Registration and Bib Pickup

Online registration available at active.com.

Friday, March 12, registration and bib pick-up, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., Cross Country Sports in Calumet.

Saturday, March 13, bib pickup only, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Cross Country Sports. Calumet. No race day registration.

2010 Great Bear Chase 30th anniversary hats will be given out at registration.

The Great Bear Chase has earned a reputation as a laid-back, skier-oriented weekend. Choose between 26-km and 50-km distances, including a separate category for 26-km classic skiers. Results will be generated by chip timing.

Friday, March 12, young skiers can take part in the Junior Bear Chase under the lights at the Swedetown trails.

On Saturday morning, March 13, skiers will line up for the Great Bear Chase. Our 26-km and 50-km courses will be well-groomed by a 2001 model Pisten Bully with power tilling and/or compactor bar, as conditions dictate. The groomer makes multiple passes for maximum trail width.

Entry Fees

$45 by December 30, 2009
$55 by February 10, 2010
$60 by March 11, 2010
$65 on March 12, 2010

Age Divisions

26-km Classic: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over

26-km Freestyle: 13-15, 16-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over

50 km Freestyle: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over

Starting Times

26-km classic 9:00 am (Eastern Daylight Time)
50-km freestyle 9:20 am
26-km freestyle 9:30 am

Race Details

Finish in downtown Calumet.

Trail markings will be clear, with markers every 2 km.

Aid Stations will be located at 8 Km, 16 Km, 25 Km, 32 Km, and 40 Km. They will provide warm Hammer Gel, water, bananas, energy gel, and doughnuts.

Spectators are encouraged to shout encouragement! Near the chalet is an excellent place as the skiers come near it several times.

Road Crossings: The two road crossings will be well shoveled and manned throughout the race.

Safety personnel will be on hand and in radio contact with check points and ambulance service.

Free lunch! Before the awards enjoy a free lunch for racers at the Calumet High School Gym, parking lot at 57070 Mine Street. As always, while waiting for the awards ceremony to start, enjoy pasties, bakery, refreshments, and music. Also, enjoy the use of the locker rooms for changing and free showers. The school will be open continuously from 10 a.m. until the close of ceremonies.

Results and photos will be available right here at bearchase.org

Awards

The awards ceremony will begin at 2:00 pm in the Calumet High School Gym. Awards are given for each age category in each race, as listed above. Unique awards will be presented to the overall fastest man and woman in each race, and skating trophies to the top 20 male and top 10 female skiers in the 50 km race.

Several other prizes will be awarded by random drawing, donated by Cross Country Sports and several companies. You must be present to win.

Questions? Call Cross Country Sports in Calumet during regular business hours: (906) 337-4520.

Parking the day of the race can be found along the streets around the start area and in downtown Calumet.

Spaghetti Supper: Friday, March 12, 5 - 8:30 p.m., the CLK Rotary Club will host a spaghetti supper at the Irish Times Restaurant and Pub in Laurium. Ticket prices: $8 and are available at the door.