Hendersonville – On Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 8am, the third-annual Black Bear Half Marathon & 8K sponsored by Hunter Subaru roared back into Hendersonville, North Carolina! The Black Bear races, which take place in the midst of peak leaf season, have grown to become one of the most well-liked fall activities in the area. The picturesque Oklawaha Greenway, park trails, and downtown city streets are all used in both events. This race is ideal for athletes looking to beat their previous bests because the routes are mainly flat and quick! When you put your mind to something, nothing is “impawsible”! Get out there and enjoy a stunning, picturesque fall run!
New for 2022!
This 8-kilometer race was officially sanctioned and certified by USA Track & Field (USATF)! Race director Daphne Kirkwood. She claims that having the races recognized and sanctioned by the USATF gives them a distinct seal of legitimacy. Any road running performance must be validated before it can be considered a record or for a runner to be ranked nationally.
Running enthusiasts may feel secure knowing that they will complete the distance they committed to by sanctioning and certifying the Black Bear race courses. We are overjoyed that the procedure has been finished and that both courses have been precisely measured in accordance with USATF requirements.
Exciting Event Highlights
Participants received a variety of fantastic benefits along with their race registration, not just the “bear” needs! Half marathoners chose from a men’s or women’s dri-fit, Brooks technical running shirt. A Hunter Subaru goodie bag and a commemorative finisher medal were dispensed participants. A magnificent, locally created, personalized clay cup was issued to the winners of the Overall and Age Group awards! They are so amazing that we can hardly believe it.
The event served as the Appalachian Trilogy’s last half marathon as well; a series of four half marathon races in Western North Carolina scheduled for 2022 that have drawn close to 200 racers so far this year. The Asheville Marathon and Half in March served as the first race in the Trilogy, which also included the Jump off Rock Half Marathon in May and the RAD Half Marathon in Asheville in June. At the completion of the Black Bear Half Marathon race, series competitors will get their unique trilogy medal.
Post Race Festivities
After one has run their heart out, they can enjoy some bluegrass music, local beer, an apple cider doughnus, and food from the Hendersonville Community Co-op! At the Recovery Zone, runners were welcome to unwind and recover, getting a massage from Yoga and Massage, an injury screening service from Movement for Life or Asheville Personal Training.