Grin & Bear It

Crested Butte, United States • 11 Jul 2026

Event overview

The Grin & Bear It takes place in Crested Butte, Colorado on July 11, 2026 and is organized by Crested Butte Nordic. Distances offered:

  • 25 km loop (run and bike)
  • 15 km out-and-back (run)
  • Mountain bike event (course follows most of the 25 km route; listed as roughly 14.83 miles with just under 4,000 ft of climbing)

Registration opens December 1, 2025. Age minimums listed: runs open to ages 16+ and the mountain bike event open to ages 12+.

Courses and logistics

Both run courses start and finish at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. The 25 km loop climbs from town onto singletrack via Baxter Gulch, reaches a high saddle and a course high point near 10,983 ft, then descends via the Green Lake Trail back to the Nordic Center. Runners on the loop make a 0.3-mile spur to Green Lake for a small aid station; bikers remain on the main trail and use a nearby aid point. The 15 km out-and-back follows singletrack toward Green Lake and returns on a 4.5-mile descent that loses about 2,100 ft to town.

Course aid is limited; volunteers filter and carry water into aid stations. Participants are required to carry a minimum of 16 oz. of water. Energy gels will be available at aid stations for runners. There is a cut-off at the Baxter Gulch saddle (approx. mile 6) for both run and bike events. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

25 km
25 Km Loop
15 km
15 Km Out and Back
Grin & Bear It Bike
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
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