Black Bear Half Marathon
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About the race
The Black Bear Half Marathon & 8K presented by Hunter Subaru is a fall road and greenway running event in Hendersonville, North Carolina, held on October 11, 2026. The event is capped at 1,250 participants and includes in-person and virtual options.
Distances
- Half Marathon : 13.1 miles
- 8K : 5 miles
Both courses start and end in Jackson Park and follow paved roads and forested greenways. Each course has less than 400 feet of elevation gain and is described as well marked. Two on-course stations provide Gatorade, water, energy gels and Jambars. Both courses are USATF sanctioned and certified (Sanction Number #142774; Half Marathon NC22016DF; 8k NC22015DF). Professional chip timing uses a timing chip on the race bib and timing mats on the course.
Perks and services include commemorative finisher items for early registrants, event shirts available free until the stated deadline, goody bags from the presenting partner, and awards for overall and age group winners. Race weekend features packet pickup with an artisan market, post-race festivities with live music and vendors, and the Black Bear Fall Market at Jackson Park with local artisans and food. A 10-week half marathon training program with Jus' Running is offered for participants preparing for the distance.
Registration policies note that registrations are non-refundable; the organizer provides options such as transferring to the virtual event, deferrals with fees, and changes in race distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
