Bear Mountain Trail Running Race

About the Event

The Bear Mountain Trail Running Race 2026, hosted by Heads or Trails, is a rugged endurance event set in the challenging terrain of Mission, British Columbia. Scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, the race is known for its "tough climbs and fast, flowy downhills," providing a comprehensive test for trail runners of all levels. The event also serves a philanthropic purpose, raising funds for Mission Search and Rescue and the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association.

Race Distance	Total Ascent	Difficulty Profile	Start Time
30 KM	1,540 meters	Technical and Steep	7:30 AM PDT
15 KM	770 meters	Moderate and Flowy	7:30 AM PDT
8 KM	330 meters	Short and Punchy	7:30 AM PDT
Kids Race	Minimal	500m Out-and-Back	To Be Announced

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

-- Venue Location: The race headquarters is situated at Bear Mountain Park on Dewdney Trunk Road, Mission, BC. The area is renowned for its technical mountain bike trails, which form the basis for the race route.
-- Race Series Integration: This event is part of a larger series; participants can register for the entire series at a discounted rate. Additionally, there is a sister XC Bike event held at the same location for those interested in a multi-sport challenge.
-- Registration Details: Online registration closes approximately 23 days before the event. Fees are presented as inclusive of all processing charges to comply with regional consumer pricing legislation.
-- Student Participation: A discounted rate is available for students in the 8 km category, provided they present a valid student ID card on the day of the race.
-- Youth Participation: For participants under 19 entering the 8 km distance, a specific U-19 waiver must be completed prior to the start.
-- Charity Partnerships: A portion of the proceeds and additional fundraising efforts benefit Mission Search and Rescue (currently at 41% of their $1,250 goal) and the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association (currently at 12% of their goal).
-- Sponsorship: The event is supported by local partners, including Life Cycles Bike Shop, reflecting the strong connection between the trail running and cycling communities in the Fraser Valley.
-- Preparation: Given the significant ascent and descent in all categories, runners are advised to train on technical trails and carry essential hydration, as the terrain is demanding and weather in the valley can be unpredictable in late May.

The Bear Mountain Trail Running Race 2026 offers an authentic West Coast trail experience, combining a community atmosphere with some of the most challenging vertical gains in the regional racing calendar.

Races Offered

15 km

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 15km

terrain

Type — Running

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07:30

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$77.49

30 km

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 30km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

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$104.41

8 km

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 8km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

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$55.94

8 km for students

May 23, 2026

straighten

Distance — 8km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$45.18

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Mission.

thermostat Temperature

7.6° / 17.4°

wb_sunny Feels like

5.8° / 15.4°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

9h 41m

water_drop Avg rainfall

3.6 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

5.9 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (4.2)

humidity_mid Humidity

76.5%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:24

nightlight Sunset

20:45

About Mission

Learn more about the host city, Mission.

Mission is a town and district municipality of about 39,000 people (2016) in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia. It was founded in 1892 in the land of the Stó:lō First Nations people. It is home to early BC railway links and hydroelectric power, and a Benedictine monastery on a hilltop with stunning views.