Grin & Bear It
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Grin & Bear It
The Grin & Bear It takes place in Crested Butte on July 11, 2026. It is presented as a trail running and mountain bike event that retains a historic sprint to Green Lake while offering a longer loop course. The event includes the following distances:
- 25 km loop
- 15 km out and back
- Mountain bike course following the 25 km route without the Green Lake spur
The 25 km loop starts and finishes at the Crested Butte Nordic Center and climbs roughly 2,900 feet. The route includes singletrack switchbacks on Baxter Gulch, a high saddle at about 10,700 ft, a course high point near 10,983 ft, and a descent that routes runners toward Green Lake before returning to town. Runners on the loop may take a 0.3 mile spur to Green Lake where a small aid station and a lake checkpoint are located.
The 15 km out and back climbs approximately 1,600 feet, follows singletrack and dirt roads toward Green Lake, and returns on a steep descent to the Nordic Center. The mountain bike event follows the 25 km alignment but omits the Green Lake spur; one source lists the bike route at roughly 14.83 miles with just under 4,000 feet of climbing.
Course aid is limited. Volunteers hike into aid locations and filter water. Participants are required to carry a minimum of 16 oz of water. The event does not use traditional podium awards; prizes are distributed to randomly selected finishers and a special premium is offered to the first 25 km racers who retrieve the Awkward Load at Green Lake. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
