REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half Marathon in Big Bear Lake CA

REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half Marathon

November 8, 2025
Big Bear Lake
Road
Distances
Marathon, Half-Marathon
Starting Time

6:00 AM

Fees

$140+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

1-100
Downhill
Forested
High: 55°
/ Low: 30°

The REVEL Big Bear Marathon and Half Marathon takes place within the San Bernardino National Forest in California.
What sets this race apart is its unique course. It has a smooth downhill slope that descends through San Bernardino National Forest.
Because of the significant decline it’s an invitation for those aspiring to a Boston Qualifying time.
The Half Marathon Course Description from the Race Director
The REVEL Big Bear half marathon course offers the best of the San Bernardino Mountains, including breathtaking views of the cliffs and valleys of the San Bernardino National Forest. Runners will enjoy the fresh scent of towering Ponderosa Pines and Incense Firs, glimpses of mountain wildlife, and the charm of hidden mountain towns. If that were not enough, the course is entirely downhill on paved roadway and gives the best PR opportunity you’ll find in California!
The entire half marathon course has an elevation drop of 3,171 feet and only 10 feet of uphill! That’s an average downhill grade of 4.58%.
The half marathon begins in Forest Falls, roughly one mile above the junction of CA 38 and Valley of the Falls Dr. Standing at 4,707 ft above sea level and enveloped in a blanket of pre-dawn stars, runners will feel a world away from nearby Redlands, California. The course begins with an immediate downhill drop for the first mile as runners head west through the towering canyon walls on Valley of the Falls Dr to connect onto CA 38.
Upon reaching CA 38 runners will continue west towards the Mountain Home Village community in the shadows of San Gorgonio Mountain, the tallest peak in Southern California. The final miles take runners through the streets of Redlands, all the while continuing a strong downhill slope to the finish line at the Redlands Sports Park. Runners will get an extra boost from the 443-foot net loss in elevation in the last 3 miles alone! REVEL Big Bear is the fastest and most beautiful half marathon in California!

In the heart of California’s majestic mountains and pristine forests, a remarkable road race was about to unfold, promising runners a chance to not only test their limits but also bask in the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape. The REVEL Big Bear marathon and half marathon would be a journey of speed and wonder, taking participants from the heights of Big Bear to the welcoming foothills of Redlands, California.
What set this race apart was its unique course, a smooth downhill slope that descended through the San Bernardino National Forest. It was an invitation to challenge personal records and, for those aspiring for a Boston Qualifying time, the opportunity they had been waiting for. REVEL Big Bear was more than a race; it was a rendezvous with speed and the magnificence of the natural world.
As the dawn broke, runners prepared to be enveloped by the grandeur of their surroundings. The course promised spectacular scenery, a visual feast of lush forests and the rugged terrain of the San Bernardino National Forest. With every stride, participants would revel in the beauty of the landscape, a powerful reminder of the wonders of California.
But this race wasn’t just about the course; it was about the experience. To make it even more memorable, photographers were stationed at multiple locations along the route, ready to capture the essence of the race experience. Runners were encouraged to smile, show determination, or strike a pose as they passed by, ensuring that their journey was forever etched in a photograph.
The finish line was the scene of jubilation and accomplishment. Photographers were there to capture the final sprint across the line and to take candid shots in front of carefully crafted backdrops, creating lasting memories of this extraordinary day. And the best part? All race photos were provided to the participants for free. The organizers understood the value of preserving these memories and ensured that participants could relive their experience without any extra cost.
But the perks didn’t stop there. Runners could select their favorite photos to create a personalized highlight video, a unique memento that would forever encapsulate the spirit of their race. It was a testament to the commitment of the event to provide an exceptional experience and a memorable journey for all participants.
REVEL Big Bear was more than a race; it was a celebration of personal achievement and the unspoiled beauty of California’s landscapes. As runners gathered at the starting line, they knew they were about to embark on a journey that combined the thrill of competition with the serenity of nature. With every step, they would be inspired by the magic of Big Bear and create lasting memories that would accompany them long after they had crossed the finish line. This was an event that encouraged participants to REVEL in speed, REVEL in beauty, and most of all, REVEL in Big Bear.

Overview
The REVEL Big Bear Marathon and Half Marathon takes place within the San Bernardino National Forest in California. What sets this race apart is its unique course. It has a smooth downhill slope that descends through San Bernardino National Forest. Because of the significant decline it’s an invitation for those aspiring to a Boston Qualifying time. The Half Marathon Course Description from the Race Director The REVEL Big Bear half marathon course offers the best of the San Bernardino Mountains, including breathtaking views of the cliffs and valleys of the San Bernardino National Forest. Runners will enjoy the fresh scent of towering Ponderosa Pines and Incense Firs, glimpses of mountain wildlife, and the charm of hidden mountain towns. If that were not enough, the course is entirely downhill on paved roadway and gives the best PR opportunity you’ll find in California! The entire half marathon course has an elevation drop of 3,171 feet and only 10 feet of uphill! That’s an average downhill grade of 4.58%. The half marathon begins in Forest Falls, roughly one mile above the junction of CA 38 and Valley of the Falls Dr. Standing at 4,707 ft above sea level and enveloped in a blanket of pre-dawn stars, runners will feel a world away from nearby Redlands, California. The course begins with an immediate downhill drop for the first mile as runners head west through the towering canyon walls on Valley of the Falls Dr to connect onto CA 38. Upon reaching CA 38 runners will continue west towards the Mountain Home Village community in the shadows of San Gorgonio Mountain, the tallest peak in Southern California. The final miles take runners through the streets of Redlands, all the while continuing a strong downhill slope to the finish line at the Redlands Sports Park. Runners will get an extra boost from the 443-foot net loss in elevation in the last 3 miles alone! REVEL Big Bear is the fastest and most beautiful half marathon in California!

In the heart of California’s majestic mountains and pristine forests, a remarkable road race was about to unfold, promising runners a chance to not only test their limits but also bask in the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape. The REVEL Big Bear marathon and half marathon would be a journey of speed and wonder, taking participants from the heights of Big Bear to the welcoming foothills of Redlands, California.
What set this race apart was its unique course, a smooth downhill slope that descended through the San Bernardino National Forest. It was an invitation to challenge personal records and, for those aspiring for a Boston Qualifying time, the opportunity they had been waiting for. REVEL Big Bear was more than a race; it was a rendezvous with speed and the magnificence of the natural world.
As the dawn broke, runners prepared to be enveloped by the grandeur of their surroundings. The course promised spectacular scenery, a visual feast of lush forests and the rugged terrain of the San Bernardino National Forest. With every stride, participants would revel in the beauty of the landscape, a powerful reminder of the wonders of California.
But this race wasn’t just about the course; it was about the experience. To make it even more memorable, photographers were stationed at multiple locations along the route, ready to capture the essence of the race experience. Runners were encouraged to smile, show determination, or strike a pose as they passed by, ensuring that their journey was forever etched in a photograph.
The finish line was the scene of jubilation and accomplishment. Photographers were there to capture the final sprint across the line and to take candid shots in front of carefully crafted backdrops, creating lasting memories of this extraordinary day. And the best part? All race photos were provided to the participants for free. The organizers understood the value of preserving these memories and ensured that participants could relive their experience without any extra cost.
But the perks didn’t stop there. Runners could select their favorite photos to create a personalized highlight video, a unique memento that would forever encapsulate the spirit of their race. It was a testament to the commitment of the event to provide an exceptional experience and a memorable journey for all participants.
REVEL Big Bear was more than a race; it was a celebration of personal achievement and the unspoiled beauty of California’s landscapes. As runners gathered at the starting line, they knew they were about to embark on a journey that combined the thrill of competition with the serenity of nature. With every step, they would be inspired by the magic of Big Bear and create lasting memories that would accompany them long after they had crossed the finish line. This was an event that encouraged participants to REVEL in speed, REVEL in beauty, and most of all, REVEL in Big Bear.

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REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half Marathon Course Map

Distances
Marathon, Half Marathon
Starting Time

6:00 AM

Fees

$140+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

Train with Runna

Use code HALF for 2 weeks FREE

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