John Beargrease Archives

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…

Northland Boy Scouts Practice Outdoor Skills in Beargrease Derby

Dog sled style race in Cloquet helps kids develop winter outdoor skills.

February 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Boy Scouts were out in the sunshine practicing their outdoor winter skills Saturday. The annual Beargrease Derby took place at the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center. The mile long course is named after John Beargrease, with 10 stations named after spots on the real Beargrease trail. Kids go to each station to perform different outdoor tasks….

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…

Mini Mushers at the Secret Forest Playschool

GREAT OUTDOORS: Ryan Redington Takes Preschoolers Mushing

December 24, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — Dog sledding was widely used by those traveling from village to village along the north shore and later by mail carriers. One legendary mail carrier in particular, John Beargrease, is still recognized and honored here today. With the Beargrease race just weeks away, in this weeks great outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us mushing with a…

St. Louis Historical Society Celebrates 97th Birthday

Society held an annual meeting with exhibits and election of governors.

April 23, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Saint Louis County Society celebrated a big birthday: 97 years. They’re a society that loves studying the past, but their Annual Meeting was also about looking ahead to what’s next. Society officials said in late Summer and early Fall, they’ll be introducing new exhibits. They also plan to donate 2,800 books to Minnesota libraries and schools, on…

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…

Fitger’s to Host Cutest Puppy Contest Saturday

The Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Cutest Puppy of the Northland Contest is Happening Saturday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m.

January 23, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all cute puppies of the Northland! You’re invited to bring your puppy, or stop by to witness the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Cutest Puppy Contest on Saturday, January 26. The event is taking place at the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth. Registration is free and will start at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. This event is free…

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…

First Musher Crosses Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Redington Wins 34th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

January 31, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon has a winner. Ryan Redington crossed the finish line at 5:00 a.m. to win the 34th running of the race. Ryan Anderson came in second place crossing the finish line just after 7:45 a.m. The race wraps up at Billy’s Bar after more than two days of competition. We have live…

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…

Carrying Trail Mail in the Beargrease Marathon

The trail mail is sent in from people around the world.

January 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– While on the trail mushers are looking after more than just their sled team, each racer is carrying up to a dozen pieces of trial mail. Racing with the letters is another way to honor John Beargrease and his route delivering mail. The Two Harbors Postal Service, volunteers helping run the event every year. Workers say they’re…

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…

Fans Flock to 2017 Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Anderson Wins First Place in 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

February 1, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn – Shortly after 10:00 a.m., the winning team of the 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon mushed through the finish line. Ryan Anderson from Ray, Minnesota, used the annual race to help qualify and train his team to run the upcoming 1,000 mile Iditarod race. “Racing is an art; it’s not just taking a dog team and going fast,”…

Marathon Honors Work of John Beargrease

Northland Uncovered: John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

January 24, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Mararthon is just around the corner. The annual race takes off from Two Harbors on Sunday, January 29. Race Director Jason Rice visited FOX 21 to talk about the story behind the event. John Beargrease carried mail from Grand Marais to Two Harbors once a week. He and his brothers made this…

John Beargrease

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.

Northland Boy Scouts Practice Outdoor Skills in Beargrease Derby

Dog sled style race in Cloquet helps kids develop winter outdoor skills.

Dogs, Spectators Energetic at Beargrease Starting Line

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

Mini Mushers at the Secret Forest Playschool

GREAT OUTDOORS: Ryan Redington Takes Preschoolers Mushing

St. Louis Historical Society Celebrates 97th Birthday

Society held an annual meeting with exhibits and election of governors.

Beargrease Marathon Kicks Off with Opening Ceremony

Mushers and Fans Eat and Share Memories

Fitger’s to Host Cutest Puppy Contest Saturday

The Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Cutest Puppy of the Northland Contest is Happening Saturday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m.

How The Weather Impacted The Beargrease Trail Conditions

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

First Musher Crosses Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Redington Wins 34th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Inside Look at the John Beargrease Marathon Starting Line

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

Carrying Trail Mail in the Beargrease Marathon

The trail mail is sent in from people around the world.

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Festivities Begin Friday

Winter Weather Causes Good Trail and Race Conditions

Preparing for the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

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

Fans Flock to 2017 Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Anderson Wins First Place in 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Marathon Honors Work of John Beargrease

Northland Uncovered: John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

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

Dog sled style race in Cloquet helps kids develop winter outdoor skills.

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

GREAT OUTDOORS: Ryan Redington Takes Preschoolers Mushing

Society held an annual meeting with exhibits and election of governors.

Mushers and Fans Eat and Share Memories

The Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Cutest Puppy of the Northland Contest is Happening Saturday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m.

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

Ryan Redington Wins 34th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

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

The trail mail is sent in from people around the world.

Winter Weather Causes Good Trail and Race Conditions

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

Ryan Anderson Wins First Place in 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Northland Uncovered: John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Severe Weather

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