Grin & Bear It
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About the race
The Grin & Bear It is Crested Butte’s oldest trail challenge. It began as a sprint to Green Lake and back and has evolved into a 25K loop event while still offering the traditional 15K out-and-back race. The event takes place in Crested Butte at 615 2nd Street, CO 81224, US.
Distances include:
- 25 km Loop: 15.53 miles
- 15 km Out and Back: 9.32 miles
- Mountain Bike: 14.83 miles
The bike route follows the 25K run course but omits the 0.7-mile out-and-back to Green Lake, producing a 14.83-mile ride with just under 4,000 feet of climbing. Course management uses cutoffs: the 25K has a cutoff at mile 6.21 that implies roughly 19 minutes 30 seconds per mile pace, and runners are advised to aim for about 18.25 minute miles to complete the course in 4 hours 45 minutes. For the 15K runners are advised to aim for about 17 minutes 42 seconds per mile to finish under 2 hours 45 minutes. Bike riders are given a mile 6.21 cutoff that corresponds to moving at about 3 mph, and riders are advised to target roughly 14 minute mile times to finish in about 3.5 hours.
Registration opens December 1, 2026 and closes January 1, 2027. Fees are $90 for the 25 km, $75 for the 15 km, and $85 for the bike race. Runners are offered brunch after the race and later finishers receive a voucher for a slice of pizza and a drink. The organizer frames the event as a small, grassroots outing with mountain views. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
