Black Bear Trail Races
Four distances around the 4,000-footers of Waterville Valley, NH.
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Where & when
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Photos: Abby Bennett
About this event
Welcome to the Black Bear Trail Races, hosted by White Mountain Endurance in scenic Waterville Valley, NH. There's a distance for every level, all starting and finishing at Waterville Valley Town Square.
The 50K is the big one: about 30.8 miles and 7,700 feet of climbing around the 4,000-foot peaks above the valley. It climbs Snow's Mountain, East Osceola, Osceola and Tecumseh before sending you back to Town Square around the cross-country ski trails for a hero's welcome. This is no small feat; don't undertake it lightly.
The 23K (about 14.6 miles and 1,700 feet of gain) runs the oldest maintained trail network in the US, rolling along the valley floor and into the hills. The 4 Mile is a beautiful tour of White Mountain forests and streams with no road, and the 1 Mile Bear Cub Fun Run is for the whole family.
Every distance gets a finisher's medal, post-race snacks and the spirit of mountain running. Podium awards go to the top three men and women in each distance.
Start times: 50K 6:00 AM, 23K 8:00 AM, 4 Mile 10:00 AM, 1 Mile Fun Run 11:00 AM. Bib pickup is race morning from 5:00 to 11:00 AM at Town Square. Park in the lots next to the Town Square complex.
The aid stations are cupless: bring your own bottle, cup or vest.
50K required gear (shown at check-in on race morning): 2 liters of fluids minimum (there is an 8.9 mile stretch with no aid), 400 calories of food, a windbreaker or rain shell, a space blanket, and a headlamp with extra batteries. Highly recommended: a water filter, the course GPX, and a phone battery.
No pacers or crews on course; crews are welcome at the finish line village. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish.
Distances may vary slightly each year due to permitting.
What's included
- 50K around Osceola, East Osceola and Tecumseh, about 7,700 ft of gain
- 23K on the oldest maintained trail network in the US
- 4 Mile forest tour and a 1 Mile Bear Cub Fun Run
- Starts and finishes at Waterville Valley Town Square
- Presented by White Mountain Endurance
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Non-refundable and non-transferable. Race credit if you withdraw. Policy ↗
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Aravaipa Running