Black Bear Half Marathon
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Black Bear Half Marathon & 8K
The Black Bear Half Marathon & 8K takes place in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on October 11, 2026. The event is presented by Hunter Subaru and offers two distances:
- 13.1 miles - Half Marathon
- 8K (about 5 miles) - 8K
Course and services
Both courses start and finish in Jackson Park and follow paved roads and forested greenways. The routes include scenic vistas, forested trails, and rolling hills, with less than 400 feet of elevation gain. Organizers provide two aid stations offering Gatorade, water, energy gels, and Jambars. The courses are USATF sanctioned and certified (Sanction Number #142774; Half Marathon NC22016DF; 8K NC22015DF) and use professional chip timing with MyLaps.
Additional details
Participants receive a commemorative finisher medal and sponsor goody bag. Event shirts are offered (half marathon long sleeve RECOVER shirt; 8K short sleeve Bella Canvas shirt) with a free-shirt deadline listed in the event information. Prizes are given to overall and age group winners. A post-race festival includes live music and vendors, and a Black Bear Fall Market is scheduled in Jackson Park the following day. A virtual race option is available and virtual entrants receive mailed swag. Strollers are not permitted on the course; dogs may be spectators but not race participants. Transfers to the virtual event are allowed before the race; refunds are not offered. Registration opens December 16, 2025. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
