BLACK BEAR TRAIL RACES
WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH
Welcome to the Black Bear Trail Races, hosted by White Mountain Endurance in scenic Waterville Valley, New Hampshire!
Join them for an unforgettable trail running experience with events for every level. Test your limits with their demanding 50K, a formidable journey boasting 7,700 feet of climbing around iconic 4,000 foot peaks, or choose the classic 23K course through the oldest maintained trail network in the United States.
They also offer a beautiful 4 mile tour of White Mountain forests and streams with no road, and a delightful 1 mile Bear Cub Fun Run for the whole family! All four courses start and finish near the Waterville Valley Town Square, and promise stunning views, finisher's medals, post-race snacks, and the spirit of mountain running.
RACE START TIMES
6:00AM 50K Start
8:00AM 23K Start
10:00AM 4 Mile Start
11:00AM 1 Mile Start
BLACK BEAR 50K
Embark on a 50-kilometer journey with us around the 4000 foot peaks surrounding Waterville Valley. The course starts near Town Square, covering a total of 7,700 feet of cumulative elevation gain as it climbs Snow's Mountain, East Osceola, Osceola, and Tecumseh, before sending it back to Town Square for a hero's welcome. Racers will be supported with multiple aid stations along the way. THIS IS NO SMALL FEAT!
BLACK BEAR 23K
Race along the 23K course that participants on the oldest maintained trail network in the US. Starting and finishing in the picturesque Town Square, the route rolls along the valley floor and into the hills as you travel in the shadows of the towering 4,000 foot peaks of Tecumseh, the Osceolas, and the Tripyramids. The course features three aid stations with hydration and nutrition.
BLACK BEAR 4 MILER
Four scenic trails miles and 600 feet of climbing on singletrack and doubletrack through White Mountain forests and streams around the valley floor.
THE BEAR CUB FUN RUN
The whole family, including Grandma and Grandpa, will enjoy the scenic 1-mile Bear Cub Fun Run!
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Mandatory equipment is required for 50K participants at the Black Bear Trail Races. Mountain weather is subject to extreme changes and a large portion of the course over the mountain is fully exposed to the elements. Be responsible. You will be disqualified if you do not carry the mandatory gear listed below and it will be checked upon bib pickup on race morning.
Gear list:
Headlamp
Extra batteries
Ability to carry 1 liter of water
1 liter of water at start
Course map
Phone with service
Raincoat if rain is forecasted
Please note this event is cupless and you will need to bring your own hydration system (bottle/cup/vest/etc.). The aid stations will not have any disposable cups for participants. This is in an effort to reduce waste at the event. You can purchase your own reusable cup through the "Store" tab.
VOLUNTEERING
We appreciate our volunteers! Join us in providing an awesome experience! For many, volunteering is rewarding in its own right and a great way to give back to the running community. For others, it is a way to see things from the other side of the table, and learn a lot about running races before jumping into them. All volunteers earn race credits toward any future Aravaipa event. Register for an available shift for the Black Bear Trail Races.