About This Race
The 100-mile distance represents the ultimate test of endurance and mental fortitude at 3 Bears. Runners face the full scope of the course's challenges across multiple loops, requiring careful pacing, nutrition strategy, and crew support to reach the finish. This distance attracts experienced ultrarunners seeking a serious challenge within Alabama's trail running community.
The courses utilize a combination of clockwise and counter-clockwise loops centered around Danish Pass and the Highline Trail. The Papa Bear 100-mile follows the most complex routing, beginning with the 50-mile course clockwise to Danish Pass, then completing a counter-clockwise loop before reversing the entire 50-mile route. The terrain features technical singletrack through high mountain forests, with significant elevation changes and challenging navigation points that require focused attention from runners.
Elevation Profile
Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.
The course gains 6,358 ft over 100 miles, with the steepest section between mile 172–mile 173.
Location
Notable Features
This race offers the unique opportunity to experience the original Bear 100 course that operated for nearly a decade before the current Bear 100 moved to a different location. The multi-loop format and complex routing create a technical navigation challenge that separates this event from more straightforward ultra courses. The intimate field size and mountain lodge start/finish at Deer Cliff Inn provide a throwback atmosphere to ultrarunning's earlier, more grassroots era.