Race Day Guide

The Bearathon is supported by:

Are the medals the same as last year?

Yes. This strategy enables us to give more money to scholarships and decrease waste. Every year, we have to over-order medals to ensure every runner receives one. This means we have surplus medals at the end of every race. If we produce a new medal design every year, we have to throw away thousands of dollars worth of medals from the previous year. The cost of producing new medals is also higher than producing the same design year over year. Nonetheless, we do print new medal ribbons every year to differentiate each race. We realize runners would prefer a new medal design each year but we believe we can all agree that providing a pathway for more students to earn a college degree, which is a life altering achievement, is more important.

Race Start Times

The Bearathon half-marathon will begin at 7:00 AM. The race will start and finish at McLane Stadium.

The Sic 'Em 6K will begin at 8:00 AM. The race will start and finish at McLane Stadium.

We recommend reviewing the Parking and Construction Updates page to plan for your arrival to the race.

Bearathon half-marathon runners can arrive at the starting chute beginning at 6:00 AM.

Sic 'Em 6K runners can arrive at the starting chute beginning at 7:15 AM.

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 End Time

Both the Bearathon and the Sic 'Em 6K will officially conclude at noon. At that time the course will be closed, opened to vehicular traffic, and any remaining runners will be transported the start/finish area.

Packet Pickup

Visit our race packet page for details.

Pick up your packet before race day.

Anticipate long lines for packet pickup the morning of the race.

The races will not be delayed due to packet pickup delays.

We highly recommend picking up your packet in advance of race day.

Parking Information

Visit our parking page for details.

Course and Distance Information

Please visit our course page for more information.

Why does my GPS watch say I ran farther 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 Restrictions

Please visit our course page for more information.

Mileage Markers

Mile markers are positioned at every mile. Near each mile marker, there will be a water station supplied with sports drinks and water that will be handed to runners. Mile 13 does not feature a support station.

Please visit our course page for more information.

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.
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.

Each support station is also equipped with necessary equipment and training to understand injury and severe weather protocols, led by the Student Foundation representative.

Bib Requirements

Please fill in the necessary medical information and emergency contacts on the back of your bib. Do not alter the bib number in any way. Securely fasten the bib to the front of your running outfit with the accompanying safety pins. All bib numbers must be visible and worn on the front and outside of all clothing during the race. Bib numbers are non-transferable and must be worn only by the participant to whom it was assigned and for the correct course (half marathon or 6K). Your bib contains a timing chip that will accurately record your race time. If you alter your bib in any manner, we are not liable for timing errors.

Runner Staging

Pace flags adjacent to the starting chute will designate where runners should line up according to anticipated completion time. We encourage you to be in your appropriate group at least 15 minutes before your race's start time ( 6:45 a.m. for the half marathon, 7:45 a.m. for the 6K). We will also have pace runners for the popular predicted race times, beginning at 1:30:00 overall finish time up to a 2:40:00 overall finish time. The 6K does not feature pacers.

Pace Runners

This year's event will include pace runners to lead race participants at a targeted pace throughout the course, beginning with an overall pace time of 1:30:00 and going in 10 minute increments up until 2:30:00. Simply line up at the start line with your pacing time and find our pace runners by their marked apparel.

Bag Check

There will be a bag check tent located at the berm concession stand of McLane Stadium where runners may leave a bag during the duration of the race. Bag check opens at 6:00 AM on Saturday, March 29th. All personal belongings must be kept in some type of bag. Loose items (individual keys, individual cell phones, individual wallets, etc.) cannot be checked. Race personnel will monitor bags in a secure area at all times. All bags must be picked up by 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will be stationed at the bag drop area to secure belongings but Student Foundation is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.

First Aid and Medical Support

A Pre-Race First Aid Station will be provided near the start/finish area providing adhesive bandages, petroleum jelly, water, and sports drinks. The Pre-Race First Aid Station will open at 6:00 a.m.

Medical staff at the start/finish line will be ready to assist you at any time. Members of Baylor Scott & White Healthcare will be positioned throughout the course to provide assistance. The first aid volunteers will have the right to withdraw any runner from the race that appears in distress or at risk should they continue running. There will be a fully equipped Medical Tent staffed by a team of medical professionals and EMTs near the start/finish area. Only those requiring medical assistance will be allowed access to the First Aid area.

Inclement Weather

Visit our Inclement Weather and Cancellation page for more information.

Finish Line Information

Both the Sic 'Em 6K and half marathon conclude on the McLane Stadium field.

Official race times will be recorded as you cross the finish line, but please allow time for us to process your results. After you cross the finish line, you will continue down the path indicated by the barricades. There will be water and electrolyte drinks available below the large screen inside McLane Stadium. Student Foundation members will be nearby to direct you.

Official race results will be posted to the Bearathon website as soon as they are available.

Spectators will not obstruct your route as they have separate areas to congregate for cheering and photographs. Runners will be able to join their respective parties in the spectator sections but spectators are not allowed within the bounds of the runner’s finish area. This includes the runner specific food areas.

Medical staff will be on site at the finish line to assess runners experiencing medical complications.

Finishers who place in a paid category report to the Race Operations tent on the McLane Stadium plaza to provide financial information so earnings can be transferred securely electronically.

Pets are not permitted at the finish line because McLane Stadium prohibits animals on the field.

Fine particulate, like dust, glitter, confetti, etc. are not permitted on the McLane Stadium field, as race staff will be required to remove every piece by hand.

Runner Refreshments

Free snacks and beverages will be available for all participants. Spectators will not have access to runner refreshments.

Prize Money Divisions (Half Marathon Only)

Overall male (top three)

Overall female (top three)

Masters (men and women; 40+; 1st place)

Baylor Student (men and women; 1st place)

Baylor Faculty/Staff (men and women; 1st place)

Non-Prize Money Age Divisions

There are no Sic 'Em 6K prize money winners.

18-25

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70+

Awards

Open Division (overall) winners (both male and female) of the half marathon will be awarded $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place. Prize money of $200 for first place will also be awarded to the top male and female finishers in three other divisions: Baylor Student Division, Baylor Faculty/Staff Division, and Master's Division (ages 40+).

To ensure the secure transfer of prize money, winning athletes will be asked to complete documentation after the race that will enable Baylor University to send prize money directly.

If you believe you are a division winner, please visit the race operations tent after completing the course.

Winners who fail to contact race staff by 5:00 PM, April 2nd, may no longer be eligible to receive prize money.

Lost and Found

Student Foundation members will be present at the Race Operations tent to answer any questions you may have. If you lose any belongings, please visit the Race Operations tent to inquire about your missing items. All items unclaimed will be returned to the Ed Crenshaw Student Foundation Center on Baylor's campus. If you have questions about items after the race, please contact us at bearathon@baylor.edu. We will donate all items left unclaimed a week after the race.

Railroad Information

This year's course requires runners to cross over railroad tracks in two locations; an active set of railroad tracks at the intersection of 4th St. and Jackson Avenue, and an inactive set of tracks at the intersection of 4th St. and Mary Avenue. Tracks will be marked on the route with caution signs.

For security purposes, the railroad does not release detailed schedule information. Similarly, the railroad will not alter its regular train schedule for any reason. Yes, we have asked the railroad company for support but they have denied those requests. As a result, while we do not expect a train to interfere with our races, the possibility does exist.

Race staff will constantly monitor the railroad tracks for incoming trains. To ensure the safety of our runners, we will pause the race if a train enters the race area. The race will resume once the train has left and race staff has deemed it safe to continue. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience, and thank you for your cooperation as we work to execute a safe, enjoyable race for everyone.

Pre-Race Medical Information

A pre-race physical exam by a qualified physician is a must for any runner with a history of heart disease, hypertension, lung disease/asthma, COVID-19, stroke, seizures, diabetes, as well as anyone with questions or concerns about participating in a half marathon or 6K. If within two days of the race you have had diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or other illness, we advise you to not run in our race. If during the race you develop any of these symptoms or chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats, you should stop running and seek medical attention. Major medical emergencies can occur when people ignore these symptoms. Please do not risk your health. Likewise, if you have any recent injuries, please consider refraining from participation.

Start Line Information

Runners must start the appropriate race at the designated time; runners are not permitted to start either race before or after the designated start time. The race will begin and end at McLane Stadium. You may arrive to the starting chutes as early as 6:00 a.m. and we recommend that you plan to arrive early. Parking will be available near the start/finish area. There will be Student Foundation members wearing green-and-white-striped shirts to help you find your way around the following areas of the starting line: packet pickup, bag check, medical tent, restroom facilities, and start line.