John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Archives

Defending Champ Letzring Among 10 Scratched Beargrease Teams, More Drops Possible Officials Say

Temperatures this year are too warm and the "punchy" snow is making it harder for the dogs to run.

February 1, 2022

Arman Rahman,

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus MINNESOTA- The Beargrease Marathon’s 300-mile trail was about 10 mushers lighter Tuesday morning, with defending champion Erin Letzring among those who scratched, due to warmth and snow conditions. According to Monica Hendrickson, spokesperson for the marathon, it’s possible more will drop as the race nears its end. Temperatures this year are too warm, Hendrickson said, and the…

Ryan Redington Withdraws from John Beargrease Marathon

6 dogs have to be standing in harness on the trail, according to race officials. So Redington “scratched” or withdrew from the race.

January 31, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- For one veteran musher the Beargrease Marathon was unfortunately cut short Monday, as two-time champion Ryan Redington dropped out after holding a strong lead. Redington was among the top mushers most of the day and entered the trail center checkpoint with about 9 dogs out of 12. He left with only 6. But then he turned around about…

Mushers Sent Off to ‘Hike!’ on Beargrease Marathon’s 300-Mile Trail

"It feels like Beargrease, and what makes Beargrease so special," Redington said.

January 30, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Just follow the howls of the excited dogs Sunday and you’d find the Beargrease Marathon mushers and their fans excited to see them tackle the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. “The energy of the dogs, the energy of the fans, it’s just surreal that we’re at this point already,” said Monica Hendrickson, Marketing and…

Fans at Beargrease Starting Line Pack Surrounding Businesses Again

Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go.

January 30, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Marathon always provides a much-needed boost to businesses by the starting line on the outskirts of Duluth. Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go. This year they offered breakfast sandwiches mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and a fire pit with hay bales to enjoy the race outside. After a year with no…

Vets Check Every Paw One Day Before Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Start

22 veterinarians and vet techs combed through every paw of upward of 500 dogs at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds in Proctor Saturday.

January 29, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Before watching the top-of-the-line canines takeoff for Sunday’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon fans got a chance to see them get checkups before race day. 22 veterinarians and vet techs combed through every paw of upward of 500 dogs at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds in Proctor Saturday. Each dog’s exam results go into the vet’s…

Tiny Dogs Pull Tiny Sleds at Earth Rider’s Mini Sled Dog Races

There were two heats of races: 12 pounds and under then 12 to 22-pound pint-sized pups.

January 29, 2022

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Before watching those elite dogs tear down the trail, people got to watch some tiny dogs pull some tiny sleds on Saturday! Earth Rider Brewery in Superior hosted the Mini Sled Dog Race fundraiser for Beargrease. There were two heats of races: 12 pounds and under then 12 to 22-pound pint-sized pups. Competitors and spectators came from as…

Earth Rider Brewery to Hold Mini Dog Sled Fundraiser for Beargrease Marathon

January 28, 2022

Ken Slama,

SUPERIOR, WI – For the past several years leading up to the Beargrease Dog Sled Marathon, a mini dog sled race is held and this year it will take place at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior. This event acts as a fundraiser for the Beargrease and is sure to be great family fun. “I think it’s going to be a…

Businesses Near Beargrease Starting Line in Duluth Ready for Spectators to Return

For the small Breeze Inn on the outskirts of Duluth, last year's lack of fans after a year riddled with COVID shutdowns was tough.

January 23, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After a year with no fans, the small community of businesses out where the Beargrease starting line is are excited and relieved to have people inside watching the race again. For the small Breeze Inn on the outskirts of Duluth, last year’s lack of fans after a year riddled with COVID shutdowns was tough. So this year they’re…

Mushers, Fans Kick Off Beargrease Marathon Month with Bent Paddle Beer Release

Organizers say 26 mushers will take on the journey, some coming from as far as Alaska and Canada.

January 2, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- January has begun which means the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is just on the horizon. And race month kicked off at Bent Paddle Brewery Sunday. The pour of Bent Paddle’s special Beargrease British Pale Ale marked that the race is ready to run. Signup for the full marathon race of 300 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage,…

Erin Letzring Wins Closest Beargrease in History Against Ryan Redington

Seven seconds separated the top two finishers making Letzring the second female champion in marathon history.

February 3, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- History was made at Mineral Center in Grand Portage Tuesday evening. The 37th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ended with the first woman to ride away victorious in 23 years. Seven seconds separated the top two finishers. The closest race in Beargrease history made Erin Letzring the second female champion in marathon history. “Pretty cool,” said the…

Mushers Takeoff For 37th Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Despite No Fans

The teams were wound up and ready to set out on the 300-mile journey to Grand Portage.

January 31, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-With a different starting line, warmer weather, and no spectators, the 37th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon looked different. But to mushers and their dogs, the trail experience looks to be the same. “Having this race happen is huge not only for the mushers and the fans but for the dogs,” said returning champ Ryan Redington. “You hear how…

Beargrease Vets Examine Dogs On Race Day, One Last Time Before First Checkpoint

Last minute injuries can come from dogs getting antsy waiting, or even frostbitten tongues in colder weather.

January 31, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While mushers, handlers and the dog teams get blinded by excitement before they start on the trail, the Beargrease veterinarians were busy making sure the dogs were in race-shape Sunday. At Saturday’s final official vet check, mushers could get extra dogs checked and cleared, just in case one of them gets injured overnight or at the starting line….

Beargrease Silent Auction Goes Virtual Ahead of Sunday Race Start

Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and venues.

January 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Preparations continue for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ahead of the start just days away. Normally the big auction and opening ceremony takes place the first week, but this year the auction is virtual. Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and…

Beargrease Without Fans Hard But Better Than Canceled Mushers, Businesses Say

Bar and restaurant owners said Beargrease is the busiest time of their year, so not having spectators will hurt business.

January 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are stretching to the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, causing changes including not allowing fans to watch in-person. “Safety has always been the #1 priority for our organization whether it’s a COVID year or non-COVID year,” race spokesperson Monica Hendrickson said. Some of this year’s changes include closing all buildings used along the…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Hosting Virtual 5K Fundraiser

The Fur-K Virtual Race is Happening Sept. 25 - 27, 2020

September 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Like many organizations this year, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is expecting to take a hit due to the ongoing financial effects COVID-19. To help raise funds, Beargrease board members have come up with the inaugural Fur-K ‘virtual 5K.’ The race will take place Friday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 27 on your own time. Participants…

300 Mile North Shore Journey Ends at Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Reddington, Keith Aili, Ryan Anderson first three to cross finish line.

January 28, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- An exciting night in Grand Portage, as crowds gathered at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon finish line to welcome the mushers with cheers and support as they completed their nearly 300 mile journey. “The dogs know when they’re getting close to the end they can smell the smoke in the air,” said Race Marshall Stan Passananti. Around…

Beargrease Broadcast Internationally for First Time

Over 100 countries can view the race this year.

January 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Beargrease is making history this year, as it is the first year the race is being broadcast internationally. This year the race will be seen in over 100 countries. Mushers on the North Shore trail are competing with mushers in Norway, Russia, and the Iditarod not only with racing, but by the health of their dogs as…

Beargrease Vets on Alert with Warm Temperatures

Dogs more prone to overheating, dehydration in the heat.

January 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- All the dogs taking mushers along the Beargrease trail, which is softer than usual due to warmer weather, calls for a big team of trained veterinarians. 11 vets and 7 veterinary technicians are stationed at each checkpoint, along with one EMT to check on the human mushers. Vets say while they’re there for medical attention, mushers are usually…

Dogs, Spectators Energetic at Beargrease Starting Line

Mushers prepare for a longer and softer trail, thanks to unseasonably warm temperatures.

January 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The excitement was in the air at the starting line of the 40th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. “These dogs were meant to run, they were born to run, they’re trained to run,” said Race Spokesperson Monica Hendrickson, the yip of excited race dogs behind her. The dogs’ howls light a flame in everyone’s hearts. “Everything about…

Beer, Food, Bonfires to Kick Off Beargrease Weekend

Brewsheen by Beargrease is Happening Friday, January 24 at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

January 24, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is partnering with Glensheen Mansion and Canal Park Brewing Company for the annual Brewsheen by Beargrease. It’s taking place Friday, January 24, with a special keg tapping event at 5:30 p.m. At the event, guests will enjoy culinary creations and complimentary beer from Canal Park Brewing. Bonfires galore will be going…

Less Than Week Ahead of Beargrease, Fundraiser Helps with Last Minute Expenses

Fundraiser helps accommodate for money lost from stolen bales of straw.

January 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Excitement is building less than a week before the 40th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. A fundraiser was held at Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth Road to help raise money for the race, after 200 bales of straw were stolen back in October. That straw is used as bedding for the dogs. The race raised money in…

Bales of Straw for Beargrease Dog Bedding Stolen

Cost to replace the necessary straw is about $2,000.

October 30, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon just experienced a bit of a roadblock putting this race together this year. A regular phone call to the straw supplier turned into a nightmare of a problem as $2,000 worth of straw was stolen right from the farmer’s property. The 200 bales of straw are used at checkpoints along the course…

Partial Proceeds of New Movie to Benefit John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Actor, Director, Producer Brian Presley Chats About New Movie, "The Great Alaskan Race"

October 24, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re trying to use the movie to help out others,” said Brian Presley, actor, producer, and director of “The Great Alaskan Race.” Presley is making a few stops in Duluth ahead of the nationwide release of the movie on Friday, October 25. Presley began writing the movie more than nine years ago, and is thrilled to see…

Great Outdoors: Dogsledding With a Twist at North Star Academy

School hosts unconventional dog sled race.

February 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland winters are full of great activities like skiing, snowboarding, and of course dog sledding. You’ve likely heard of the Beargrease, and the Iditarod. But North Star Academy’s dog sled race puts a spin on the traditional. “Teamwork makes the dream work. You have to trust your musher, and the musher has to trust his dogs,” a team…

MUSH! 2019 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Begins

Mushers and Dogs Race Through Bitter Cold

January 27, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Through rain, sleet, snow or hail, negative temperatures and the depths of the night, these mushers do it for the love of the sport, and the love of the Northland. Barking and howling ring through the air, as the dogs stare down the 300-mile ribbon of white ahead of them. “3…2…1… And there she goes!” And then, they’re off!…

Beargrease Marathon Kicks Off with Opening Ceremony

Mushers and Fans Eat and Share Memories

January 26, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The cold and snow is good news for one crowd: the mushers and dogs in the 2019 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, running from Sunday at noon, to Tuesday 1/29 in the afternoon. As they prepare for their long treks, they celebrated with an opening ceremony at Lake Superior College. A huge crowd came out in support of…

Beargrease Offers Whiskeys of the World Fundraiser

The Inaugural Whiskeys of the World Fundraiser is Happening Friday, January 18 at Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub

January 16, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Voted as a Top 40 Whiskey Restaurant in the United States by Whiskey Advocate, Whiskeys of the World will wake up your taste buds. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub is hosting the fundraiser in support of the 35th Running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Five top-shelf whiskey’s will be paired with five made-from-scratch small plates for guests to enjoy. The…

Changes to the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

The Beargrease Beer and Bacon Bash kicks-off the 2019 season on Saturday, at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds.

September 21, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is changing up the course this year. The Beargrease is one of the first sled dog races of the season and organizers tell us there’s typically not too much snow then which makes it hard on the mushers and dogs. The full course used to be around 400 miles, this year it’s knocked…

Dog Sled Classic “Iron Will” Returns to the Northland

Two main train characters in the movie, Car Northland and Steam Engine were on display.

February 19, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Depot in Duluth hosted a special movie viewing event on this President’s Day. It was the 1994 winter dog sled classic movie “Iron Will” being shown. “Iron Will” is based on a true story and was filmed right here in the Northland. Junior musher Julia Cross recently competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The…

Redington Wins 2018 Beargrease Marathon

Ryan Redington Won the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Crossing the Finish Line at 5:00a.m. Wednesday

January 31, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – After countless hours of mushing along the North Shore of Lake Superior, Wednesday morning brought a winner in the 2018 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. FOX 21 News was at the finish line as fans and followers arrived throughout the final hours to congratulate their favorite teams and experience Beargrease fever. “We’ve never done this before so…

How The Weather Impacted The Beargrease Trail Conditions

Cold Temperatures, Strong Winds & Snow Fell As The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Took Place

January 31, 2018

Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn — The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon wrapped up this morning at Billy’s Bar. The mushers and the dogs became one with mother nature as they spent 3 days out in the elements. Eager to get inside and rest up. Meteorologist Brittney Merlot talked with the top 2 finishers about the trail conditions and how important the speed…

Mind Over Matter with Team Freking

Blake Freking and His Team Train Year-Round to Mush in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, and Many Other Races

January 31, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – As mushers make their final trek to the finish line Wednesday morning, the athletes leading the team will likely enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation in the coming days. However, it won’t last for long as many of the teams will soon embark on their next adventure. “Their first year of mushing is really just about…

Inside Look at the John Beargrease Marathon Starting Line

Every musher has a different story behind their passion to race.

January 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Mushers heading out for the John Beargrease marathon say dog racing is unlike any sport. Winter along the Northshore can create the ideal conditions or make for a challenging journey. “We go out there and what happens, happens. You just kind of go with the flow, that’s what this sport is,” first time Beargrease musher Liza Dietzen…

Volunteer Veterinarians Have All Eyes on Beargrease Dogs

January 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- The John Beargrease race is made possible by many volunteers, including nearly 20 volunteer veterinarians. The vets travel from all over to provide pre-race vet checks and ensure safety during the event. “It’s wonderful to be able to come here and work with these athletes,” head vet volunteer Gregg Phillips said. “I mean we see the couch…

Experience the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Through Pictures

Each photographer brings between two to three of their pieces for the exhibit.

January 23, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Even if you don’t make it out to the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon you can still enjoy some of the race scenery. Now through March 11 the Great Lakes Aquarium will showcase race images. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the dogs through pictures. The exhibit is in its…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Festivities Begin Friday

Winter Weather Causes Good Trail and Race Conditions

January 23, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend athletes who have been training all year will finally have their time in the snow. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is Sunday, January 28. However, festivities are already underway. The Cutest Puppy Contest has already taken place and more fun is yet to come. On Friday, January 26, a new event, The Beergrease is…

Preparing for the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Officials say the trail is in ideal condition for the marathon.

January 16, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- It’s the longest sled dog race in the country outside of Alaska and the 34th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is coming up next weekend. Back in the late 1800’s John Beargrease and his brothers would travel from Duluth to Thunder Bay Ontario delivering mail. John became known for using sled dogs and is…