
Bear Mountain Trail Running Race 2026
The Bear Mountain Trail Running Race takes place on May 23, 2026 in Mission, BC and is organized by Heads Or Trails. It is a single-day trail running event that sits firmly in late-spring race season on the North Shore of the Fraser Valley.
The event offers three timed distances: an 8 km (≈327m+ elevation) quick trail race, a 15 km mountain loop (≈770m+ elevation), and a 30 km option that runs the 15 km loop twice (≈1,540m+ elevation). Race morning has a staggered schedule with racer check-in early in the morning, a 30 km start at 8:30 AM, the 15 km at 9:00 AM and the 8 km at 9:30 AM; a kids’ race also takes place shortly after the 8 km start.
What sets Bear Mountain apart is its concentrated climbing and true mountain trail character — the 15 km single loop packs sustained vertical and technical trail sections that reward strong climbing and line choice. The event submits results to ITRA and UTMB for performance index scoring, and the 30 km carries a clear logistical cut-off (2:30 PM / 5 hr) at Aid Station 3 for runners completing the second lap. The race pairs with the Bear Mountain Bike Race the following day, creating a weekend festival vibe for runners who want to spectate, crew, or ride.
Entrants register online through Race Roster; registration links and entry details are provided on the event registration pages.
EVENTS
Bear Mountain Trail Race — 15 km
Bear Mountain Trail Race — 8 km (student)
Bear Mountain Trail Race — 8 km (adult)
Kids' Race (500 m out-and-back)
Course Details
- Mountain trail terrain on Bear Mountain near Mission, BC
- 15 km single loop with ~770m+ elevation; 30 km = two laps totalling ~1,540m+
- 8 km course gains ~327m+ elevation
- 30 km runners subject to a 2:30 PM (5 hr) cut-off at Aid Station 3
Race Highlights
- Big climbing challenge: 30K packs approximately 1,540m of elevation (15K = 770m+, 8K = 327m+)
- ITRA & UTMB indexed: Heads Or Trails submits results to ITRA and UTMB for performance index scoring
- Repeatable 15 km loop: The 30K is two laps of the 15K course, with a 5-hour cut-off at Aid Station 3
- Paired weekend option: The Bear Mountain Bike Race runs the next day (May 24) for multisport participants
- Kids' race on race morning: A short children's race starts shortly after the 8 km field