36 Hours of Black Bear

Event overview

The 36 Hours of Black Bear is a donation-based trail event held Saturday, Dec 6, 2025, at Shores Lake Recreation Area in Winslow, Arkansas. The event is limited to 50 runners combined across distances. It is described as a free, donation-based "fun run" with food provided and a donation jar at the start/finish. There is only one winner of the 36 Hours format. The event loop is the final portion of the Hare Mountain 100, 50 and 60k.

Course and logistics

Distances:

• 15 miles with about 3500 feet elevation gain
• 36-hour format based on repeating the same loop

The course is a loop on the Shores Lake / White Rock spur of the Ozark Highlands Trail and is entirely on trail. Each loop is approximately 15 miles and about 3500 feet of climb; completing eight loops equals roughly 120 miles and over 28,000 feet of gain. Runners alternate loop direction each lap, starting with a clockwise loop; 15-milers complete one clockwise loop. During daytime loops runners follow the White Rock Rim trail; at night they do not and instead turn around at the OHT trailhead parking. There is a major aid station at Shores Lake, light aid at two county road crossings, and a pickup point at the White Rock trailhead each loop. The start/finish area has camping, bonfires, and food offerings. Organizers note there will be no gels provided and advise runners to carry two light sources for night loops. The event may be canceled for extreme weather such as tornadoes or high winds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.