Black Bear Trail Races
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Black Bear Trail Races
The Black Bear Trail Races take place in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire on August 29, 2026. The event is presented by White Mountain Endurance and includes multiple trail distances that begin and end at Waterville Valley Town Square.
Available distances:
- 50K Ultra, approximately 30.8 miles, about 7,700 feet elevation gain
- 23K, approximately 14.6 miles, rolling valley and hill terrain
- 4 mile, 4.1 miles, about 600 feet elevation gain
- 1 mile Bear Cub Fun Run, about 1.5 miles
The 50K route circles nearby 4,000 foot peaks and includes multiple aid stations; it requires mandatory gear such as a headlamp, extra batteries, at least 2 liters of fluids, a space or emergency blanket, 400 calories of food, a phone with the GPX track, and a raincoat if weather warrants. Aid stations across distances provide water, hydration supplement, and nutrition, and the event is cup less so participants must use their own hydration system.
Course surfaces and notes vary by distance: the 23K is primarily double-track with some single-track and a small road portion; the 4 mile is a mix of single and double-track with no road. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish. No pacers or crews are permitted on course; crews may gather at the finish village. All finishers receive a commemorative award and podium awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
