This normally augurs warm fall days and cool nights in spectacular fall color, hence the run's motto "36 Hours of Indian Summer."

In 2006, an unprecedented series of snow storms forced a change to an alternate course 36 hours before the start of the run.

The Bear 100 is part of the "Rocky Mountain Slam," which a runner completes if s/he finishes the Hardrock 100 plus three of four other races in the Rocky Mountains: Leadville Trail 100, the Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run, the Bighorn 100, or the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run.

Zachary Garner set the men's course record of 17:11:51 in 2023.

[4] Kaci Lickteig set the women's course record of 20:27:57 in 2016.