Event Info
(A downloadable PDF version of this Event Info and Participant Race Instructions is available by clicking here.)
Dates & Times:
| DATE | TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
| Friday, September 11, 2009 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Registration & Packet Pick Up | Pine Knot Landing 439 Pine Knot Blvd., Big Bear Lake |
| Friday, September 11, 2009 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Friday Night Live in the Village | Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive |
| Friday, September 11, 2009 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Big Bear Middle School Spaghetti Feast | Big Bear Middle School 41275 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake |
| Saturday, September 12, 2009 | 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Registration & Packet Pick Up (with restrictions!) | Pine Knot Landing |
| Saturday, September 12, 2009 | 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Bike Tour | Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish |
| Saturday, September 12, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Full Marathon | Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish |
| Saturday, September 12, 2009 | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Half Marathon | City Hall Start/ Pine Knot Landing Finish |
| Saturday, September 12, 2009 | 9:30 a.m. | 5 K | Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish |
| Saturday, September 12, 2009 | 11:30 a.m. | Sierra Club’s Kid’s Kritter Run | Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish |
| Saturday, September 12, 2009 | 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Awards | Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish |
Prepare to be Inspired:
More than just a marathon, Run the Bear has a variety of events that provide a rare and invigorating opportunity to run, ride or walk a reserved portion of the roads that caress the curves of Big Bear Lake. Our newly designed and engineered course will take you through some of the most beautiful areas of Big Bear Valley. Runners, walkers, and cyclists will enjoy spectacular views of Bear Lake, the majestic boulders of the historic Boulder Bay area, thick pines and mountain vistas, including the ‘Big Daddy’, San Gorgonio, visible from the North Shore. There are short bursts of hilly sections along the course, enough to be a challenge at altitude, but plenty of long, flat stretches for recovery and speed.
Marathon Events
Full Marathon- The full marathon is a 26.2 mile out-and-back course starting at Pine Knot Landing, traveling west bound in the number one lane on Big Bear Boulevard, crossing the historic dam, then turning east on Highway 38, traversing the Alpine Pedal path and then turns right to cross the lake again heading south on Stanfield Cutoff. The course then heads west bound again to the Sandalwood turnaround, where full marathon runners will turn back and repeat the outbound loop with a slight deviation from the Alpine Pedal path to the road. This scenic course offers spectacular views of the lake shore, forest and boulders, along with the challenge you would expect for a high altitude marathon. Full marathon participants will receive a swag bag, t-shirt, nutrition and fluids at aid stations. At the finish line, marathon runners will receive a finisher’s medal with a distinctive ribbon indicating event completed. Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.
Half Marathon- The half marathon is a 13.1 mile loop with a remote start near City Hall on Big Bear Boulevard. It follows a similar course to the full marathon but there is no turnaround at Sandalwood. Instead, this course meanders through beautiful neighborhoods and along our Park Avenue. It returns briefly to Big Bear Boulevard and continues west bound in the number one lane until a right turn returns runners to the Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish. Half marathon participants will receive a swag bag, t-shirt, nutrition and fluids at aid stations. At the finish line, half marathon runners will receive a finisher’s medal with a distinctive ribbon indicating event completed. Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.
5K- The 5K is a 3.1 mile out-and-back course starting at Pine Knot Landing and proceeding west bound on Big Bear Boulevard until just before City Hall, where it will turn around and head back to the Pine Knot Landing finish line. There are no aid station stops for the 5K run. 5K participants will receive a swag bag and t-shirt. At the finish line, 5L runners will receive a finisher’s medal with a distinctive ribbon indicating event completed. Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.
Kid’s Kritter Run- The Kid’s Kritter Run will start at Pine Knot Landing. It is a one mile run designed especially for children ages 11 and under. It will take place at the main Start/Finish area on Pine Knot Landing, and will consist of short loops on the Landing’s Peninsula. Kid’s Run participants will receive a Sierra Club goody bag, Run The Bear Kid’s medal and, while supplies last, a Kritter Kap of a favorite forest creature.
Bike Tour- The bike tour is a 15.1 mile loop around Big Bear Lake, and offers a rare opportunity to enjoy riding around the lake without cars in your lane. Those completing the loop within the 1:10 cut off time will have the option of going out for a second lap. Bike Tour participants will receive a swag bag, bike plate, t-shirt and customized, collectable Run The Bear water bottle.
Arrival:
We strongly encourage you to spend the night before the race in Big Bear to avoid any inconveniences due to travel restrictions in force for the event. However, if you must travel to Big Bear on race day, you should consider using either Highway 38 (from Redlands/Yucaipa) or Highway 18 (from Lucerne Valley) to come up to the mountains. Avoid Highway 330/18 (from Highland/Running Springs). Note that traffic around the lake will be restricted to a ‘counter clockwise’-only direction Saturday before, during, and after the event.
Lodging:
There is plenty of lodging available very nearby the Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish area. For more information and some great package discounts, contact the Big Bear Lake Resort Association at 800-424-4232 or www.bigbear.com.
Pre-Race Activities:
We encourage you, your family members and friends to stroll through the beautiful Village of Big Bear Lake. You may enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in the area, shop, take in a movie, listen to live music at “Friday Night Live in the Village”, or partake of a Spaghetti Feast Fundraiser for Big Bear Middle School Cross Country Team (at the Middle School, 41275 Big Bear Boulevard, just a few blocks away from the Registration and Packet Pick Up area).
Packet Pick Up:
All participants must go to the Registration and Packet Pick Up area located at Pine Knot Landing, 439 Pine Knot, Big Bear Lake, California, to claim your t-shirt, bib or bike plate, and timing chip, if applicable. We encourage all participants to register online and pick up their packets Friday evening.
- You MUST bring valid identification to pick up your packet. It is also recommended you bring a copy of your registration confirmation email you received from online registration.
- You MUST pick up your packet WELL BEFORE the event. Full marathon, 5K, Kids Run, and bike tour participants must pick up their packets no later than 30 minutes before the start of those events. Half marathon participants must pick up their packets one and a half hours before their event due to their remote start. Bike Tour participants will want to be in line before Packet Pick Up opens.
- If you are picking up for a friend or relative, you must bring a copy of their identification, a copy of any registration confirmation email they received from online registration, and a note authorizing you, by name, to pick up their packet.
- If you are under 18, YOU MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN TO SIGN YOUR PARTICIPANT’S WAIVER
Onsite & Race Day Registration:
We strongly recommend you pre-register before your arrival in Big Bear. As an alternative, you can register onsite Friday evening for all events. We will also accommodate same day registration on Saturday with the following restrictions: Full marathon registration is available until 8:00 a.m. Half marathon registration will close at 6:45 a.m., 5K will close at 9:00 a.m. and the Kid’s Kritter Run will close at 10:30 a.m. Bike Tour participants may register between 6:00 and 6:20 a.m. For all events except the Kid’s Kritter Run (free), there will be a $10.00 service charge for same day Saturday registration. Only cash and checks will be accepted onsite. Please note that t-shirt availability and choice of size may be limited for onsite registrants. Shirts will be available while supplies last and we may not be able to accommodate all size requests. In the event that we do not have shirts remaining for same day registrants, we will make arrangements to send a shirt to you after the event. Also note that event logistics require we adhere to stated start times - same day registration cut off times are fixed and cannot be extended to accommodate late arrivals or long lines. Please register and arrive early! (And yes, we know the original paper registration form printed months ago says no race-day registration. It’s okay with us if you want to follow that and pre-register. 
)
Timing Chips & Bibs:
The full marathon, half marathon, and 5K will be timed using both a bib number and timing chip, which will affix to your shoe. You MUST wear your bib on the front of your shirt and attach the chip to your shoe. If you do not wear both your bib and chip, your time will not be recorded properly. Please make sure that your chip number and bib number match. Do not allow anyone else to run with your bib. If someone else uses your bib, both you and the person running with your bib will be disqualified. Do not cut or fold your bib in any way.
Race Day:
Whether you are participating in the full or half marathon, bike tour, 5K or Sierra Club’s Kid’s Kritter Run, we cannot stress enough the importance of EARLY ARRIVAL. You should anticipate a crowded Start/Finish areas, and possibly some traffic delays due to road closures. For your convenience, we have arranged for parking within easy walking distance of the Start/Finish area and shuttle loading area of the half marathon participants.
Parking:
As mentioned previously, ample parking is available in close proximity to the Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish and Registration/Packet Pick Up area. There will be directional signage leading you to event parking, and lot attendants will be able to answer your questions about the event. There is also ample parking along city streets – just pay attention to any no parking signs. Following are parking lot locations:
| Parking Lot | Address | Entrance |
| Community Church | 40946 Big Bear Blvd Big Bear Lake |
Big Bear Boulevard just east of Knickerbocker |
| First Mountain Bank | 40865 Big Bear Blvd Big Bear Lake |
Knickerbocker, immediately south of Big Bear Boulevard |
| Presbyterian Church | 579 Knickerbocker Rd Big Bear Lake |
Knickerbocker, a few blocks south of First Mountain Bank |
| Calvary Church | 713 Stocker Road Big Bear Lake |
At the corner of Pine Knot and Pennsylvania – please use designated spaces only |
| Bartlett Parking Lot | 630 Bartlett Road Big Bear Lake |
Bartlett Road – one block west of Pine Knot Avenue off Big Bear Boulevard |
The Start:
The start line for the bike tour, full marathon, 5K and Kid’s Kritter Run is located at the Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish area, 439 Pine Knot Avenue. Pine Knot Landing is at the North end of the Village, past the Post Office and IHOP, on the edge of the Lake. Pace per mile signs will be hung along the start corrals; for your safety and best experience please proceed to the start area that matches your anticipated pace per mile. Arrowhead water will be available at the Start line, as well as toilets.
The start line for the half marathon is located at City Hall, 39707 Big Bear Blvd. Shuttle busses will take runners from the Bartlett Parking Lot to the City Hall remote start. Busses will run from 6:30 – 8:00 a.m., with the last bus leaving the lot at 7:30 a.m. DO NOT MISS THE BUS! Access to the half start will be severely limited by lane closures in effect for the event. ARRIVE EARLY to make sure you are on a shuttle to the start line.
If you want to store anything, there will be a bag check at the Registration/Packet Pick Up area located at the Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish. Please bring a small, sturdy bag with your name, cell phone number and bib number written on or attached to the bag. Do not leave anything fragile or valuable in your bag as we are not liable for its loss or damage.
Temperatures & Elevation:
Average race day temperatures historically have a high of 74ºF and a low of 41ºF. Plan for it to be cold early in the morning and then heat up to the 70s by midday. One of the unique features of the Run the Bear event is its high altitude, which averages about 6800’. Keep in mind because of dryer air and cooler temperatures, dehydration occurs more frequently at higher altitude, so it is important to remain hydrated.
Aid Stations:
Eleven aid Stations will be available to runners approximately every 1.5 miles along the course. All aid stations will supply Arrowhead water. Most will supply Heed fluid replacement drink. Nutrition for distance runners has been recommended by Mickey Hall, Iron Man Triathlete, Track Coach and father to Big Bear’s own Olympian, Ryan Hall. Aid Stations are staffed by Big Bear’s renowned volunteer community – big hearted people who delight in sharing our beautiful mountain environment with our guests.
Medical Aid Stations:
In the event you need medical attention, go to the nearest Medical Aid Station, which are placed strategically around the course. Locations are:
- Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish Area (Main Medical Station),
- Castle Rock Aid Station,
- Fawnskin Realty Aid Station
- Sandalwood Turnaround Aid Station.
The staff at the Medical Aid Station will sign you in and provide medical attention. In the event that you are unable to complete the race, a SAG vehicle will take you to the finish line or EMS will transport you to the nearest hospital.
Please fill out your medical information on the back of your race bib BEFORE the race. If a runner needs medical attention at the end of/after the race, you must go to the Main Medical Tent located at the Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish area.
Course Time Limits:
Full marathon participants must be able to complete the course in 6 hours. This means you must maintain a 13:44-minute-per-mile pace or faster. You must arrive at the half way loop point by 11:40 a.m. If not, you will be asked to take a sweep vehicle back to the finish. For the half marathon, you must be able to complete the course in 4.5 hours. This means you must maintain a 20:36-minute-per-mile pace or faster.
Race Radio:
KBHR 93.3 is the official race radio for the Big Bear Lake Marathon and will be simulcasting during the event periodically throughout the day. Tune your FM radio to 93.3 for the latest event-related information.
Downed and Dropped Runners:
If you need to drop out, please report to the nearest aid station so that your name and bib number can be recorded and transmitted back to the Family Reunion area. A vehicle will pick up runners unable to complete the event. All runners must give the shuttle driver their timing chip.
Important Reminder:
Anyone who has been found to have gained unfair advantage by receiving assistance or cutting the course shall be immediately disqualified. Other than in the Bike Tour, no bicycles are allowed. Strollers, skateboards, in line skates or roller skates are also prohibited.
The Finish:
The finish line is located at 439 Pine Knot Avenue at Pine Knot Landing. Runners will be directed toward the finish line. Please do not stop until you’ve reached the Finisher Medal Area. Access to the Finish Line is restricted to runners and race officials only! Families and friends are directed to meet at the Family Reunion Area.
Awards:
Awards for the top three men and women finishers in the full, half and 5K races will be given at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Pine Knot Landing Start/Finish Awards Platform. Awards for winners of ‘Conquer The Bear’ will also take place at that time. Awards for top male and female finishers by event, by age category will “roll” throughout the day. All finishers will receive a collectable ‘Square Bear’ finisher’s medal, with ribbons that distinguish each event completed.
Race Results:
Race Results will be posted onsite on the Results board located in the Registration area at Pine Knot Landing. Results will also be available online at www.resultsbyprimetime.com.
Friends and Family Reunion Area:
The Friends and Family Reunion Area will be located where Registration/Packet Pick Up took place at Pine Knot Landing. Downed or dropped runner information will be available in the Family Reunion area. There will be medical services available in close proximity to the reunion area, at the Main Medical Station at Pine Knot landing.
Traveling Home:
Consider staying Saturday night in Big Bear to give yourself a relaxing treat after your accomplishment of ‘Running the Bear’. For lodging information, contact the Big Bear Lake Resort Association at 800-424-4232 or www.bigbear.com. If you must travel home, keep in mind that traffic around the lake will be restricted to a ‘counter clockwise’ direction until approximately 3:00 p.m. Alternate routes for leaving Big Bear via Highway 38 (to Redlands/Yucaipa) or Highway 18 (to Lucerne Valley) are strongly recommended.
Course Maps:
Full Marathon (26.2 miles) Map:
Half Marathon (13.1 miles) Map:
Kids Run (1 mile) Map:
(The Kids Run will take place at the main Start/Finish area on Pine Knot Landing, and will consist of short loops on the Landing’s Peninsula.)
Bike Tour (15 or 30 miles) Map:
Elevation Profiles:
Contact Us:
Run the Bear - Big Bear Lake Marathon
c/o The Lighthouse Project
P.O. Box 100
Fawnskin, CA 92333
Email: info(at)bigbearlakemarathon.com
Telephone: 888-906-9998
Fax: 909-878-9132
Website: www.bigbearlakemarathon.com