Chelsea Bosset/Daily Mining Gazette Despite rapidly changing weather conditions, a near-record 902 participants turned out for Saturday's Great Bear Chase at the Swede Town Trails in Calumet.

CALUMET — Rain, sleet, hail and snow pelted the Swedetown Ski Trails in Calumet Saturday. The 46th annual Great Bear Chase welcomed more than 900 participants from all across the Midwest for nine key races, as well as junior races for kids. For race organizing committee member, Dean Woodbeck, his day started early in the morning to prepare for the event. “I got here at 6 O’lock this morning and it was raining,” Woodbeck said. “An hour later it was sleet and then an hour later it was starting to snow.”

Despite the conditions, people still trekked out to the course and put on their skis. Woodbeck said he considered the event a success and that there were still activities to do despite the blizzard-like conditions. “We had 903 [skiers] registered total,” he said. “Probably the third largest event we’ve had in 46 years.”

A bagel vendor was on-site and food was available for purchase. There also was a pasty luncheon at Calumet High School free for participants with their race ticket. Door prizes and awards were given out to racers as well.

Zach Wurtenburger of Dodgeville, raced in the 24 kilometer freestyle and said he has seen a lot of people from the Keweenaw area that he recognized before the races began. “I think I see a lot of familiar faces — it’s been fun so far,” he said. “Even people you don’t recognize but they’re wearing husky gear is fun.”

Racers who came in from out of town — a lot from Wisconsin and Minnesota — loved the Calumet area and its’ scenery. Some at the races grew up in the Upper Peninsula and came back home, like Karen Anderson who grew up in Ironwood and currently lives in Wisconsin. “I started learning how to skate-ski in 2022,” she said. “You couldn’t ask for a better place. Have you seen such tall snowbanks?”

Some current collegiate Nordic skiers participated in the event. Two teammates from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nordic Ski Team, Liam Halloran and Macie Wenning, said they were excited to be there and participate in the races. “It means that we’re committed, it means that this is not a game and that we’re not playing around,” Halloran said. “The Badgers are hyped.”

After her finish in the 10 kilometer freestyle, Wenning spoke about the conditions and how she fared. “I love it, it’s always one of my favorite races,” she said. “I’m excited to spend the rest of the day out in the snow.”

Upper Peninsula skier, Joel Poliskey from Marquette, won his age group on the 24 kilometer freestyle race. After his finish Poliskey spoke about how this event is a UP essential if you love the outdoors and cross-country skiing. “I think if you like in the UP, you got to get outside in the winter and this is just so much fun,” he said. “It’s a great atmosphere, so many people came to watch and I think it’s great for the area — great for the UP.”

The first waves of races started at 8:05 a.m. and ended at 9:00 a.m., then the start of the Para-Nordic 3 and 6 kilometer races began at 11:00 a.m. and the junior races started at 1:30 pm.

There were several podium finished by participants from the Keweenaw area. Caden Albrecht of Houghton placed first in the men’s group of the 52 kilometer Skiathlon.

Ayla Miller of Pelkie placed third in the women’s group in the 24 kilometer Classic race. Paul and Michael Fraley, both from Houghton, placed second and third respectively in the men’s group 24 kilometer Classic.

Katelyn Pietila from Calumet finished third in the 24 kilometer Freestyle women’s race. Elliott Isaacson of Mohawk won the men’s group 24 kilometer Freestyle race.

Ruth Talbot from Atlantic Mine placed second in the 10 kilometer Classic women’s race.

For the 10 kilometer Classic men’s race, all three podium finishes were from the Keweenaw area. Illya Velat, from Chassell places first, the second and third place finishers, both from Hancock, were Vincent Gemelli and Jonathon Eikenberry.

The 10 kilometer Freestyle men’s race was won by Gideon Talbot from Atlantic Mine. Jed Halonen of Calumet placed third.

Shannon Handler of Houghton placed third in the 20 kilometer Skiathlon women’s race, while Paul Isaacson placed second in the men’s race.

For more information about Great Beer Chase or how to get involved or for this year’s results, visit their website at greatbearchase.com.