2024 BEARS WHO CARE OKTOBEARFEST 5K FUN RUN & WALK 
Date: October 20, 2024 (Sunday)
5K Start Time: 7:30 am

Kid’s Run Start Time: 8:45am
Location: Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital (Parking Lot) - 17000 Porter Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)

The 7th annual Bears Who Care OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run & Walk at Hamlin is a healthy, family-friendly event and always a BEARRIFIC time! Either in person or virtually, run, walk or jog for a worthwhile cause, Bears Who Care, which provides teddy bears and books to children in need throughout the community and beyond.  After the 5K and Kid’s Run, enjoy a morning of fun activities, including live entertainment, interactive sponsor booths, a scavenger hunt, plus prize giveaways.

This year’s event will be in dedication of Kari Schmitz, the President and founder of Bears Who Care, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in January 2024. Remember, every registration is a donation to Bears Who Care.

Tribute story about Kari here. 

Let’s do this for Kari!

Challenge yourself to complete a goal or get a group together (register for five or more at a special rate)  You decide how you want to join the fun.

Runners and walkers are all welcome to participate!  

Registrations for In-Person and Virtual Events include:
- 5K participants will receive an official OktoBEARfest finisher medal, t-shirt, goody bag, race bib and finisher’s certificate
- Kid's Run participants will get an official OktoBEARfest finisher medal, goody bag, race bib and finisher’s certificate
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REGISTRATION (IN PERSON PARTICIPANTS):

5K Registration (10/7 - 10/17) - $40
5K Packet Pick Up Registration (10/18 & 10/19) - $45

5K Day of Race Registration (10/20) - $50

+Discount automatically applied for groups of 5 or more adults - select "Multi-Person Pricing." when you register.+

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Kid’s 100-200 meters - Registration (10/7 - 10/18) - $25
Kid’s 100-200 meters - Packet Pick Up Registration (10/18 & 10/19) - $30
Kid’s 100-200 meters - Day of Race Registration (10/20) - $35

+Add a youth size t-shirt to any 100-200 meter registration (sizes: S,M, L) for $10 each while supplies last.+

*****Parents may participate with their children in the Kid's 1K*****

OKTOBEARFEST 5K FUN RUN & WALK REGISTRATION (VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS)*:  

Adult 5K Registration* (thru 10/20/24)- $45
Kid’s Run Registration** (thru 10/20/24)- $30
*Registration includes shipping

+Discount automatically applied for groups of 5 or more adults - select "Multi-Person Pricing." when you register.+

+Add a youth size t-shirt to any 1K registration (sizes: S,M, L) for $10 each while supplies last.+

Add an Official GUND Bears Who Care teddy bear with any type of OktoBEARfest registration for only $20!  Your purchase will provide new teddy bears and books for two children in need.  You can also order an official 3 inch OktoBEARfest magnet, pin and/or Bears Who Care "Bailey" stress toy!

**A small processing fee will be applied for all race registrations online, which you can decide how to pay.** 

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ALL of the proceeds from the 2024 OktoBEARfest Fun Run will benefit children in need through Bears Who Care, a 501(c)(3) charity, which provides new teddy bears and books to children who are disadvantaged or ill.

You can make a direct donation to Bears Who Care when you register or you can donate here.

Event Updates:  Please follow Bears Who Care on Facebook for the latest news and updates!  

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MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

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AWARDS:
Awards will be given in the following categories:
5K - Top 10 Male, Top 10 Female

TIMING AND SCORING:
This event will be chip timed using a disposable chip on the back of your bib.  Please be sure to wear your bib on the front side just below your chest to ensure accurate scoring. Bibs not worn in the proper place may not receive a proper time.  Results will be posted onsite day of race and online.

PACKET PICK UP:
Pre-race day packet pick up and race registration times:

Friday, October 18, 2024 from 2:00 - 6:00 pm 

McCoy Federal Credit Union - Hamlin location (15402 Waterbird Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787)

Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Axiom Bank - Hamlin location (16418 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787)

*5K packets and bibs will be available at the event starting at 6:30 am before the start of the race.  Please go to the Registration/Packet Pick Up area near the Start/Finish line.

VOLUNTEER

Interested in supporting the event? Click Here to see how you can support the event. 

PARKING:
Parking will be on the left side as you face the front of the Orlando Health building (on the same side as the emergency room).  There will be signs and attendants guiding you.

T-SHIRTS:
All pre-registered participants will receive a special event day t-shirt.  Sizes are only guaranteed to participants registered by 10/8/23.  Shirts and shirt sizes are not guaranteed for day of race registration. 

RESTRICTIONS:
For safety reasons, bicycles, skateboards, inline/roller skates, motorized carts of any kind and pets are not allowed on the race course.  Baby strollers and baby joggers are welcome to participant, but must start at the back of the starting pack.  Children riding in strollers or joggers do not need to be registered. 

SAFETY:

The health and safety of our community is our priority. This event will have an "in person" capacity of 500 runners with unlimited capacity available for virtual participants.  We will have safeguards in place for everyone's safety and comfort and work closely with local officials on any necessary protocols. The well-being, peace of mind and safety of everyone attending the event is paramount in our planning and execution.

REFUND POLICY:
There are no refunds or transfers for this event; individual registration insurance is available for purchase.  This event will take place rain or shine (or be rescheduled in the event of a hurricane).  

BECOME A SPONSOR:
All 2024 OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run & Walk sponsorships are filled.  To sponsor next year's event, please email: tad@bearswhocare.org