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Black Bear Half Marathon and 8k

Presented by Hunter Subaru

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.


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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
  • Complimentary race photos
  • 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 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.

Black Bear Fall Market

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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 click HERE to submit your 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 opens December 18th, 2025! 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 10, 2026 1:00 PM - Packet Pickup at Oklawaha Brewing: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
  • 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

Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees

Half Marathon (in-person) Opening soon

Registration opens in 3 days 2 hours

  • Includes finisher medal, custom, long sleeve, dri-fit race shirt, available in men's and women's sizes, until deadline, complimentary race photos, complimentary beer (21+) and goody bag!

    1. $98.75
      Dec 18 – Jun 28
    2. $109.50
      Jun 29 – Oct 4
    3. $120.25
      Oct 5 – Oct 11

8k (in-person) Opening soon

Registration opens in 3 days 2 hours

  • Includes finisher medal, custom, short sleeve, dri-fit shirt until deadline, complimentary race photos, complimentary beer (21+) and goody bag!

    1. $55.75
      Dec 18 – Jun 28
    2. $66.50
      Jun 29 – Oct 4
    3. $77.25
      Oct 5 – Oct 11

VIRTUAL Half Marathon Opening soon

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.)

  1. $71.88

VIRTUAL 8k Opening soon

NOT PARTICIPATING IN-PERSON (Includes finisher medal and custom, short sleeve, dri-fit race shirt until deadline)

  1. $55.75

Contact information

Event contact
The iDaph Support Team
Phone
(828) 684-0812
Website
Visit website

Countdown to event

Sponsors

  • Presenting Sponsor

  • Annual Sponsors

  • Corporate Sponsor

  • Race Partners