Big Bear Marathon

All permits have been processed, a 26.2 miles course has been mapped out and registration is officially open for the inaugural Big Bear Marathon set for September 6, 2008. The Big Bear Marathon is the highest altitude race in California at 7000.' Runners will enjoy a scenic course that meanders around Big Bear Lake with quality air conditions. Get the latest updates

The Big Bear Marathon is a joint effort between event producers HBT Events and Mountain Multisport. For more than two years promoters Josh Morey of Mountain Multisport and Darrell Courtney of HBT Events were determined to find a new site for an annual marathon race. The two producers combined resources and developed an aggressive analysis campaign with surveys at various sporting events throughout Southern California and Nevada. The purpose was to find out where athletes and spectators wanted to have a race.

In addition, the Resort Association would like to reward athletes who train for the marathon and other high altitude training with its "High Altitude Training" lodging discounts good May 2008 - September 2008 (non-holidays). "High Altitude Training" discounts are 10% for weekends and 15% for midweek non-holiday and non-race weekend.

Traffic Advisory for Big Bear Marathon 9/6/08

Road closures will be in effect for the inaugural Big Bear Marathon Saturday, September 6. More than 2,000 people are expected to participate in the Marathon and various other races including the 5K Run/Walk, Bike Tour and Half Marathon Saturday, September 6. Organizers are doing everything they can to minimize traffic delays for local residents and guests. More than 25 officers from the California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County Sheriff Department will be stationed at key traffic points throughout the race to minimize delays and provide safety.
Start Times:                                                              Starting Gate Location:     
6 a.m. – Bike Tour……………………………….Pine Knot Ave. /Pedder Rd. (Village)
6:30 a.m. – Marathon (26.2 Miles)………………Pine Knot Ave. /Pedder Rd. (Village)
7:30 a.m. – 5K run/walk ………………………...Pine Knot Ave. /Pedder Rd. (Village)
7:30 a.m. Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)………......Division & North Shore Drive (Hwy 38)

• To minimize neighborhood congestion, athletes will park in Snow Summit's parking lot(s) and shuttle to the Village and Half Marathon start at Division & North Shore Drive.

Key Road Closures:
There will be athletes arriving all day on Friday, but road closures will not start until Saturday morning before the race.

• Hwy 18 / Big Bear Blvd. will be closed to westbound traffic from the starting area on Pine Knot Ave. to the Big Bear Dam This hard closure is expected to last from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to allow safe participation in the bike tour, marathon and 5K run/walk. Limited eastbound traffic will be allowed with significant delays. Take alternate routes during these times.
• Hwy 38 / North Shore Drive from Big Bear Dam to Paradise Way will be closed to eastbound traffic. Hwy 38 / North Shore Drive will remain open to westbound traffic during the race, and progressively re-open to eastbound traffic as the last runners move along the course.
• The southbound lane of Paradise Way will be closed during the race with side streets blocked and detours in place.  
• Big Bear Blvd. between Knight Ave. and Pine Knot Ave. will allow one traffic lane in each direction until all runners are clear.
• Expect some delays as runners cross on Big Bear Blvd. at Summit Blvd. and Division Dr., and at Lakeview Drive and Pine Knot Avenue (The Village).
• See attached Marathon map to see other streets the race may have an effect on in Big Bear City, Moonridge and Eagle Point. 
• Detour signs and other directional signs will be posted throughout the race.   
• Traffic is expected to be back to normal early Saturday afternoon, no later than 2 p.m.