13.1 Reasons to Run the Grand Teton Half Marathon

I recently had the privilege of running in the inaugural Grand Teton Half Marathon in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (put on by Vacation Races). Even if you’re not a “runner,” this could be one for the bucket list.

If you’ve never seen the Tetons in person before, put Grand Teton National Park on your list regardless of whether you choose to do the race or not. For those of you adventurous enough to try a half marathon at altitude, here are 13.1 reasons you should consider adding this June half marathon to your calendar:

1. I saw this on the back of one runner’s shirt and couldn’t help but revel in all that it means:

Today is not that day. Today I will choose to be thankful for my healthy body and run my heart out in gratitude, in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

2. You begin by lining up with hundreds of other bright, cheery runners at the start line:

3. You get to see scenery like THIS as soon as you start the race:

4. You get to be part of an environmentally-friendly event. This is a litter-free race; each runner carries his/her own water or HydraPouch (provided), to help keep our national parks clean:

5. The views only get better as the race goes on:

6. Even the local farmers show up to cheer you on:

7. There is hardly any traffic for the majority of the race, just you and the mountains!

8. Incredibly beautiful mountains:

9. No one minds that you stop every few minutes to take photos of this breathtaking route:

10. You may stop to take photos, and the scenery is so entertaining and distracting that before you know it, you’ll only have one mile to go:

11. You make friends with other fun runners (this is Vega):

12. The home stretch is an inviting forest, only half a mile to go!

13. You get a finisher’s medal, food & drinks, a rowdy, cheering crowd, and a host of mountains to welcome you at the finish line:

13.1 If you have time, stop at Pearl St. Market (a local secret favorite) for their amazing toasted sandwiches for lunch, and go have a picnic in the park! (Might I recommend the Cranturkey with a Mocha Rising smoothie – delicious!)