incredible places in the United States. Grizzly Double runners will pick up their race packet for both races at the Grand Teton Half expo. They will get their medal after the Yellowstone Half

The Wolf Double - The Wolf Double is similar to The Grizzly Double in that it spans two weekends.

On June 12th (the night before the Yellowstone Half Marathon) we will have our Inaugural Yellowstone 5K! Runners that participate in the Wolf Double will run the Grand Teton Half on June 6th, then shake it out in the Yellowstone 5K on June 12th. Wolf Double runners will pick up their race packet for both races at the Grand Teton Half expo. They will get their special medal after the Yellowstone 5K.

The Bison Double - The Bison Double is for runners looking to run two distances in one weekend!

Runners will participate in a little shake out run on Friday night (6/12) and then compete in the Yellowstone Half Marathon the next morning (6/13).

Bison Double runners will pick up their race packet for both races at the Yellowstone Half expo.

They will get their special medal after the Half Marathon.

32

MARKETING

•

VIDEO

•

P U B L I C AT I O N S

•

E V E NT S

M E D I A @T H E O U T L A W P A R T33 NERS.COM / 406.995.2055

34

Training Camps, Running Vacations, Endurance Coaching & Mental Training

One of top 10 adult running camps in the USA Daily Burn, March 2015 A once-in-a-lifetime fitness retreat for women Shape Magazine, March 2015 Use code VR1002015 to save $100 on women's camps & code VR50Trail2015 to save $50 on our trail camps!

Women's Running Camps - May, July, & September Trail Running Camps - May & September Running Vacations - all year round!

OfďŹ cial Training Partner for Vacation Races!

Details at Vacation Races Training Blog on our website - sign up for our free training programs

Contact Camp Director Terry Chiplin for any questions on our camps, coaching, and training! terry@activeataltitude.com 35 www.activeataltitude.com / 303-304-9159

your order at

honeystinger.com USE OFFER CODE: HSevent2015 CODE EXPIRES: 12/31/15

#stayhydrated BEYOND RACE DAY WITH NUUN. Save 20% with code: vacationraces at shop.nuun.com.

Promo code valid at shop.nuun.com through 12/31/15.

Some items cannot be discounted.

36

Real food.

Primal Performance.

PALEO INSPIRED

GLUTEN

FREE DAIRY

FREE

NO PEANUTS

NON

TRY A

FREE

SAMPLE

Fuel for the modern caveman.

The perfect combination of delicious, all natural ingredients to keep your body going at its primal best.

GMO

at

cavemanfoods.com Details on website

cavemanfoods.com

Š2015 CAVEMAN FOODS

37

38

39

YELLOWSTONE HALF MARATHON JUNE 13, 2015 www.yellowstonehalfmarathon.com #YShalf

40