The Bear Chase 5K

2026

The Bear Chase 5K offers a taste of Colorado trail running at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, starting Sunday morning in early October. This single-loop course covers just over 3 miles on mostly soft-surface dirt trail with minimal elevation gain, making it approachable for newer trail runners while still delivering that authentic trail experience. The route winds through the park's mix of open meadows and wooded sections, with views of the surrounding foothills and lake areas. You'll encounter some gentle rolling terrain but nothing technical or steep—the course is designed to be fast by trail standards. October weather in Colorado can vary, so expect crisp morning temperatures that warm as the sun climbs higher. This works well for runners looking to try trail running without committing to major climbs or technical terrain. The 2.5-hour time limit is generous for the distance, and the single-loop format keeps things straightforward. Road runners curious about trails will find this a comfortable introduction, while trail veterans might appreciate it as a shorter, faster effort or a warm-up for the longer distances happening the same weekend.