Bearathon Course Information

Race Course Maps

Please note that total distances listed on MapMyRun are different than the actual race route. Mapping software, though generally accurate is not as precise as actual race measurements. Course maps provided below are intended to provide participants with a basic understanding of the race courses, not exact distances and measurements. Mile markers on maps below may not reflect exact mile marker locations on race course due to map software discrepancies. 

Links to the latest courses will be posted soon. 

Course Restrictions

• Dogs are not allowed on the half marathon or 6K course because the race concludes on the McLane Stadium field, which prohibits animals.
• Strollers are not allowed on the half marathon or 6K course  because the race concludes on the McLane Stadium field, which prohibits strollers and non-race essential wheeled vehicles.
• Dogs are not allowed on the field of McLane Stadium. 
• Runners are not permitted to receive mechanized support in reaching the finish line, such as that provided by a vehicle, a golf cart, a scooter, or a bicycle. Runners must reach the finish line entirely under their own power without assistance. 
• Runners who arrive after the official race start will not be permitted to participate in the race, as support stations, medical assistance, and traffic management provided by law enforcement officers will not be available to ensure safety and effective course navigation.
• Race organizers are permitted to decide if something is allowable or not.

Distances and Elevation

Why does my GPS watch say I ran something different than 13.1 miles?

The Bearathon and Sic 'Em 6K are professionally certified routes. This means USA Track and Field has verified the race distances via a course certifier, which guarantees the courses are reliable. Though the race course is the same for everyone, each runner takes a different path along the course, resulting in slight variations in distance traveled. Additionally, GPS watches, though increasingly accurate, have been shown to report inconsistencies in distances due to irregularities in satellite connection, elevation, and even overhead obstructions, like highways, trees, and buildings.

What is the elevation gain?

Each runner selects a slightly different path along the race course, resulting in variations in individual statistics. However, in 2024, our data indicated the half marathon featured 1,302 feat of total ascent throughout the entire course.

Course Restroom Facilities

Restrooms will be marked throughout the course for runners. The start/finish area will also have easily accessible restrooms available to runners and spectators

Support Stations

The Bearathon features three types of support stations along the course.

• Water Stations: Feature water and electrolyte drink mix. A water station will be located near each mile of the half marathon course except for mile 13. Energy gels will be available at some but not all water stations on the half-marathon course.
• First Aid Stations: Feature band aids, anti-chafing balm, sunscreen, etc. for minor medical issues. There are three aid stations located at mile five, nine, and at the start/finish area.
• Medical Stations: Staffed by medical professionals who can address major health-related issues. Medical stations are located at the start/finish area and Lovers’ Leap in Cameron Park.

Course Markings

The route will be designated by white chalk blazes along the ground, barricades, cones and other physical markers. 

Mile markers are verified but are still an approximation. Though the race course is the same, each runner takes a different path along the course, resulting in slight variations in distance traveled.