Grin & Bear It

The Grin & Bear It

The Grin & Bear It is a trail event presented by Crested Butte Nordic that includes two running distances and a mountain bike race. It is described as Crested Butte’s oldest trail challenge and retains a traditional 15 km out-and-back run alongside a 25 km loop course. The 25 km loop is offered for both runners and mountain bikers; the bike edition is noted as technical.

Distances

• 25 km - loop course for run and bike, elevation gain/loss about 2,900 ft.
• 15 km - out-and-back run, elevation gain/loss about 1,600 ft.

Both courses start and finish at the Crested Butte Nordic Center in downtown Crested Butte. The 25 km route climbs via Baxter Gulch and includes long switchback sections, a high saddle near 10,700 ft, a course high point around 10,983 ft, rocky singletrack, and a spur to Green Lake for runners. The 15 km route follows singletrack and subdivision roads up to Green Lake and returns on the same route.

Course support is limited. Volunteers hike into aid locations and filter water. Participants are required to carry a minimum of 16 oz of water. There are cut-off points at the Baxter Gulch saddle for both the run and bike. The event does not use traditional podium awards; prizes are offered to randomly selected finishers and a specialty premium is offered to the first male and female to reach Green Lake on certain legs of the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.