New for 2019 and Registration Open
Registration is open for the 2019 Great Bear Chase, which will take place Saturday, March 9. The organizing committee has expanded the age range for those receiving a fee discount to age 19. All skiers...
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Who is That Man in White?
Some of you may have seen the “man in white” while participating in the Great Bear Chase. Bruce MacDonald tells us he wears white because “his heart is pure and snow is white.” Bruce missed out on the...
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Hooked, Fitzpatrick skiing in Second GBC
Kelsae Fitzpatrick grew up on a little hobby farm in Minnesota. After becoming a Registered Dietitian, she accepted a position at UP Health System Portage. At that point, she had never been to...
View ArticleWax Recommendations – 2019
Swix and Toko have both posted wax recommendations for the Great Bear Chase. The two local shops are Cross Country Sports in Calumet and Downwind Sports in Houghton – we recommend calling ahead,...
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2019 Great Bear Chase to Start With Record Numbers
The 39th UP Health System Great Bear Chase has seen a record number of registrations, with more than 800 skiers expected to start in one of the event’s seven individual races. “There are a number of...
View ArticleGreat Bear Chase Celebrates 40 Years
The UP Health System Portage Great Bear Chase will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Saturday, March 7. Last year’s event set a record for participation, with more than 800 racers. The Great Bear...
View ArticleRecord Attendance at 40th Anniversary UP Health System Great Bear Chase
A record 866 skiers enjoyed a perfect day for cross country skiing Saturday for the 40th annual UP Health System Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon at the Swedetown Trails in Calumet. Two former...
View ArticleRegistration Open and Summary of Changes
The Great Bear Chase is planning to hold an in-person/on-snow race March 13, 2021 on the beautiful Swedetown Trails in Calumet, Michigan! Things are going to look different, much like everything else...
View ArticleVirtual Race Added for 2021
The Great Bear Chase has added a virtual event for the 2021 race. Registration is free and skiers can complete a 10, 25 or 50k ski any time during race week, from March 7 through March 14. All Virtual...
View ArticleGregg Defends Title at 41st U.P. Health System Great Bear Chase
Former Olympian Caitlin Gregg defended her 50km skiathlon title, while Swiss native and Northern Michigan University skier Maurus Grond took the men’s title at the 41st annual U.P. Health System Great...
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