Waterville Valley, NH

Black Bear Trail Races

Sat, Jul 24, 2027

Four distances around the 4,000-footers of Waterville Valley, NH.

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Distance

50K+$15 in 85 days (Goes up to $135.00 on Feb 1, 2027)$120.00 + fee$128.08

23K+$10 in 85 days (Goes up to $95.00 on Feb 1, 2027)$85.00 + fee$91.02

4 Mile+$5 in 85 days (Goes up to $35.00 on Feb 1, 2027)$30.00 + fee$32.77

1 Mile Fun RunEarly$10.00 + fee$11.59

Select a distance to continue.

Where & when

Venue

Waterville Valley Town Square

33 Village Rd

Waterville Valley, NH 03215

Directions Where to stay ↓

Start times

Sat, Jul 24, 2027

50K

6:00 AMSat

23K

8:00 AMSat

4 Mile

10:00 AMSat

1 Mile Fun Run

11:00 AMSat

Race-day weatherTypically 78° / 54°

Right now45°, cloudy · wind W 8 mph

Photos

1 / 26

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

Ask about this race

Start times, cutoffs, aid stations, shirts, refunds. Answers come from this race's own details.

Race policy: Withdraw by Jun 24 for 75% race credit.

View full policy

Withdraw: 75% race credit through Jun 24, then 50% race credit (injury, illness or family emergency) through Jul 19, then nothing back. Credit is good for 12 months. Credit you used on this entry isn't re-issued.
Pregnancy: Withdraw any time before race day for 100% race credit, good for 24 months.
Transfer: Not allowed.
Defer: Not offered.
Change distance: Yourself, from your registration. Moving up pays the difference.