The Bear Chase 2026

Date
Race weekend: Saturday to Sunday, October 3 to 4, 2026
Start time
5:30 AM start (Denver)
Go to the race website

Online registration on UltraSignup closes Sept. 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT; the site also lists race day prices ($225 for the 100K down to $60 for the 5K). Prices exclude UltraSignup fees and taxes.

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Events and entry fees

EventDistanceWhenEntry feeCap
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026
100K100KOct 3, 20265:30 AMSee registration–
50 Mile50 MileOct 3, 20266:30 AMSee registration–
50K50KOct 3, 20267:30 AMSee registration–
Sunday, Oct 4, 2026
Half MarathonHalf MarathonOct 4, 20267:00 AMSee registration–
Baby Bear 10K10KOct 4, 20268:00 AMSee registration–
5K5KOct 4, 20268:30 AMSee registration–

Fees and dates are from the race's official website on the date shown below; confirm them there before you register.

Race day planning

Light and altitude

Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:57 AM, and the 100K starts at 5:30 AM.

Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.

Start location and course

Big Soda Lake Beach, Bear Creek Lake Park, 15600 W. Morrison Road, Lakewood, CO

The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.

Race guide

What runners should know about The Bear Chase, in brief, from the official race website.

Schedule and packet pickup

Bib pickup

Bibs are handed out Friday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Runners Roost, 7978 W. Alameda in Lakewood, and at the start area on race mornings: 4:30 to 6:30 a.m. for the 100K and 50 mile, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. for the 50K, and from 6:00 a.m. Sunday for the shorter races.

Course

The course

The ultras repeat a 12.5 mile loop that is almost all dirt singletrack, with aid at Homestead, Cattail Creek and the start/finish. The 100K has about 4,336 ft of gain and a 16 hour limit; all ultras must finish by 9:30 p.m. and start their last lap by 6:00 p.m. The half has a 4 hour limit.

Parking and travel

Parking

Runners enter the park free before the start and park in the Swim Beach overflow lot east of the start/finish. Meadowlark Cove is for drop off, short term and accessible parking. Crews arriving after the start need a daily or annual park pass. Bear Creek Lake is a city park, not a state park.

Awards

What finishers get

Every finisher gets a Bear Chase award; 100K finishers get a buckle and 50 mile finishers an award made by Aravaipa Artworx. The top three men and women in each race are recognized, and there is a prize for the last official finisher.

Rules and FAQ

Crews and pacers

Crews may help runners only at the start/finish, where drop bags are kept. 100K and 50 mile runners may take one pacer after 3:00 p.m.; the 50K and shorter races allow no pacers. Runners need a light for any lap started after 6:00 p.m.

Full details on the official race website

Facts on this page come from the race's official website (aravaiparunning.com/the-bear-chase-race, aravaiparunning.com/races), checked Sep 28, 2026. Confirm dates and fees there before you travel.

Race details

Where
Big Soda Lake Beach, Bear Creek Lake Park, 15600 W. Morrison Road, Lakewood, COMap
Course
Trail
Distances
100K, 50 Mile, 50K, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

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Plan your race

Quick answers

When is The Bear Chase?
It is a race weekend, Saturday to Sunday, October 3 to 4, 2026: 100K, 50 Mile, 50K on Saturday; Half Marathon, 10K, 5K on Sunday.
How much does it cost?
See the registration page for current pricing.
What distances can I run?
100K, 50 Mile, 50K, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K.
Where does it start?
Big Soda Lake Beach, Bear Creek Lake Park, 15600 W. Morrison Road, Lakewood, CO.

About the race

A two day trail festival on loops through Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, run by Aravaipa Running. The ultras go on Saturday and the half marathon, 10K and 5K on Sunday, on a fairly fast, mostly dirt course that suits first time trail and ultra runners.