The Bear Chase

Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, Colorado, hosts The Bear Chase, a fall trail-running weekend with distances from 5K up to 100K. The longer races — 50K, 50 miles, and 100K — run on Saturday, while the Half Marathon and Baby Bear 10K run on Sunday. About 95% of the racing is on unpaved trail, with dirt paths and single-track making up most of the course. The terrain is quick by trail and ultrarunning standards, but it still gives runners real climbing: about 250 feet in the 10K, 900 feet in the Half Marathon, 2,050 feet in the 50K, and 3,600 feet in the 50-mile race. The routes are not overly technical, which makes the event a practical first trail race or first ultramarathon for many runners. The race began in 2010, is part of Aravaipa Running’s Bear Chase Race Series, and sends part of its proceeds to Lakewood open spaces and partner charities.