Join us for the 6th Annual Black Bear Half Marathon and 8k presented by Hunter Subaru!
The Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k is an exhilarating fall event that beckons both seasoned athletes and recreational runners alike. Nestled within the charm and beauty of Hendersonville, North Carolina, this race offers participants a unique opportunity to challenge their limits while immersing themselves in the splendor of the autumn season. Whether conquering the half marathon's 13.1-mile stretch or embracing the spirited atmosphere of the 8k, participants love supportive community vibe, scenic course, and post-race festivities.
Both courses are USATF Sanctioned and Certified.
Can’t make it in-person? No problem! We also offer a virtual option for both races.
For those looking for a personal best in the Half Marathon, you’ll discover less than 400 feet of elevation gain, making it a fast course during the most beautiful time of year in Western North Carolina.
This race is also part of the Appalachian Trilogy Series.
What's included with your race entry:
- Long sleeve, RECOVER Brand event shirt, available in men's & women's sizes FREE (until Sunday, September 14th) for Half Marathoners
- Short sleeve, Bella Canvas shirt FREE (until Sunday, September 14th) for 8k participants
- Free commemorative finisher medal for all participants
- Hunter Subaru goody bag
- Chip-timing for accurate results
- Very well-marked (and mostly flat) course on a beautiful greenway
- Spectator friendly course
- One-of-a-kind prizes for overall and age group winners
Swag + Medals
All participants will receive a commemorative medal after the race!
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HALF MARATHON SWAG
Register before September 14th at midnight and get a custom, long sleeve, RECOVER Brand event shirt, available in men's and women's sizes FREE with your registration!
After that date, shirts will only be available for $30 in limited quantities and sizes.
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8K SWAG
Register before September 14th at midnight and get a custom, short sleeve, Bella Canvas shirt FREE with your registration!
After that date, 8k shirts will only be available for $25 in limited quantities and sizes.
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Want both shirts? NO PROBLEM! You'll have the option to purchase additional shirts during registration!
Packet Pickup
Click HERE for Packet Pickup schedule and details.
Black Bear Fall Market
Get ready to sprint into autumn at the Black Bear Fall Market, happening on race day, Sunday, October 12th from 8:30am to NOON at Jackson Park in Hendersonville, NC! This year we're excited to bring you a vibrant mix of local artisans, live music, mouth-watering food, and tasty fall treats. Whether you're racing to the finish line or cheering from the sidelines, this market is a must-see! Bring some cash, soak up the lively atmosphere, and make your race day even more unforgettable.
This race is part of the Appalachian Trilogy!
The Black Bear Half Marathon is the 4th event in the Appalachian Trilogy Series!
Registration for the 2025 series is NOW OPEN! Register for all three (or four!) events at the same time and receive a discount at checkout! CLICK HERE for more information!
We've got donuts!
Bright Branch Farms will provide apple cider donuts again this year, so come hungry! We'll also have a variety of post-race recovery snacks and beverages available at the finish line.
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Event schedule
- Sat, October 11, 2025 2:00 PM - Packet Pickup at Oklawaha Brewing: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
- Sun, October 12, 2025 6:30 AM - Packet Pickup at Jackson Park: 6:30am - 7:30am
- Sun, October 12, 2025 8:00 AM - 8k Race Start
- Sun, October 12, 2025 8:00 AM - Black Bear Fall Market: 8am - 1pm
- Sun, October 12, 2025 8:20 AM - Half Marathon Race Start
- Sun, October 12, 2025 10:00 AM - 8k Awards Ceremony
- Sun, October 12, 2025 11:30 AM - Half Marathon Awards Ceremony
- Sun, October 12, 2025 12:30 PM - Course Cutoff
Registration fees
Half Marathon (in-person)
Price changes in 4 months 28 days-
Includes goody bag, finisher medal, and custom, long sleeve, dri-fit race shirt, available in men's and women's sizes, until deadline.
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Register for Half Marathon (in-person)$90.00Now registering Dec 17 – Jun 29
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$100.00Jun 30 – Oct 5
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$110.00Oct 6 – Oct 12
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8k (in-person)
Price changes in 4 months 28 days-
Includes goody bag, finisher medal, and custom, short sleeve, Bella Canvas shirt until deadline.
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Register for 8k (in-person)$50.00Now registering Dec 17 – Jun 29
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$60.00Jun 30 – Oct 5
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$70.00Oct 6 – Oct 12
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VIRTUAL Half Marathon
NOT PARTICIPATING IN-PERSON (Includes finisher medal, and custom, long sleeve, dri-fit race shirt, available in men's and women's sizes, until deadline.)
VIRTUAL 8k
NOT PARTICIPATING IN-PERSON (Includes finisher medal and custom, short sleeve Bella Canvas race shirt until deadline.)
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Register for VIRTUAL 8k$50.00
Contact information
- Event contact
- The iDaph Support Team
- support@idaph.net
- Phone
- (828) 684-0812
- Website
- Visit website
Countdown to event
Sponsors
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Presenting Sponsor
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Race Apparel Partner
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Annual Sponsors
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Race Partners
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