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Cross Country Sports

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2017-03-11T07:30:00-05:00
2017-03-11T14:45:00-05:00
Race
Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon

Race Guide

The UP Health System Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon has something for everyone and enough snow to go around, even in March! Skiers can choose from the 50k Skiathlon (limited to the first 100 entries), our signature freestyle and classic 50k races, or freestyle or classic 25k or 10k distances. The Great Bear Chase has earned a reputation as a laid-back, skier-oriented weekend that allows skiers of all experience levels to finish their season with a high quality event.

All events are chip timed, and compete on beautiful power tilled trails.

Weekend Schedule

Please note, all times are Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Friday, March 10, 2017
4 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration and Bib Pickup

Registration and bib pickup (location TBA)
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Pasta Dinner

The  Copper Country area’s Meals on Wheels program is providing the spaghetti feed for the racers (location TBA). The dinner is a benefit for this valuable program that serves almost 300 people daily. Talented cooks will be creating this pasta feast and the dedicated staff will be on hand to serve. The price is $10 and the menu includes spaghetti and choice of meat sauce or marinara, rolls, ceasar salad, pumpkin bars, water, juice, and coffee. Plan on enjoying a good meal with fellow racers and fuel up for a great race!
5:30 p.m.
Junior Bear Chase

Friday night the Swedetown Trails will be filled with the next generation of skiers as the Copper Country Ski Tigers host the annual Junior Bear Chase. Registration/Bib Pick-Up is at the Swedetown Chalet. Learn more by visiting the Junior Bear Chase page.

Saturday, March 11, 2017
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.
Bib Pick-Up

If you can’t make it in town for Friday’s bib pick-up, we’ll be at the Calumet High School bright and early for last-minute bib pickups. Click here for directions to the Calumet High School. There is no race-day registration.
8:30 – 9:20 a.m.
Race Start

Start times run from 8:30-9:20 am. All races will begin and finish near Spruce Street in Calumet. There is plenty of parking just a short walk from the stadium (see the map for start/finish and parking)! Here’s a quick rundown of the start times:

  • 50 km Skiathlon – 8:30 a.m. EST
  • 50 km Classic – 8:35 a.m. EST
  • 10 km Classic – 8:40 a.m. EST
  • 10 km Freestyle – 8:45 a.m. EST
  • 25 km Classic – 8:50 a.m. EST
  • 50 km Freestyle – 9:10 a.m. EST
  • 25 km Freestyle – 9:20 a.m. EST
Post Race
Free Pasty Lunch

Your registration includes lunch at the race headquarters at Calumet High School. We’ll serve up fresh, award-winning pasties, bakery items, gluten-free soup and refreshments. There will also be pasties for sale for those who didn’t race. The school’s locker rooms (including showers) will even be open for your use.
12 – 2:45 p.m.
Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony also takes place at the Calumet High School. Awards are given for each age category in each race, including hand-made wood skis for 1st place finishers in each age group. 2nd and 3rd place finishers will receive medals. Unique awards will be presented to the overall fastest man and woman in each race, and skating trophies to the top 10 male and top 5 female skiers in the 50 km freestyle. Prize money will also be given to the top 3 male and female skiers in the 50 km Skiathlon consisting of $1,000, $400 and $150. Free 2018 race entry will also be given for 4th and 5th male and female skiers in the 50 km Skiathlon (racers must be present to claim all prizes).  Door prizes (including NEW skis!) will also be awarded to those present at the award ceremony. Thanks to Cross Country Sports for helping us out with those!

Other Information

  • NOTE: Start/finish location at Spruce Street in Calumet
  • Trail markings will be clear, with markers every 2 km.
  • Aid Stations will be located throughout the course (see the course map below). Aid stations will provide warm water, HEED energy drinks, bananas and Hammer energy gel.
  • Spectators are encouraged to shout encouragement! Near the chalet is an excellent place as all skiers come near, and racers in the longer races go by it several times.
  • Road Crossings: No road crossings in the Great Bear Chase!
  • Minimum age requirement for the 50 km events is 17.
  • Safety personnel from UP Health System, Mercy EMS and local 1st Responders will be on hand and in radio contact with check points.
  • Results and photos will be available right here at greatbearchase.com.
  • Use the map below to help you navigate through town. If you need more help with directions in Calumet, visit our directions page.