Star Valley Half Marathon

The Star Valley Half Marathon, set for July 11, 2026, in Afton, Wyoming, offers runners a memorable experience through breathtaking mountain scenery and rolling farmlands. This USATF-sanctioned event includes both a 13.1K Half Marathon and a 5K, with typical race day conditions seeing highs around 86°F and lows around 47°F, accompanied by a mere 2% chance of precipitation. The Half Marathon begins at the Heiner Family Airfield in Turnerville, with runners transported by bus from the finish line in Thayne to the start. The course features an exhilarating gradual downhill descent for the first two miles, starting at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level, before flattening out through the charming communities of Turnerville and Bedford, ultimately finishing at Thayne Elementary School. Participants consistently praise this race as a "fast course," making it ideal for those chasing a personal record.

More than just a race, the Star Valley Half Marathon is a beloved community event dedicated to the memory of Jeremy Bart Kunz, a local running enthusiast who tragically passed away in 2009. Pictures of Jeremy at each mile marker provide an emotional boost to runners, fostering a unique and supportive atmosphere. Throughout the course, runners can expect well-stocked aid stations every few miles (approximately at miles 3, 6, 8.5, and 11) offering water, sports drinks, fruit, and even candy at later stations, along with portable toilets. The warm, small-town atmosphere is further enhanced by enthusiastic local spectators who line the quiet country roads to cheer participants on. Proceeds from the race benefit local families in need, adding a meaningful dimension to every stride.