Pro trail runner Klaire Rhodes survived a brown bear encounter on the Chugach trails near Anchorage this past Thursday. Rhodes, a North Face athlete known for her success at the Mount Marathon Race, was running alone when the bear attacked. She managed to deploy bear spray during the incident and successfully returned to the trailhead under her own power.
Medical assessment confirms Rhodes sustained a deep puncture wound to her hip along with various claw and teeth marks. While the injuries are classified as relatively minor given the circumstances, the recovery process has disrupted her scheduled training block for upcoming races in Europe, including the CCC in Chamonix. Rhodes stated that she is currently prioritizing rest but intends to return to trail running as soon as possible.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provided confirmation regarding the encounter, noting that the incident occurred on the Wolverine Bowl trail. Biologists conducted a search of the immediate area following the report but did not locate the animal. Officials continue to monitor the trails near Prospect Heights as part of standard safety protocols.
Rhodes noted that running in the Chugach remains central to her life. She acknowledged the inherent risks of accessing remote wilderness areas, emphasizing that she accepts these dangers as a condition of her sport. Despite the current setback, she remains focused on her eventual return to competitive racing.