Join us for the 7th Annual Black Bear Half Marathon and 8k presented by Hunter Subaru!
The Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k is an exciting 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 dri-fit shirt, available in unisex & women's sizes, FREE (until Sunday, September 13th) for Half Marathon participants
- Short sleeve dri-fit shirt, available in unisex & women's sizes, FREE (until Sunday, September 13th) for 8k participants
- Free commemorative finisher medal for all participants
- Complimentary beer (21+) at Oklawaha Brewing
- Hunter Subaru goody bag
- Chip-timing for accurate results
- Live DJ
- Complimentary race photos
- Very well-marked (and mostly flat) course on a beautiful greenway
- Spectator friendly course
- Complimentary parking
- 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 13th at midnight and get a custom, long sleeve, dri-fit event shirt, available in unisex 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 13th at midnight and get a custom, short sleeve, dri-fit event shirt, available in unisex and women's sizes, FREE with your registration!
After that date, 8k shirts will only be available for $25 in limited quantities and sizes.
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Packet Pickup
Click HERE for Packet Pickup schedule and details.
Half Marathon Training with Jus' Running!
Black Bear Half Marathon Training Program
COST:
- $190 through July 13th*
- $225 through August 3rd*
*Does not include race registration fee. Participants will be given a discount code to register for the Black Bear Half Marathon.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
SIGN UP HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-bear-half-marathon-training-program-registration-1992237830982
Questions? Please email jusrunningavl@gmail.com for more information!
Black Bear Fall Market
Get ready to sprint into autumn at the Black Bear Fall Market, happening on race day, Sunday, October 11th from 8:30am to 11:30am 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.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Please email support@idaph.net to request an application!
This race is part of the Appalachian Trilogy!
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The Black Bear Half Marathon is the 4th event in the Appalachian Trilogy Series!
Registration for the 2026 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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Did you register to participate in person but can't make it on race day? You have options!
We understand that plans can change! If you're unable to participate in your registered event, we offer several options to help, including switching to the virtual event, deferring your entry, or requesting a change in race distance. These options provide flexibility while helping offset the administrative time and costs associated with registration changes.
#1 VIRTUAL EVENT: You can transfer your registration to the virtual event at any point before the start of the race. The virtual event gives you the flexibility to train and race from wherever you call home, on your schedule. Plus, you still get the awesome race swag! Complete your race at a time and place that works best for you—whether that's your neighborhood streets, favorite trail, or a destination run. Submit your results online and celebrate your accomplishment with runners from across the country. Virtual swag will be shipped after the event. Email support@idaph.net to request the transfer.
NOTE: Transfers to the virtual event within two weeks prior to the event will incur a $12 charge to cover packaging and shipping.
#2 DEFERRAL: If you're unable to participate, you may request a deferral up to 15 days before race day. Requests received after this deadline cannot be accommodated.
Deferral Fees
Half Marathon & Marathon: $25
5K, 8K & 10K: $15
To request a deferral, simply purchase the Deferral option from the Race Store on the registration platform.
Once your request is processed, you'll receive a digital iDaph Events gift card equal to your registration fee (less processing and service fees.) The gift card may be used to register for any iDaph-owned Signature Event or given to a friend or family member for use toward their registration. Gift Cards are not redeemable for client/partner events.
Participants who purchased the pre-event shipping option are not eligible for a deferral once their race packet has been shipped. Packets are typically packed for shipment three weeks prior to race day.
Any eligible additional products or add-ons purchased with your registration will be refunded when your transfer or deferral is processed.
#3 RACE DISTANCE CHANGE: You may switch from one distance to another within the same event. There will be no refunds for any price difference when dropping down. When moving up, you will be required to pay the price difference before the transfer is made. Participants who purchased the pre-event shipping option and had their race bibs mailed in advance will be required to attend packet pickup to swap their bib. Email support@idaph.net to request the change in distance.
TRANSFERS BETWEEN PARTICIPANTS: Transfers between participants are prohibited. Running with another participant's bib creates serious safety and timing issues. Emergency responders and race officials rely on the registration information associated with each bib, including emergency contacts and medical information. If someone is wearing another person's bib, medical care could be delayed or based on incorrect information, and the wrong emergency contact could be notified.
Bib swapping also compromises the integrity of race results and awards. If the registered participant and the person wearing the bib are different ages or genders, overall and age group results can be incorrect, affecting multiple participants.
Participants found running with another person's bib will be automatically disqualified. Individuals participating without registering ("bandits") or wearing another participant's bib will be banned from future iDaph Events.
We suggest that if you want to ‘give’ your entry to a friend/family member that you use the ‘DEFERRAL’ option. You will receive an iDaph Gift card and you can gift this to your friend or family member to get signed up.
REFUNDS: Our team begins planning and investing in your race experience months before race day. Expenses such as permits, insurance, medals, shirts, timing, supplies, and staffing are incurred well in advance of the event. For this reason, all registrations are non-refundable.
In the event the race is canceled, postponed, modified, or impacted by severe weather, natural disasters, public safety concerns, government actions, or other circumstances beyond our control, refunds will not be issued.
We understand that plans can change and injuries happen. While refunds are not available, participants have options such as moving to a different race distance, switching to the virtual event, or deferring their registration in accordance with the event's registration policies and deadlines.
CANCELLATION & EVENT MODIFICATION: The safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators, and community is our highest priority. If circumstances beyond our control—including, but not limited to, severe weather, natural disasters, public safety concerns, government actions, emergency situations, course conditions, or the inability to obtain or maintain required permits—affect the event, iDaph Events reserves the right to modify, delay, shorten, postpone, cancel, or convert the event to a virtual experience.
Should the event be converted to a virtual event, all in-person registrations will automatically be transferred to the virtual option, and participant swag will be mailed at no additional charge.
Event schedule
- Sat, October 10, 2026 2:00 PM - Packet Pickup at Oklawaha Brewing: 2:00pm - 6:00pm
- Sun, October 11, 2026 6:30 AM - Packet Pickup at Jackson Park: 6:30am - 7:30am
- Sun, October 11, 2026 8:00 AM - 8k Race Start
- Sun, October 11, 2026 8:00 AM - Black Bear Fall Market: 8am - 11:30am
- Sun, October 11, 2026 8:20 AM - Half Marathon Race Start
- Sun, October 11, 2026 9:45 AM - 8k Awards Ceremony
- Sun, October 11, 2026 11:00 AM - Half Marathon Awards Ceremony
- Sun, October 11, 2026 12:00 PM - Course Cutoff
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Half Marathon (in-person)
Price changes in 5 days 11 hours-
Includes finisher medal, custom, long sleeve, dri-fit race shirt, available in men's and women's sizes, until deadline, complimentary race photos, parking and beer (21+) and goody bag!
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$98.75
Exclusive Launch Pricing
Dec 18 – Dec 28 -
$104.13
Super Duper Early Registration
Dec 29 – Mar 8 -
$109.50
Early Registration
Mar 9 – May 31 -
Register for Half Marathon (in-person)$114.88
Regular Registration
Now registering Jun 1 – Jul 26 -
$117.56
Almost Late Registration
Jul 27 – Sep 20 -
$120.25
Late Registration
Sep 21 – Oct 4 -
$125.63
Race Week
Oct 5 – Oct 11
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8k (in-person)
Price changes in 5 days 11 hours-
Includes finisher medal, custom, short sleeve, dri-fit shirt until deadline, complimentary race photos, complimentary beer (21+) and goody bag!
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$61.13
Exclusive Launch Pricing
Dec 18 – Dec 28 -
$66.50
Super Duper Early Registration
Dec 29 – Mar 8 -
$69.19
Early Registration
Mar 9 – May 31 -
Register for 8k (in-person)$71.88
Regular Registration
Now registering Jun 1 – Jul 26 -
$74.56
Almost Late Registration
Jul 27 – Sep 20 -
$77.25
Late Registration
Sep 21 – Oct 4 -
$82.63
Race Week
Oct 5 – Oct 11
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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, dri-fit race shirt until deadline)
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Register for VIRTUAL 8k$55.75
Contact information
- Event contact
- The iDaph Support Team
- Phone
- (828) 684-0812
- Website
- Visit website
Countdown to event
Sponsors
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Presenting Sponsor
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Corporate Sponsor
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Race Partners
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