The 2020 race was a blast!
See you in 2021 - OR join us for the Virtual Race!
WINDING SINGLE TRACK AND LOGGING ROADS IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
Custom hats for half-marathon and 5k
Virtual Race option
See you in 2021 - OR join us for the Virtual Race!
WINDING SINGLE TRACK AND LOGGING ROADS IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
Custom hats for half-marathon and 5k
Virtual Race option
Join us for the Black Bear Trail Runs this Labor Day weekend in Waterville Valley for a run on smooth, winding, White Mountain trails beneath "towering" four-thousand footers. Take your pick of three trail races around the Valley’s historic forested trails. Every runner gets a custom 2020 Black Bear medal, entry into the post-race raffle, and other custom Black Bear gear! Run your hardest and you might take home a locally handmade mug and trophy.
Supporting WVES
Your race entry to any of the events, even the virtual race, will support the Waterville Valley Elementary School PTA in their mission of fostering student growth and development through exploration and adventure. Last year’s participants helped maintain this year’s afterschool programs. The parents, teachers, and students appreciate all your support!
The Races - Click for a course preview!
The Black Bear Half Marathon
You get a custom hat, finisher’s medal (if you finish!), and prize raffle entry. Be sure to pace yourself as you race along this NEW 13.1-mile course along the oldest maintained trail network in the US. Starting and finishing in the picturesque Townsquare, the route rolls along the valley floor and into the hills as you travel in the shadows of the 4,000 foot peaks of Tecumseh, the Osceolas, and the Tripyramids. Three aid stations with water, hydration supplement, and nutrition. Terrain detail: 85% double-track trail, 14% single-track trails, 1% road.
The Black Bear 5K
You get a custom hat, finisher’s medal (if you finish!), and prize raffle entry. Challenge yourself and support WVES on this 5K course along the valley floors’ forested trails. NEW for 2020, the course will run along wide dirt double-track and some windy single-track around the valley’s south-end trails with NO ROAD! Terrain detail: 90% double-track, 10% single-track.
The Bear Cub Fun Run
The whole family, including Grandma and Grandpa, will enjoy the scenic 1-mile Bear Cub Fun Run! Whether you take in the Valley's grand views at a walk or make a mad dash for the finish line, you'll lend your valuable support to students at WVES and take home a signature Black Bear medal waiting for you at the finish line. This year’s custom Black Bear hat can be purchased along with your registration. Terrain type: 100% double-track trail.
The Black Bear Virtual Race - Click to submit your results
Can’t make it to Waterville Valley? Join us virtually to support WVES and get the same custom Black Bear race bib, hat, and medal. We have some special prizes lined up for the fastest 5k, fastest half-marathon, most creative GPS art, and best finisher photo. To be considered for prizes you must submit a GPS track of your run. All gear and prizes will be sent right to your front door. Terrain detail: you choose!
Black Bear Virtual Run
$45.00
Can't make it to Waterville Valley for the Black Bear Trail Runs? Join us from a distance and get all the swag! Participants are entered into a prize raffle and will receive a custom wood-cut medal, Black Bear cap, and race bib in the mail. Only 75 spots! Shipping included within the continental US, additional charge for shipping outside continental US.
Please select only "1" for quantity. For additional entries, please add one item to your cart for each participant.
Black Bear Running Cap by Boco Gear
$30.00
Look sharp and keep the White Mountains close to you with the Black Bear running cap by Boco Gear. This is the same cap participants received at the 2020 Black Bear Trail Runs.
Want all the race gear? Join us for the Black Bear Virtual Race and get your bib, medal, AND cap!