What should I expect at a Big Bear event?
We’ll look after you. Whether you’re an uber-experienced runner who’s done hundreds of marathons and just wants a no-hassle well organised event to do what they know they can do or you’re a complete newbie who needs help and explanations and hasn’t been to an event before - we’ve got you covered.
For those with experience of trail and events I like to think we do some of the best low-pressure, professional trail events in the country. Lower numbers means you’ll be treated like an individual and our aid stations have more variety of sweet and savoury food than you could ever really need. Low-key doesn’t mean unprofessional though, we take it seriously and know the importance of a well measured course (although it’s trail remember!), correct information and being looked after.
If you’re very new to trail running or events in general we try to make it as simple as possible. Lots of information is given out before, we’ve made videos of every venue so you can familiarise yourself with the venue before you arrive and have tried to make videos explaining every detail of the events. When you are with us there are plenty of staff and volunteers on hand to help answer any questions. We’re also very lucky to have lots of very experienced Big Bear entrants on every start line, someone will be able to help!
What do people say?
We use Racecheck to collect reviews. It’s an independent race review platform and a great way to see what other people just like you think of our events, and thousands of others too. We’ve had over 2000 5 star reviews over the years and won “Top Rated Event” on multiple occasions but this is a snapshot of some of the more relevant reviews….
One of the best races I’ve ever done. Incredible energy and great support! I'm looking forward to the next one. I would highly recommend this event. It was superb fun even in the cold weather. It was just brilliant from start to finish!
Mr Cooper ~ Dormouse Challenge 2025
First time at a Big Bear event and already booked my second one. Very well organised and lots of nice friendly support to help you along. You can do as many laps as you want with no pressure. This time I managed 5 hours and next time I will try for the whole 6.
K Johnstone ~ Crocodile Challenge 2026
What a fantastic event. Really well organised, with a brilliantly stocked aid station, a lovely course and genuinely friendly staff and volunteers. I especially appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, turn up, do what you can, no pressure, just enjoy it. It's easily one of my favourite events I've taken part in, and I'll definitely be back for more next year.
B Smith ~ Badger Challenge 2026
If you want to read more check out the reviews here for Badger Challenge, Swan Challenge and Kingfisher Challenge to get an idea of the glowing reviews our runners leave us. It’s one of the things we’re most proud of!
What about…?
I’ve never done a running event before. Is Big Bear a good place to start?
Yes! We offer small, friendly running events with zero-pressure. We don’t do loud music and group warm-ups - all things to drive up anxiety before an event. We’re about you doing what you want to do. We’ll always encourage you to keep going but we’re not shouting in your face like a Sgt. Major! Trail running is all about enjoying moving in the outdoors - if you want to worry about every tenth of a second try a road race!
If you really want to see what newcomers have thought check out our reviews on Racecheck. The Swan Challenge is a good one to look at, but any event we have put on has the same type of review, “wasn’t sure what to expect - loved it - I’ll be back!”
What “extras” do I get?
A trickier question to answer than you’d think! Of course it depends what you think is a basic expectation. We’ll leave you to judge which of these is “extra” and “expected”…
A fully marked course. Event specific medal and a Big Bear drink at the end (0% lager or apple juice generally). Free commemorative badges (furthest ever, distances etc). Medal for dogs signed up to canicross events. Fully loaded aid station (water/electrolytes only for evening 10ks). No-fee transfers upto 7 days before the event. Free downloadable event photography. Full medical cover. Toilets and parking!
We don’t do big expos and DJ’s hyping the crowd, there aren’t good bags at the end full of freebies. It’s not broadcast live on Sky Sports… there low-key events done in the right way with runner experience as the central pillar at every decision point. We’re never trying to be something we aren’t, and we’re proud of what we do.
Is it a big clique ? Will I be made to feel like an outsider?
No. It’s not how any of us on the team behave and the runners don’t either. Of course people know each other from previous events or form life outside of Big Bear but that’s not to the exclusion of newcomers. There also isn’t the forced “ice breaker” type horror of corporate life either! Trail running natural brings people together. When you share a few steps, miles, laps or even the whole day with people you say hello, you swap stories and you feel welcomed. There aren’t big inside jokes or secret clubs and groups. The running world is quite small, people you meet at a Big Bear event you’re likely to see at your local parkruns or events they’re all just normal people!
I’m worried I’ll be too slow
Pretty much impossible.
For our 6 hour events you need to complete a 5k lap in 6 hours. At our TrailFest events the cut off is 11 hours for 50k. At our evening 10k events the cut off is 2 hours. These events aren’t designed for people who are racing hard, the hope is the time limit is not a limiting factor at any point.
There does have to be a time limit, just to allow us to plan volunteer time etc. but the time cut off isn’t meant to be a worry before and during the event. Of course if you want to run as far as possible in a 6 hour event you want to start your last lap just before the 6hr point. However that’s the game you’re playing, not something we are imposing on you. If you want to come to a 6 hour challenge event and do a 4 hour half marathon I can promise you others will still be on the course. They may have gone further than you but who cares? Speed is not a factor at Big Bear Events.
How does the day actually work at a 6 hour event?
A typical 9am 6 hour midweek event is quite formulaic really. Arrive for 08:15 to pick up your bib, no big queues - ever - but give yourself a bit of time to go to the toilet and sorted. Race briefing at 08:50 and then event starts at 09:00. Keepo going for as long as you want, a few stop in the first couple of hours, a big chunk stop between 3-5 hours and then we don’t let anyone out after 15:00. The last person normally finishes just before 15:30 and we’re all packed out and gone by 16:00!
How long you stay with us for and how fast you go is completely up to you. the more laps does mean more trips to the aid station of course….!!!
Do I have to actually run the whole time?
No! Pretty much no-one does.
That doesn’t mean they sit down and have a picnic (although some do!) but most people take little breaks, be that at the aid station or on the course. Short breaks are actually a good tactic when going long.
We wanted to bring some of the joys of ultra running to the shorter distances “permission” to walk, real food, enjoying the trail more than competing against each other. you shouldn’t have to do 50 miles to be able to do that! Walking breaks - or never running a step - are 100% fine at our 6-hour events.
Decided it’s for you? Go to our event page and pick out your next one!
Find your next event!
Looking for more help and guidance on Big Bear events? Check out our Big Bear Guides library or head to our YouTube channel. You can keep up to date with events here at Big Bear Events by signing up to our Very Important Bear mailing list here too.