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The Bear 100 Ultra 2026

The Bear 100 Ultra 2026

Presented by UTMB World Series
Trail Running
Logan, UT
Sep 24–25, 2026
Register

About This Event

This 100-mile point-to-point course from Logan, Utah to Fish Haven, Idaho stands as one of the most prestigious qualifiers in ultrarunning, earning spots for Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and serving as a UTMB World Series event. The race follows the legend of Old Ephraim, a grizzly bear that roamed these mountains, with winners receiving the coveted Old Ephraim award.

The course delivers relentless challenge with 22,816 feet of elevation gain, peaking at 9,043 feet through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Starting at Mount Logan Park, the initial climb presents the steepest challenge before runners navigate 70% single-track trails, 29% dirt roads, and minimal pavement. The late September timing showcases spectacular fall colors—brilliant red maples and golden aspens—but demands preparation for unpredictable mountain weather ranging from pleasant days to potentially snowy nights.

Twelve well-stocked aid stations provide hydration, Spring Energy gels, and substantial food options from sandwiches to hot soups, though the race maintains a cupless policy. The 36-hour cutoff allows for a challenging but achievable timeline for prepared runners.

Entry requires completing a 50-miler under 16 hours or any longer ultra under cutoff, plus eight hours of trail work or race volunteering. The race committee strongly recommends running significant portions of the course beforehand, as navigation becomes critical in braid-heavy cattle trail sections and during night running near the finish.

Finishers receive an engraved plaque and belt buckle, while top three in each gender earn cash prizes up to $500, with $1,000 for course record breakers.

Strambecco profiles events that are Western States 100 Qualifier events.   The Western States Endurance Run, known commonly as the Western States 100, is a 100.2-mile (161 km) ultramarathon in  California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains trails yearly on the last full weekend of June. The race starts at the base of the Olympic Valley ski resort and finishes in Auburn, California. The terrain is quite rugged, frequently showcasing snow on the highest passes and record-hot temperatures throughout the course.  Runners ascend a cumulative total of 18,090 feet (5500 m) and descend a total of 22,970 feet (7000 m) on mountain trails before reaching the finish. Because of the length, the race commences at 5 a.m. and continues through the day and into the night. Runners finishing before the 30-hour time limit for the race receive a commemorative bronze belt buckle, while runners finishing in under 24 hours receive a silver belt buckle.

The Western States 100 is one of the five 100-mile races comprising the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, including the Old Dominion 100Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run, and the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run in Utah and the Leadville Trail 100 in Colorado.

The Western States Board of Trustees has instituted rules around the overall lottery and selection process, which you can see here.

 

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