Yosemite Half Marathon brings people from around the country

The economic and cultural impact of athletic activities in the area doesn’t go unnoticed.

For instance, the serene shores of Bass Lake and the surrounding Sierra National Forest transformed into a bustling hub of athletic achievement as nearly 3,800 runners gathered for the annual Yosemite Half Marathon on May 9.

The scenic 13.1-mile race brought a massive wave of excitement, tourism and community spirit to the southern gateway of Yosemite National Park.

Organizers said the event saw an incredible turnout, drawing participants not just from the local area but from across the nation and the globe.

The neighboring communities of Bass Lake and Oakhurst served as the primary host cities for the weekend with local hotels, vacation rentals and campsites operating at near-full capacity.

“The energy at Bass Lake this year was absolutely incredible,” said Kapu Gaison, Race Director.

“Seeing nearly 3,800 people come together to enjoy running a half marathon in such a breathtaking setting is what makes the Yosemite Half Marathon so special. We are incredibly grateful to the communities of Bass Lake and Oakhurst for welcoming our runners with open arms and providing such fantastic hospitality.”

According to registration data, the race hosted exactly 3,742 runners from the United States alongside international athletes traveling from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, France, Switzerland, El Salvador, China, Singapore and beyond.

Domestically, Californians showed immense home-state pride with 2,505 runners representing the Golden State.

The event also proved to be a major national draw, bringing in large contingents from Texas (187 runners), Arizona (84 runners), Colorado (70 runners) and Florida (66 runners) with participants coming from nearly all 50 states.

The influx of thousands of runners along with their families and supporters provided a significant economic boost to the region.

Local restaurants, shops and businesses enjoyed a busy weekend as visitors took time to explore the area before and after race day.

The Yosemite Half Marathon is known for its fast, downhill course that winds through the national forest, offering runners stunning views before culminating at the picturesque Bass Lake.

For more information about the Yosemite Half Marathon, future race dates and official 2026 race results, visit www.vacationraces.com.