Race: Yosemite Half Marathon
Runner: Lukas Burrer
Race Date: 05/06/2023
Location: Bass Lake, California
Results: 1:27:19; 9th OA; 4th AG
Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/VLghLDcBGzb
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Very nice location and gorgeous views!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Mile 4-6.5 was off road and very muddy and slippery!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Crushed my 1:30h time goal, even with all the difficulties during the race
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t waste too much energy on the uphill, there’s a nice downhill later on to make up that time again!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
They had to change the official route this year since the road got washed out. The original route was supposed to be a downhill race! For the new route you should save your energy on the uphill and hope for dry weather so the off road section doesn’t get as slippery and muddy
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Amazing views on Bass Lake
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
One big climb at mile 4, other than that very runnable rolling hills
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was pretty well organized and more than enough aid stations around!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s a mixed field. Strong runners are competing but some people also simply walk the race
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
You’ve to be there early to catch the shuttle to the start line! A hotel close by makes it way easier
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
A bunch of aid stations with water and Gatorade available
Weather and typical race conditions
Weather during the race was perfect! But they had a lot of rain the night before which caused the off road section to be very muddy!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There’re shuttle busses to get the spectators to the finish line
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
8/10! Beautiful route and well organized. Would have been better without the off road section!