RRRC Bear Creek 10 Mile Trail Run

Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland, VA -- Race Check-in and Start/Finish Area

The 10-mile (plus a little extra) loop course starts with five miles out primarily on the Willis River Trail before heading back on sections of the Cumberland Multi-use, Lost Barr Loop, Lakeside and other trails. The run is 98% trail and about 2% road. The Willis River Trail is the single-track and somewhat challenging section: the second half of the race can be run faster and more easily. There are no significant elevation changes, but you will still get about 1,000 feet of vert. The trail crosses several creeks, has numerous short hills and includes some challenging sections with fallen trees across the path and leaves, roots and mud underfoot. This map provides a general overview of the loop course but it will be wise to follow the course markings on race day and even then some runners manage to wander off course. 

 

WATER STATIONS: Water will be available at two locations along the course (WS on the map, mile points 3.5 and 7.5). WE ARE A "CUP-FREE" RACE. BRING YOUR PERSONAL HYDRATION CONTAINER (CUP, BOTTLE, BLADDER) FOR USE AT THE WATER STATIONS.

 

THIS IS A TRAIL RACE. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. BE ALERT FOR DOWNED TREES ACROSS THE COURSE, ROOTS, STONES, MUD, TREE LIMBS, STREAM CROSSINGS, WATER, SNOW/ICE, ETC. WATCH FOR TRAFFIC AT THE FEW ROAD CROSSINGS. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FELLOW RUNNERS AND COURSE MARSHALS. In consideration of the safety of all participants, race participants may not bring a dog(s) on the course during the race. The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, RRRC encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Bear Creek 10 Mile Trail Run. 

This is a trail race. In 2024, 90% of participants finished this 10-mile course in under 3 hours. 

Walkers/hikers are welcome to participate. We ask that anyone who expects that they need more than 3 hours and 30 minutes to finish the course contact us before the race. We have some options to support you and respect the time of our race volunteers.

Runners must be 14 years of age or older to participate in this trail run.

 

Online Registration for In-Person Race

• Through January 1, 2025: RRRC members $35 plus processing fee. Non-members $45 plus processing fee.
• January 2 to February 21: RRRC members $40 plus processing fee. Non-members: $50 plus processing fee.
• Online registration is capped at 275 runners.
• Online registration will close FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21 @ 11:59 PM or when the race is at capacity.

Online Registration for Virtual Run

• RRRC members: $10 plus processing fee. Non-members: $20 plus processing fee.
• Registrants for the virtual run DO NOT GET A RACE SHIRT.
• Online registration for the virtual run will close SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 @ 11:59 PM. Results may be posted on February 22-24.

Withdrawal & Waitlist

• A runner may withdraw from the in-person race before Sunday, February 2 @ 11:59 PM. You will receive a refund of the race registration fee (but not the initial processing fee). You also have the option to transfer to the virtual run. Log into your RunSignup account, find Bear Creek under your Upcoming Races, and click "Manage Registration." 
• If race registrations for the in-person race reach the participant cap, you may sign up on the waitlist. Selection from the waitlist is on a first-come, first-served basis, as spots become available. 

There is NO race day registration.

Any discounts will be applied at check out.

 

Refund Policy: All entry fees and processing fees, except as noted above, are non-refundable and non-transferable, no exceptions. Registrations cannot be deferred to a later race. Bib numbers are not transferrable. In the event of postponements or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, there will be no refunds. All participants registered for the in-person race will be transferred to the virtual run.

Please carpool due to limited parking in the race start area.

When arriving at the park, do not pay the park entrance fee -- it is included in your registration.

Anyone planning to spend Saturday night at the park needs to call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at (800) 933-7275, in advance.

AND...pack out ALL of your trash. Thanks.

Race Shirts

There are three shirt options: 1) short-sleeve technical tee, 2) long-sleeve cotton/poly tee (added cost), and 3) no shirt (price discount).

 

Runners registering for the Bear Creek 10 Miler by Tuesday, February 12 @ 11:59 PM receive a race shirt (guaranteed you get the size and style you requested -- but we can't guarantee the perfect fit or your ideal color). Runners who register after that date may be able to get a race shirt after the race, while the supply lasts.

 

Runners registering for the virtual 10-mile run do not get a race shirt.

Awards (in-person race only)

Gift certificates will be awarded (based on chip time) to:

• Top three male finishers overall (not eligible for U20 or masters awards)
• Top three female finishers overall (not eligible for U20 or masters awards)
• Top male and top female masters (age 40+, not eligible for 5-year age group awards)
• Top male and top female grandmasters (age 50+, not eligible for 5-year age group awards)
• Top male and top female senior grandmasters (age 60+, not eligible for 5-year age group awards) 
• Top male and top female finisher in 5-year age groups (under 20 through 70+)

 

Awards ceremony will be at 10:45 AM in the start/finish area.

 

Post-race Food: Once runners/walkers complete the race, you will have a selection of snacks and a sports drink in the start/finish area. 

On race morning only starting at 7:30 AM!

The check-in station will be at the Bear Creek Lodge in Bear Creek Lake State Park.

Follow the signs once you enter the park. 

Dave Trump and Rainey Niklawski

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Questions?