What are the Best Marathons in Wyoming?
Wyoming may not host as many big-city races as other states, but it makes up for it with unforgettable courses and wide-open scenery.
The best marathons in Wyoming are:
Each of these marathons highlights a different side of Wyoming – from mountain views around Jackson Hole to the rugged landscapes near Green River.
Below, you’ll find details on what makes each race unique, including course highlights, terrain, and the kind of experience runners can expect.
Check out my Top 50 Best Marathons in the US, or choose another state:
Visit Casper Marathon
Casper, WY | Jun 1, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 548 feet (167m)
Participants: 110 Finishers (2025)
The Visit Casper Marathon starts at the Wyoming Ford Events Center, which means runners have indoor space to stretch out, use the bathrooms, and stay warm before heading out. The first few miles wind through city streets with a couple of rolling climbs to wake up the legs.
After that, the course shifts onto the North Platte River Parkway. This stretch brings flatter terrain and more open views, with pedestrian bridges and winding paths along the riverbank. Some spots offer shade from trees, while others are wide open to the sun.
Altitude plays its part too. The race starts around 5,310 feet and finishes just over 5,180 feet. The drop isn’t steep, but the thinner air adds its own challenge if you’re not used to running at elevation.
Aid stations are placed roughly every two miles. Volunteers usually have water, sports drinks, and sometimes fruit or snacks. The surface is mostly asphalt with a bit of concrete, about a ninety to ten split.
The race finishes downtown at David Street Station, where the course ends with more energy and a crowd waiting to cheer runners in
Jackson Hole Marathon
Jackson, WY | Sep 27, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 566 feet (172m)
Participants: 261 Finishers (2024)
Price: $128.20
Running in Jackson Hole means altitude and mountain scenery, and the marathon course makes sure you get both from start to finish. Elevation hovers around 6,000 feet, with about 748 feet of gain and 685 feet of loss. Even the gradual hills feel sharper at this height, so pacing matters early.
The race begins right in Jackson’s Town Square and heads out past the National Elk Refuge before slipping through neighborhoods. By mile four the course connects with the community pathway system, and soon after you’re out of town and into open valley views.
The middle section, from miles five through fourteen, follows South Park Loop. It rolls gently, with enough ups and downs to keep things interesting. After that, runners head west toward Highway 22 and cross the Snake River around mile 17, a stretch that opens up into wide vistas and is often a favorite part of the route.
From Wilson, the course bends north toward the Grand Teton. The finish line waits at Teton Village, framed by the mountain backdrop and set on a short patch of grass that makes up only the last tenth of a mile. Almost the entire course is paved, either road or path.
Aid stations are well spaced at roughly two-mile intervals, but the event is cupless, so runners carry their own bottles or collapsible cups.
An early morning start keeps the temperatures cooler. Shuttles run from Teton Village to the start line, but there’s no ride back after the finish, so logistics are something to plan ahead. The race is USATF certified, making it a solid choice for runners looking for a qualifying time with a big dose of mountain scenery.
Run with the Horses Marathon
Green River, WY | Aug 16, 2025
Course Type: Very Hilly
Participants: 57 Finishers (2025)
Price: $95-$105
This August race in Green River starts at Expedition Island around 6,100 feet, easing runners through town and along the river before turning sharply upward into 1st Springs Canyon. The climb tops out near 7,300 feet and then rolls along the White Mountain ridge with big desert views and almost no shade. The turnaround makes it an out-and-back, so the long climb on the way out gives you some downhill payback later.
What sets it apart is the setting: high plains desert, distant ridgelines, and the real possibility of spotting wild horses on the open land. The weekend lines up with the town’s River Festival, which adds fireworks, food stalls, and music to the experience. It’s a rugged race with a small community feel, memorable less for speed and more for its raw Wyoming backdrop.
Because the course moves from river greenery to open desert so quickly, pacing becomes as much a mental challenge as a physical one. That shift in landscape keeps the miles from blending together and gives runners plenty to take in besides their watches.
Med Bow Rail Marathon
Laramie, WY | Aug 9, 2025
Course Type: Hilly
Participants: 45 Finishers (2025)
Price: $50-$75
High in the Snowy Range Mountains, the Med Bow Rail Marathon makes use of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, a wide gravel path that once carried trains through the forest. The course starts near the Wyoming–Colorado border at Pelton Creek Trailhead and runs out-and-back past aspen groves, pines, and meadows, finishing at Lake Owen. Average elevation sits close to 9,000 feet, which sounds intimidating, but most runners find the gentle grade more forgiving than the altitude suggests.
This is not a crowded city marathon. With only a few dozen full marathoners most years, it feels more like a gathering of trail friends than a major race. The quiet is part of its appeal, broken up by wildlife sightings and the steady encouragement of volunteers at aid stations. Runners often mention how supportive and upbeat the crew is, which makes the long stretches of solitude feel less lonely.
Logistics take a little more planning here. The drive from Laramie to the start is about an hour, and the trailhead itself can be tricky to find in the early morning. It’s not the sort of race you want to roll into at the last minute. Once you’re on course, though, the stress fades into the backdrop of tall trees, mountain air, and big-sky views.
Temperatures can warm up as the day goes on, but the scenery holds its own. The rail-trail design means you’re never battling extreme climbs or descents, so the focus shifts to settling into a rhythm and soaking in the surroundings. What lingers afterward isn’t just the effort but the sense of having spent hours on a beautiful, historic trail with just enough company to make it feel special.
Running Community & Clubs in Wyoming
Wyoming has a tight-knit running culture partly because its towns are smaller and partly because the landscape encourages you to get outside and move. There are several clubs that make training and running social instead of just logging miles.
- The Casper Windy City Striders bring together runners of all levels. They organize regular group runs, winter series races, local 5K and 10K races, and community-oriented events like the Resolution Run and Half-Town Marathon. What feels different is how inclusive they are: you’ll see seasoned marathoners mixing with walkers or first-timers.
- High Plains Harriers in Laramie have a strong presence, especially among trail runners. They host events like Pilot Hill 25K Classic and group runs around spots like Curt Gowdy State Park and the Medicine Bow Rail Trail. If you’re in Laramie, joining them offers good trail variety and a way to learn local terrain.
- Teton Trail Runners in Jackson Hole are great for anyone wanting mountain trail work in a scenic setting. Their weekly runs (in summer especially) are as much social affair as workout. People new to the area often note how welcoming they are, helping others acclimate to altitude or trail footing.
- Lander Running Club, based at the foot of the Wind River Mountains, emphasizes exploration and connection with the land. Its members use it to share favorite routes, support local trail maintenance, and simply run together. Whether you want solitude or company, you’ll find both here.
If you’re planning to run one of Wyoming’s marathons, connecting with one of these clubs ahead of time can help with route insights, training buddies, gear advice, and maybe even moral support on race day.
Timing, Weather & Gear Tips for Wyoming Marathons
Since most Wyoming marathons are in spring through late summer or early fall, timing and gear choices matter a lot. Here are some practical things I pulled together.
- Spring and early summer races (May, June) often mean cold starts, especially at higher altitude. Expect temperatures in the 40s °F early morning, with possible chilly wind or even frost depending on elevation. Layers are your friend.
- Late summer and early fall offer more stable, warmer weather, but with trade-offs: days can heat up, sun can beat down on exposed sections, and afternoon thunderstorms are possible in mountainous regions. Also, wildfire smoke can become an issue in some years, which may affect visibility and air quality.
- Because many courses go through forests, deserts, ridgelines or open meadows, you’ll want gear that handles changing conditions: sun protection (hat, sunscreen), something lightweight for wind or shade loss, and moisture-wicking clothes.
- Altitude adjustment matters even before race day. If you live at lower elevation, plan for some acclimatization: maybe arrive a day or two earlier, do some shorter runs to let your lungs get used to the thinner air, and adjust pacing early in the race rather than trying to push from mile one.
These tips won’t erase every challenge, but they help you avoid being surprised halfway through.
Conclusion
Running a marathon in Wyoming is never just about the miles. The courses here take you through valleys with rivers, ridgelines with sweeping desert views, and trails carved from old railroads. Each race brings something different, from small-town hospitality in Casper to the quiet grit of Green River, the postcard backdrops of Jackson Hole, and the high-altitude calm of the Medicine Bow forest.
What ties them together is a mix of rugged scenery and a running community that feels more personal than polished. Whether you come for the challenge, the scenery, or just the chance to spend hours moving through wide-open space, Wyoming marathons have a way of sticking with you long after you’ve crossed the finish line.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
