Running of the Bears 5K race
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Event
The Running of the Bears is a family 5K event held at Clark's Bears in Lincoln, New Hampshire. The 2025 edition takes place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, and organizers note the event will be held again on June 28, 2026. All proceeds are donated to the Linwood Ambulance Service, a local not-for-profit 501(c)(3). The race is held rain or shine and requires each participant to carry a teddy bear to qualify. Teddy bears will be available for sale the morning of the race.
Race details
The race distance is 3.1 miles (5K). The course starts and finishes inside Clark's Bears at Merlin's Mystical Mansion and passes the Anaconda Escape, Connector Road, Route 112/Main Street, Linwood Drive, and the local school parking and bus route before returning to the park. There is one water station about halfway along the course. Strollers are allowed but must line up at the back for safety.
Online registration includes a technical fabric T-shirt and a Clark's Bears tote bag with bottled water. Online fees are $30 for ages 11 and up and $15 for ages 4-10; shirt sizes are guaranteed for registrations completed by June 7, 2025. Results are available from Millenium Running. Awards include trophies for the top three male and female finishers and medals by age category, plus fun awards such as biggest bear and best costume. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.