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Bayou Bend Fitness Center Running of the Bears 2026

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Franklin, Louisiana, United States

calendar_today 25 Apr, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

sell $20.00 – $30.00

About the Event

Join Us for the Running of the Bears!
Saturday, April 25th · 8:00 AM
Historic Downtown Franklin, Louisiana

Get ready for a fun and scenic morning in the heart of downtown Franklin as we kick off the Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival with the Running of the Bears! Choose your challenge—a 5K (3.1 miles) or a 1-mile fun run/walk/ruck—and enjoy the unique sights along the way: iconic lamp posts, majestic live oaks, elegant antebellum homes, and the vibrant wildlife of Bayou Teche. Whether you’re running, rucking, or walking, this event welcomes all ages and fitness levels! Bring your energy, lace up your shoes, and let’s make this a morning to remember! 🐻✨

AWARDS:

🏅 Kids 10 and under will receive a special Running of the Bears award for participating!

🎖️ 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk Awards include:
Overall Winner: 1st & 2nd Place – Male & Female
Age 8 & Under: 1st & 2nd Place – Male & Female
Age 9–12: 1st & 2nd Place – Male & Female

🎖️ 5K Race Awards include:
Overall Winner: 1st & 2nd Place – Male & Female
Age 19 & Under: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place – Male & Female
Age 20–29: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place – Male & Female
Age 30–39: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place – Male & Female
Age 40–49: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place – Male & Female
Age 50 & Over: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place – Male & Female

🎖️ 5K Ruck Awards include:
Ruck Division: 1st & 2nd Place – Male & Female

Races Offered

Running of the Bears 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

Apr 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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08:00

sell

$20.00

Running of the Bears 5K Ruck

Apr 25, 2026

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Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$30.00

Running of the Bears 5K Run/Walk

Apr 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$30.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Franklin.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 15.0° / 25.2°

wb_sunny 13.6° / 24.5°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 13.7 /

water_drop 72.7%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 15.0° / 25.2°

wb_sunny 13.6° / 24.5°

air 13.7 km/h

water_drop 72.7%

About Franklin

Learn more about the host city, Franklin.

Franklin is a town in Coastal Acadiana that is named after Benjamin Franklin. It was actually settled by a preponderance of British immigrants, who established themselves with elaborate plantations along the Bayou Teche as a new sort of aristocratic society, up until the antebellum era ended, anyway. You can visit some of these restored places for a taste of that lifestyle today.