After last year, where we got 3 inches of rain, and the Bear was dangerously wet and muddy, I’m sure there were a lot of people praying for nice weather. I think their prayers were answered, but even nice weather can be a little overdone. Record high temperatures were recorded at the Bear this year, but I must say that Indian Summer felt really nice, especially for the volunteers. Maybe not so much for the runners. Many of them struggled with the heat, and some went as far as swimming in the Beaver ponds along the way to cool down.
Despite the heat, we had a record number of finishers this year. 22 finished in under 24 hours to earn the covenanted Wolverine buckle. There were 3 runners who finished their 5th in a row, to earn a streaker jacket, Amie Blackham, Brian Hamos, and Jim Milar. Eric Johnson completed his 10th Bear, and received his 10 Bear award. Sheila Huss completed the Rocky Mountain Slam.
Mick Jurynec turned up the heat on the competition, and cruised for the win in just over 19 hours. On the womens’ side, Angela Shartel from San Diego, CA cruised for the win in 22:34:12.
Despite a hot dry summer, and warm temperatures on race day, the colors were gorgeous, with the yellow Aspen against the deep green of the pines, and the bright red Maples in the lower elevations.
We thank our wonderful volunteers, who do an awesome job of taking care of the runners. Many runners expressed their gratitude for their amazing efforts. It was an amazing 2 days for all involved, and we thank all who contributed to make it a success.
Leland Barker, Race Director
Assistants: Errol Jones: Aid Station supply organizer
Wayne Moore: Aid Station volunteers Coordinator
Ron Stagg: Course Marking Coordinator