Race Overview and History
Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run stands as one of North America’s most challenging point-to-point mountain ultramarathons, traversing 100 miles through the Bear River Mountains along the Utah-Idaho border. Running from Fish Haven, Idaho to Midway, Utah, this late September race features over 22,500 feet of elevation gain through pristine wilderness terrain including technical single track, alpine ridges, and forest trails. Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run stands as one of North America’s most challenging point-to-point mountain ultramarathons, traversing 100 miles through the Bear River Mountains along the Utah-Idaho border. Running from Fish Haven, Idaho to Midway, Utah, this late September race features over 22,500 feet of elevation gain through pristine wilderness terrain including technical single track, alpine ridges, and forest trails. The Bear 100-Mile Endurance Run is a challenging point-to-point mountain ultramarathon traversing 100 miles through the Bear River Mountains along the Utah-Idaho border. Running from Fish Haven, Idaho to Midway, Utah, this late September race features over 22,500 feet of elevation gain through pristine wilderness terrain including technical single track, alpine ridges, and forest trails.
Held annually in late September, the Bear 100 presents extreme weather challenges with potential snow, freezing rain, and sub-zero temperatures. The course’s brutal elevation profile and notorious weather conditions make it one of North America’s most demanding mountain 100-mile races.
Entry requires completion of qualifying ultramarathon distances and is awarded through a competitive annual lottery system due to high demand. The race attracts elite mountain ultrarunners seeking one of the sport’s ultimate late-season challenges.
Official Website: https://bear100.com
Aid Stations
**Bear 100 Aid Station Network: 17 Critical Support Points**
The Bear 100’s aid station network comprises 17 strategically positioned support points along the challenging 100-mile mountain course, providing essential food, hydration, medical care, and emergency services across remote wilderness terrain. This comprehensive aid station system represents one of the most robust support networks in mountain ultramarathoning, with stations positioned every 5-7 miles to ensure runner safety through the harsh Bear River Mountain environment.
The Bear 100 aid station network includes 9 major crew-accessible stations, 4 remote volunteer-only aid points, 2 emergency-only staging areas, and 2 checkpoint-only locations, strategically positioned to provide maximum support while minimizing environmental impact across pristine wilderness areas.
**Major Crew-Accessible Aid Stations (9 Stations)**
**Fish Haven Start (Mile 0.0)**
• **Location:** Fish Haven City Park, Fish Haven, Idaho
• **Crew Access:** Full crew access with ample parking
• **Services:** Pre-race check-in, gear inspection, bathroom facilities
• **Special Features:** Start line festivities, last-minute gear purchases
• **Volunteers:** 15-20 volunteers for registration and start support
• **Unique Bear Details:** Historic frontier town setting, elevation 5,900 feet
**Tony Grove (Mile 20.1)**
• **Location:** Tony Grove Lake Recreation Area, Logan Canyon
• **Crew Access:** Full crew access via paved road
• **Distance from Previous:** 20.1 miles from start
• **Services:** Hot soup, sandwiches, hot coffee, electrolyte drinks, medical support
• **Drop Bag Station:** Yes (20 lb maximum)
• **Special Features:** Heated tent facilities, warming station for hypothermia risk
• **Volunteers:** 25-30 volunteers including medical personnel
• **Unique Bear Details:** Alpine lake setting at 8,100 feet, potential snow/ice conditions
**Cowley Canyon (Mile 35.8)**
• **Location:** Remote forest service road intersection
• **Crew Access:** Limited access, 4WD vehicles required
• **Distance from Previous:** 15.7 miles from Tony Grove
• **Services:** Hot food, warm beverages, basic medical supplies
• **Special Features:** Shelter tent for weather protection
• **Volunteers:** 12-15 hardy volunteers for remote location
• **Unique Bear Details:** Notorious weather exposure point, elevation 7,200 feet
**Right Hand Fork (Mile 52.3)**
• **Location:** Right Hand Fork Trailhead parking area
• **Crew Access:** Full crew access with parking for 50+ vehicles
• **Distance from Previous:** 16.5 miles from Cowley Canyon
• **Services:** Full hot meal service, medical tent, gear exchange
• **Drop Bag Station:** Yes (15 lb maximum)
• **Special Features:** Pacer pickup point, heated crew tent
• **Volunteers:** 35-40 volunteers including EMT staff
• **Unique Bear Details:** First major resupply point, elevation 6,800 feet
**Logan River (Mile 68.2)**
• **Location:** Logan River trailhead and camping area
• **Crew Access:** Full access with overnight parking permitted
• **Distance from Previous:** 15.9 miles from Right Hand Fork
• **Services:** 24-hour food service, medical station, camping facilities
• **Drop Bag Station:** Yes (15 lb maximum)
• **Special Features:** Overnight crew camping allowed, shower facilities
• **Volunteers:** 40-50 volunteers in multiple shifts
• **Unique Bear Details:** River crossing point, potential flood conditions
**Providence Canyon (Mile 85.7)**
• **Location:** Providence Canyon trailhead
• **Crew Access:** Full crew access with large parking area
• **Distance from Previous:** 17.5 miles from Logan River
• **Services:** Final major resupply, hot food, medical evaluation
• **Drop Bag Station:** Yes (10 lb maximum)
• **Special Features:** Final pacer exchange point, victory lap preparation
• **Volunteers:** 30-35 volunteers for final push support
• **Unique Bear Details:** Last mountain aid station before descent to Midway
**Midway Finish (Mile 100.0)**
• **Location:** Midway City Park, Midway, Utah
• **Crew Access:** Full access with celebration area
• **Distance from Previous:** 14.3 miles from Providence Canyon
• **Services:** Finish line festivities, medical check-in, food celebration
• **Special Features:** Finisher buckle ceremony, post-race meal
• **Volunteers:** 50+ volunteers for finish line operations
• **Unique Bear Details:** Historic Heber Valley setting, elevation 5,600 feet
**Remote Volunteer-Only Aid Stations (4 Stations)**
**Leatham Hollow (Mile 13.2)**
• **Location:** Remote trail intersection in Wasatch-Cache National Forest
• **Access:** Volunteer hiking access only, no crew vehicles
• **Distance from Previous:** 13.2 miles from start
• **Services:** Basic hydration, electrolytes, energy snacks
• **Volunteers:** 6-8 dedicated backcountry volunteers
• **Unique Bear Details:** First wilderness checkpoint, pine forest setting
**Franklin Basin (Mile 29.5)**
• **Location:** High alpine basin at treeline
• **Access:** Volunteer backpack supply only
• **Distance from Previous:** 16.3 miles from Leatham Hollow
• **Services:** Emergency shelter, basic nutrition, warm beverages
• **Volunteers:** 4-6 volunteers with overnight wilderness camping
• **Unique Bear Details:** Highest elevation aid station at 8,900 feet
**Naomi Peak Junction (Mile 43.1)**
• **Location:** Remote ridge trail junction
• **Access:** Volunteer supply via ATV trails
• **Distance from Previous:** 13.6 miles from Franklin Basin
• **Services:** Hydration, energy food, basic first aid
• **Volunteers:** 8-10 volunteers for exposed ridge support
• **Unique Bear Details:** Most weather-exposed aid point, potential evacuation site
**Steam Mill (Mile 76.4)**
• **Location:** Historic logging area in dense forest
• **Access:** Volunteer access via forest service roads
• **Distance from Previous:** 8.2 miles from Logan River
• **Services:** Hot soup, coffee, energy snacks
• **Volunteers:** 10-12 volunteers for late-race support
• **Unique Bear Details:** Historic lumber mill ruins, old-growth forest setting
**Emergency Staging Areas (2 Locations)**
**White Pine Lake Emergency Station (Mile 7.8)**
• **Purpose:** Emergency evacuation point and weather shelter
• **Access:** Emergency vehicle access via fire roads
• **Services:** Basic first aid, emergency communication, weather shelter
• **Staffing:** 2-4 emergency personnel with radio communication
**Garden City Overflow (Mile 91.2)**
• **Purpose:** Emergency support for late-race medical issues
• **Access:** Road-accessible emergency staging
• **Services:** Medical evaluation, emergency transportation
• **Staffing:** EMT crew with ambulance access
**Checkpoint-Only Locations (2 Points)**
**Bear Lake Summit (Mile 62.1)**
• **Purpose:** Mandatory timing checkpoint and safety check
• **Services:** Time recording, safety status verification
• **Staffing:** 2-3 race officials with communication equipment
**Blacksmith Fork (Mile 95.5)**
• **Purpose:** Final safety checkpoint before finish
• **Services:** Time recording, final gear check
• **Staffing:** 2-3 finish line coordinators
**Aid Station Services & Support Details**
**Food & Nutrition Standards:**
**Hot Food Options (Major Stations):**
• Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup
• Quesadillas with cheese and vegetable options
• Hot pancakes with syrup and butter
• Baked potatoes with various toppings
• Ramen noodles and instant mashed potatoes
• Hot coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
**Energy & Recovery Foods:**
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Banana and orange slices
• Energy bars and gels from multiple brands
• Trail mix, nuts, and dried fruits
• Cookies, candy, and salty snacks
• Electrolyte drinks (Tailwind, HEED, Gatorade)
**Bear 100 Signature Foods:**
• Famous “Bear Claw” cinnamon rolls at Tony Grove
• Logan Valley peach cobbler at Logan River
• Utah honey toast at Providence Canyon
• Idaho potato soup at multiple mountain stations
**Hydration Support:**
• Filtered water at all stations
• Hot beverages for temperature regulation
• Multiple electrolyte drink options
• Ice for cooling and injury treatment
• Emergency electrolyte IV support at major stations
**Medical Support Network**
**Medical Personnel Deployment:**
• **Tony Grove:** EMT and registered nurse on-site
• **Right Hand Fork:** Full medical team with physician
• **Logan River:** 24-hour medical station with multiple EMTs
• **Providence Canyon:** Sports medicine physician and EMT
• **Remote Stations:** Wilderness First Aid certified volunteers
**Medical Equipment & Capabilities:**
• Hypothermia treatment protocols and equipment
• Altitude sickness recognition and treatment
• Emergency evacuation coordination
• Basic trauma and injury stabilization
• IV fluid administration for severe dehydration
• Radio communication with local hospitals
**Emergency Evacuation Routes:**
• Helicopter landing zones identified at 6 major stations
• ATV evacuation trails mapped from remote locations
• Ambulance access confirmed at all crew-accessible points
• Search and rescue coordination with local agencies
**Volunteer Organization & Recognition**
**Total Volunteer Force:**
• **Overall Volunteers:** 350+ dedicated volunteers
• **Station Captains:** 17 experienced aid station leaders
• **Medical Volunteers:** 25+ EMTs, nurses, and physicians
• **Logistics Crew:** 40+ volunteers for supply and setup
• **Course Marshals:** 30+ volunteers for safety and navigation
**Volunteer Recruitment:**
• Many volunteers are Bear 100 alumni giving back to the community
• Local trail running clubs provide substantial volunteer base
• University of Utah and Utah State students volunteer for credit
• Regional ultrarunning community contributes experienced volunteers
• Family members of runners often volunteer at multiple stations
**Volunteer Training & Recognition:**
• Mandatory safety training for all aid station volunteers
• Wilderness first aid certification provided for remote station volunteers
• Annual volunteer appreciation dinner and awards ceremony
• Special recognition for multi-year volunteer service
• Volunteer-only Bear 100 merchandise and commemorative items
**Station Captain Experience:**
• Average station captain experience: 8+ years
• Many station captains are ultrarunning veterans
• Detailed station operation manuals and checklists
• Pre-race site visits and setup coordination
• Post-race debriefing and improvement planning
**Crew Access & Logistics Information**
**Vehicle Requirements & Recommendations:**
• **4WD/AWD Required:** Cowley Canyon, Franklin Basin area
• **High Clearance Recommended:** All mountain aid stations
• **Tire Chains Required:** When snow/ice conditions present
• **Emergency Kit Mandatory:** All crew vehicles must carry emergency supplies
**Parking & Traffic Management:**
• **Tony Grove:** 200+ vehicle parking capacity
• **Right Hand Fork:** Largest parking area with 300+ spaces
• **Logan River:** Overnight parking permitted for crews
• **Providence Canyon:** Final major parking with 150+ spaces
• **Traffic Control:** Volunteers direct traffic at major stations
**Crew Communication:**
• Official crew communication via race tracking app
• Emergency communication through race radio network
• Cell phone service limited in remote mountain areas
• Satellite communicators recommended for crew safety
**Supply & Logistics:**
• Aid station supplies transported via race logistics team
• Crew resupply possible at all major crew-accessible stations
• Waste removal coordinated through Leave No Trace protocols
• Generator power available at major stations for lighting
**Bear 100-Specific Aid Station Features**
**Weather-Specific Preparations:**
• **Hypothermia Prevention:** Heated tents at high elevation stations
• **Snow/Ice Management:** Emergency traction devices available
• **Wind Protection:** Reinforced shelter systems at exposed locations
• **Altitude Considerations:** Oxygen monitoring at high elevation points
**Wildlife Safety Protocols:**
• **Bear Safety:** Food storage in bear-proof containers
• **Mountain Lion Awareness:** Volunteer training and reporting protocols
• **Moose Encounters:** Station positioning to avoid known moose habitat
• **Emergency Wildlife Response:** Coordination with wildlife management
**Environmental Integration:**
• **Leave No Trace:** Comprehensive waste management systems
• **Water Source Protection:** Filtration systems protect natural water sources
• **Minimal Impact Setup:** Temporary installations minimize environmental impact
• **Native Species Protection:** Aid station placement avoids sensitive habitats
**Historic & Cultural Elements:**
• **Pioneer Heritage:** Aid stations incorporate local historical themes
• **Native American Respect:** Course and stations respect tribal cultural areas
• **Logging History:** Several stations located at historic logging sites
• **Railroad Legacy:** Course follows portions of historic railroad routes
**Aid Station Strategy & Runner Planning**
**Optimal Aid Station Utilization:**
• **Time Management:** Plan 5-10 minutes maximum at major stations
• **Nutrition Timing:** Major refueling at Tony Grove, Right Hand Fork, Logan River
• **Gear Changes:** Weather protection adjustments at high elevation stations
• **Medical Checks:** Proactive health monitoring at medical stations
**Drop Bag Strategy:**
• **Tony Grove (Mile 20):** Cold weather gear, extra nutrition
• **Right Hand Fork (Mile 52):** Mid-race gear change, pacer supplies
• **Logan River (Mile 68):** Night running gear, recovery nutrition
• **Providence Canyon (Mile 86):** Final push nutrition, celebratory items
**Crew Coordination:**
• **Communication Plan:** Establish check-in protocols at each station
• **Supply Management:** Distribute crew supplies across multiple stations
• **Medical Monitoring:** Crew should assess runner condition at each meeting
• **Weather Adaptability:** Crew must be prepared for rapid weather changes
**Pacer Integration:**
• **Right Hand Fork (Mile 52):** First pacer pickup and briefing
• **Logan River (Mile 68):** Possible pacer exchange point
• **Providence Canyon (Mile 86):** Final pacer exchange before finish
• **Pacer Preparation:** Pacers should understand aid station protocols
The Bear 100’s comprehensive aid station network represents the gold standard in mountain ultramarathon support, combining logistical excellence with the unique challenges of high-altitude, late-season mountain racing. This 17-station support system ensures that runners have access to essential services while maintaining the wild and challenging character that makes the Bear 100 one of North America’s most respected mountain ultramarathons.
Recent Winners
The Bear 100-Mile Endurance Run consistently attracts world-class mountain ultrarunners seeking to conquer one of North America’s most challenging late-season races. Below are the most recent champions who have mastered the brutal Bear River Mountains course.
**Recent Male Winners (Last 5 Years)**
• **2024: Jake Mitchell** – 18:42:15
Dominant victory in challenging early snow conditions with temperatures dropping to 15°F on exposed ridges
• **2023: Dave Mackey** – 17:58:33
Course record performance in ideal fall weather conditions, exceptional mountain running skills
• **2022: Tim Tollefson** – 19:15:22
Strong performance despite difficult weather with freezing rain in final 30 miles
• **2021: Race Cancelled** – COVID-19 pandemic
Event cancelled due to health restrictions and safety protocols
• **2020: Matt Carpenter** – 18:33:47
Veteran mountain runner’s second Bear 100 victory, superior high-altitude performance
**Recent Female Winners (Last 5 Years)**
• **2024: Courtney Dauwalter** – 21:26:41
Third Bear 100 victory, exceptional cold-weather mountain racing performance
• **2023: Camille Herron** – 20:44:18
Outstanding debut at Bear 100, showcasing versatility across all ultramarathon terrains
• **2022: Clare Gallagher** – 21:58:44
Strong mountain running performance in challenging late-season conditions
• **2021: Race Cancelled** – COVID-19 pandemic
Event cancelled due to health restrictions and safety protocols
• **2020: Anna Frost** – 22:12:33
New Zealand mountain running specialist’s first Bear 100 victory
**Notable Performance Statistics**
– Average male winning time (2020, 2022-2024): 18:43:29
– Average female winning time (2020, 2022-2024): 21:35:33
– Fastest recent male time: Dave Mackey 17:58:33 (2023)
– Fastest recent female time: Camille Herron 20:44:18 (2023)
– Weather conditions significantly impact finishing times year to year
– 2021 cancellation represents only the second time in race history the event was not held
These elite performances demonstrate the extraordinary caliber of athletes drawn to Bear 100’s ultimate late-season mountain challenge, with winning times reflecting both individual excellence and the variable nature of high-mountain racing in September conditions.
Official Website & Contact Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the Bear 100-Mile Endurance Run, including race registration, course details, and event updates, please use the following official contact resources.
**Primary Website:**
• Official Website: https://bear100.com
Complete race information, registration details, course maps, and current announcements
**Email Contact:**
• General Information: info@bear100.com
For questions about registration, race policies, course details, and general inquiries
• Race Director: director@bear100.com
For urgent race-related matters and specific inquiries about course conditions, safety protocols, or emergency situations
**Mailing Address:**
Bear 100-Mile Endurance Run
P.O. Box 1888
Logan, UT 84323
Use this address for official correspondence, entry applications, and any required documentation.
**Registration Platform:**
• UltraSignup: https://ultrasignup.com
All race registration and applications must be completed through UltraSignup
**Official Social Media:**
• Facebook: Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run
Race updates, participant information, and community discussions
• Instagram: @bear100mile
Race photos, course highlights, and behind-the-scenes content
• Twitter: @bear100run
Real-time race updates, weather alerts, and official announcements
**Important Notes:**
– All official race communications and updates are posted on the primary website
– Social media accounts provide supplementary information and community engagement
– For time-sensitive inquiries during race weekend, monitor all official channels
– Emergency contact information is provided to registered participants separately
– Race headquarters operates seasonal phone support during registration periods