Crazy Bear Ultra

The Crazy Bear Ultra returns to Sioux Falls, South Dakota on July 18th, offering runners a challenging course through the trails of Great Bear Ski Valley. The event includes distances for various skill levels: the Crazy Bear 50k, the 30k, and the 20k. Participants gather near the Bear Den (Chalet) to start their journey around the ski hill.
On race morning at Sioux Falls in South Dakota, runners will face a trail that is hard but dry underfoot, with an elevation gain of nearly 1200 feet per loop. The air feels like it’s hovering around 23 degrees Celsius on average as temperatures range from a minimum of 17.9 to a maximum of 28.2 degrees. With humidity at approximately 72 percent and only minimal risk of rain, the race day weather conditions are expected to be manageable for most participants.
The Crazy Bear Ultra has been celebrated annually since its inception in recent years as part of Sioux Falls’ trail running community. Each year sees an increasing number of runners coming together to support this event, which features a unique blend of scenic trails and challenging elevation changes. The race raises awareness for local trail maintenance initiatives led by FAST (Fall Area Single Track), ensuring the sustainability of these beloved routes.
The course at Great Bear Ski Valley winds through newly built and original trails, incorporating a 10k loop that participants must complete multiple times to reach their chosen distance. Runners start and finish near the Bear Den where aid stations are conveniently placed for every sixth mile along each route. These stations provide essential support throughout the race day.
Registration for the Crazy Bear Ultra is available online at [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=137112](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=137112). The registration fees vary by distance: $105.00 for the 50k, $85.00 for the 30k, and $75.00 for the 20k. Participants must sign up by June 10th to ensure receipt of race swag. Packet pickup details are yet to be announced but will likely occur on-site at Great Bear Ski Valley before the race.
Runners should plan to arrive early enough to check in and receive their bibs, as well as attend a pre-race briefing ten minutes prior to each start time. The event concludes by 6:15 pm for all participants regardless of distance covered. Age requirements are set at eighteen years or older due to the challenging nature of this ultra-distance race.
The Crazy Bear Ultra in Sioux Falls on July 18th offers a unique challenge through Great Bear Ski Valley’s scenic and demanding trails, making it an essential event for serious trail runners looking to test their limits while supporting local initiatives.