The Bear 100 Directors Cut - Cody Draper

Today we're diving deep into one of the most iconic and beautifully brutal ultramarathons in the West — The Bear 100 from the eyes of Race Director Cody Draper. This legendary 100-mile race kicks off in Logan, Utah, and winds its way through the stunning Wasatch Mountains, ultimately crossing the border to finish in Fish Haven, Idaho, near the shores of Bear Lake. And if you’ve never been to Northern Utah in late September, let me paint the picture for you — golden aspens, fiery red maples, and crisp mountain air that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. The Bear 100 isn’t just known for its jaw-dropping scenery — it’s also widely recognized as one of the best-organized ultramarathons out there, thanks in large part to Race Director Cody Draper and his incredible team of volunteers. The race has a reputation for being both brutally challenging and warmly welcoming. It's the kind of race where the community vibe is strong, and the finish line hugs in Fish Haven are hard-earned. And of course, behind every runner grinding their way up the endless climbs and rocky descents, there's a crew — dedicated, tired, sometimes freezing, but always cheering like crazy. Today, we're peeling back the curtain on what it takes to crew the Bear 100. We'll hear stories from crews who chased their runners from aid station to aid station, braved the nighttime mountain chill, and celebrated like crazy when their runner finally made it to that finish line. We’ll also share tips, tricks, and lessons learned so you can crush it next time you're crewing at Bear or any 100-miler. So settle in, and let's dive into the wild, beautiful, and totally unpredictable world of crewing the Bear 100.