Black Bear Trail Races

Welcome to the Black Bear Trail Races, nestled within the picturesque Waterville Valley of New Hampshire! Organized by White Mountain Endurance, this trail running festival offers runners from all skill levels an unforgettable adventure through some of America's most stunning natural landscapes.
The centerpiece event is the 50K race, a grueling but rewarding journey that covers over 7,700 feet in elevation gain. This course winds around iconic peaks towering at 4,000 feet and challenges runners with its rugged terrain, including Snow’s Mountain, East Osceola, Osceola, and Tecumseh. The race starts near the heart of Waterville Valley Town Square before looping back to welcome racers as heroes.
For those seeking a less daunting challenge, there's the 23K course that meanders through one of America's oldest maintained trail networks. Starting and finishing in picturesque Town Square, this route offers rolling hills and valleys with breathtaking views of towering peaks like Tecumseh, Osceola, and Tripyramids.
The Black Bear Trail Races also features a scenic 4-mile tour through White Mountain forests and streams, offering runners an opportunity to experience the beauty without the steep elevation gain. This course is entirely off-road on singletrack and doubletrack trails around Waterville Valley's valley floor.
Completing the event lineup is the delightful one mile Bear Cub Fun Run designed for families with children of all ages to enjoy a scenic trail run together, fostering a love for running in future generations.
All races start near Town Square and finish there as well. Participants can look forward to stunning views throughout their journey, along with post-race snacks, finisher’s medals, and the camaraderie that defines mountain running events.
For those tackling the 50K race, mandatory equipment is required due to unpredictable weather conditions on exposed sections of the course. This includes a headlamp, extra batteries, two liters of water at the start, food for 400 calories, a space blanket or emergency shelter, and a windbreaker/rain shell.
The event weekend kicks off with bib pickup starting Saturday morning at 5:00 AM for the 50K race. The Black Bear 50K begins promptly at 6:00 AM, followed by the 23K course launch at 8:00 AM and the 4-mile run commencing at 10:00 AM.
Volunteers are a vital part of making these races successful and memorable for all participants. Join us to support fellow runners or gain valuable insights into race organization. All volunteers earn credits toward future events organized by White Mountain Endurance, providing an opportunity to contribute back to the running community while gaining new experiences.
The Black Bear Trail Races offer more than just a run; it's an immersion in nature and a celebration of endurance sports within one of America’s most beautiful settings.