REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half Marathon

Runners at the REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half in Southern California, showing colorful running shoes and motion on the course.

The REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half Marathon returns on Saturday, November 8, 2025, taking runners from the majestic mountains of Big Bear down through the San Bernardino National Forest to the foothills of Redlands.

With its smooth, fast downhill slope and breathtaking alpine scenery, this is one of California’s most beautiful and rewarding road races.

Whether you’re chasing a Boston Qualifier or aiming for a personal best, REVEL Big Bear is designed for speed.

REVEL in the challenge. REVEL in the beauty. REVEL in Big Bear.

Quick Info

  • Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
  • Time: Half Marathon Start at 6:00 AM (bus loading 3:30–4:15 AM)
  • Event Website: runrevel.com/rbb
  • Cost: Registration typically ranges from $129–$179, depending on distance and sign-up date

Race Details

Half Marathon

  • Start Time: 6:00 AM
  • Bus Loading: 3:30–4:15 AM · 650 E Hospitality Ln, San Bernardino, CA 92408 (SW corner)
  • Course: Valley of the Falls → Redlands (point-to-point)
    All participants must ride the bus to the start—no parking or drop-offs at the start line.

Elevation Profile

This course is built for speed.

  • Full Marathon: Starts at 6,629 ft and finishes at 1,546 ft, a net drop of 5,083 feet.
  • Half Marathon: Starts at 4,707 ft and finishes at 1,546 ft, a net drop of 3,161 feet.

This consistent downhill descent through the San Bernardino National Forest makes REVEL Big Bear one of the fastest marathons in California—perfect for a PR or Boston Qualifier.

Elevation chart for the REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half showing a steep downhill route from Big Bear to Redlands.
Elevation profile for the REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half, highlighting over 5,000 feet of downhill drop from Big Bear to Redlands. ©BigBearWaypoint

Expo Information

  • Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: DoubleTree by Hilton San Bernardino
  • Address: 285 E Hospitality Ln, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Free but limited parking is available. Walk if staying nearby, or use overflow lots at IHOP, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Claim Jumper, or Concorde Career College.

Don’t miss: Wyatt Moss speaking at 12:00 PM about completing 50 marathons in 50 states—a motivating way to kick off race weekend. Follow him on Instagram to see his latest adventures. 

Bring a photo ID for packet pick-up. Mail delivery is available for an additional fee if you can’t attend (no race-day pick-up).

Parking & Busing

  • Parking: 650 E Hospitality Ln, San Bernardino, CA
  • Bus Loading: 3:30–4:15 AM (half marathon)
  • Travel Time: ~30 minutes to start line
  • Return Shuttles: 8:00–10:30 AM

Spectators can park on Dearborn St. and San Bernardino Ave. near the finish area.

Start & Finish

  • Start: Valley of the Falls Dr., Forest Falls, CA
  • Finish: E. San Bernardino Ave. between Dearborn St. & Wabash Ave., next to Redlands Sports Park

Celebrate your achievement of finishing the REVEL Big Bear Marathon at the finish line with food, massages, vendor booths, and live music in a festive atmosphere.

Runner Perks

  • Free race photos & personalized videos
  • Oversized finisher medals for all participants
  • High-quality, gender-specific shirts (long sleeve, short sleeve, tank, or tri-blend)
  • Start-line gloves & blankets plus iced towels at the finish
  • Post-race festivities with food, photo ops, and family fun

Course Safety

The southbound lane of Highway 38 will be reserved for runners, while the northbound lane remains open. Stay to the right of cones at all times.

Police officers and race volunteers will be stationed at every intersection to manage traffic—please follow their directions for your safety.

Medical Assistance

Each aid station includes a first-aid kit, and several feature medical professionals and EMTs.

  • Sag wagons and ambulances will patrol the route.
  • A full medical tent will be available at the finish.

Pacing & Time Limits

  • Half Marathon Time Limit: 4 hours 21 minutes (20:00 min/mile)
  • Finish Cutoff: 10:21 AM

Runners who fall behind pace will be transported to the finish and still receive medals.

Pacers Available:
1:30 | 1:40 | 1:50 | 2:00 | 2:10 | 2:20

Timing & Bibs

All races are chip-timed.

  • Your time starts when you cross the start line.
  • Wear your bib front and visible—it’s also your bus ticket.
  • Overall winners are determined by gun time.

Aid Stations

Located every two miles, each includes:

  • Water & Gatorade
  • Porta-potties & first aid
  • GU Energy Gels (Chocolate Outrage, Vanilla Bean, Strawberry Banana)
  • Fruit, doTERRA Deep Blue, and medical staff at select locations

Drop Bags

You’ll receive a numbered drop bag at the expo.
Use only this official bag. Drop off 15 minutes before race start, and pick it up at the finish using your bib for ID. Avoid packing valuables.

Weather

Typical race-day temps in Redlands, CA:

  • Low: 52 °F
  • High: 82 °F
  • Average: 65 °F

Expect colder temps at the start—layer up, then shed into your drop bag. Gloves and mylar blankets will be provided.


Spectator Information

Spectators are not allowed on Highway 38 during the race.
Cheer zones are available in Mentone and Redlands, or celebrate at the finish line on E. San Bernardino Ave., where food, music, and booths await.

Parking is available on Dearborn St. and San Bernardino Ave. near the finish.


Community & Giving Back

REVEL Big Bear proudly donates a portion of all registration fees directly to the Big Bear community, supporting local programs and events as a way of giving back to the mountain town that makes this race possible.


Triple REVELer Challenge

Run any three REVEL races (full or half) within a calendar year to earn the exclusive Triple REVELer medal—a symbol of dedication and elite achievement. You’ll join a small but mighty group of runners who keep coming back for more.

Results & Awards for REVEL Big Bear Marathon

Age Divisions:
1–14, 15–18, 19–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80+

Results are available right after you cross the finish and will also be posted online.

Transfer & Deferral Options

Transfer and deferral options are available: 

  • Transfer to another distance or participant
  • Defer to another REVEL event or next year
  • Withdraw if plans change

Final Thoughts on the Revel Big Bear Marathon

With its 5,000-foot net descent, breathtaking canyon views, and strong local spirit, the REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half Marathon is one of California’s premier running experiences.

Fast, scenic, and full of community pride—it’s the perfect race to set a PR, qualify for Boston, and make unforgettable memories in the mountains.

If you love running in the mountains of Big Bear, check out our other featured running events like the Big Bear Turkey Trot and Kodiak Ultra Marathon, or explore all Big Bear events.


Stay ahead of the crowd—follow Big Bear Waypoint for what’s new, tasty, and happening around the lake!

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