Bear Creek Run Half Marathon

Table of Contents

Bear Creek Run Half marathon

General information

The Bear Creek Run Half Marathon has been a favorite race in Mid-Missouri for more than 10 years. Runners and walkers have come to love the scenic course along the Bear Creek Trail as well as the encouraging volunteers, great race shirts, finisher medals and unique awards by local artists. The 13.1 mile course starts and finishes at Albert-Oakland Park and takes participants to Columbia’s Cosmo Park and back on 80 percent gravel trail. “Inspiration Hill” will keep runners motivated as they approach the half-way point. There are aid stations (water stops) every mile to mile-and-a-half along the well-marked course.

Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, 8 a.m.
Location: 
Bear Creek Trail
Start and Finish: 
Race starts and finishes at Albert-Oakland Park, 1900 Blue Ridge Rd.
Length: 
13.1 mile run/walk 
Cost:
$65 advance registration required
Registration maximum:
250

Registration information

Race schedule (subject to change)

Friday, Oct. 25, 2024

  • 4:30-6 p.m.: Packet pick up at the ARC, 1701 West Ash St.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024

  • 6:30-7:50 a.m.: Packet pick up at Albert-Oakland Park, 1900 Blue Ridge Rd.
  • 8 a.m.: Half Marathon begins
  • 9 a.m.: Post-race food available
  • 10:45 a.m.: Awards
  • 12:30 p.m.: Race course closes

Bear Creek Run registrants will receive:

  • Bear Creek Run Half Marathon long sleeve performance fabric race shirt (unisex sizes) register before Oct. 4 to be guaranteed a shirt size.
  • Bear Creek Run finisher medal
  • Post race food
  • Chip timing
  • In-person race awards will be given to the first place overall male and female finishers and the first, second and third place males and females in these age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over.  $100 prize will be awarded to the top overall male and female finishers.

Race map

Bear Creek Run map 2023

Race sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors!

Activity and Recreation Center
Fleet Feet Columbia

Bear Creek Run Half Marathon Training Group

  • Bear Creek Run Training GroupDates: Starts June 4, 2024 (Group meetings on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, subject to change)
    • Informational meeting and first run: June 4, 6:30 p.m., meet at Stadium trailhead of MKT Trail
  • Location: Columbia Trails
  • Duration: 20 weeks
  • Cost: $200 (includes Bear Creek Half Marathon registration of $65)

Here is what one of the participants had to say after the race was over:

“Running in the Couch to Half-Marathon training group was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. I never would have thought I was able to run, let along complete a half marathon! The coaching and group support were the piece I was always missing. This group changed the way I thought about myself and fitness and the lasting friendships I made have been amazing!”

Couch to Creek Training Group Registration:

Volunteer opportunities

Interested in being part of the event? If so, please visit the Volunteering page. Volunteers play a huge role in the success of these events and their support is greatly appreciated!

Race photos and results