Grin & Bear It
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Event Overview
The Grin & Bear It is a trail competition located in Crested Butte, Colorado. Recognized as the oldest trail challenge in the area, the event originally centered on a sprint to Green Lake and back. It has since expanded to include multiple distances and disciplines, featuring both running and mountain biking options.
Courses and Disciplines
Participants can choose from three distinct event formats:
- 25 km Loop: A running race covering 15.53 miles. This route incorporates the traditional path to Green Lake.
- 15 km Out and Back: A running race covering 9.32 miles based on the original historical sprint format.
- Mountain Bike: A 14.83 mile cycling race. This route follows the 25 km run loop but excludes the 0.7 mile section to and from Green Lake.
The mountain bike course includes approximately 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
Participant Information
Strict time limits are enforced for certain sections of the course. For the 25 km Loop, runners must reach the 6.21 mile mark by a specific cutoff time, requiring a pace of approximately 19 minutes and 30 seconds per mile. Mountain bikers must also reach the 6.21 mile mark within a set timeframe, maintaining an average speed of at least 3 mph.
This event prioritizes the trail challenge itself. There are no podium awards and minimal promotional items or gear provided to participants. Registration fees vary depending on the selected distance and discipline. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
