Grin & Bear It

The Grin & Bear It

The Grin & Bear It is a trail running and mountain bike event hosted by Crested Butte Nordic. The event offers multiple race options on mountain trails near Crested Butte, including an out and back course and a longer loop that climbs to alpine terrain.

Distances

• 15 km run out and back on singletrack to Green Lake
• 25 km run loop with alpine climbs and technical singletrack
• 25 km mountain bike loop on a technical course

The 25 km loop gains and loses about 2,900 ft and starts and finishes at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. The route climbs via Baxter Gulch to a high saddle and reaches a course high point near 10,983 ft, then follows rough, rock strewn trails to the Green Lake area before descending roughly 2,100 ft back to town. Runners take a short spur to Green Lake for a small aid station and a lake touch point; bikers bypass that spur and follow the main descent.

The 15 km out and back gains about 1,600 ft and also reaches Green Lake. Course aid is limited and volunteers filter water; participants must carry a minimum of 16 oz of water. The event does not award podium prizes; instead prizes are given to randomly selected finishers. Volunteer opportunities are available. Past results are maintained for previous years including 2025. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.