Monica Hendrickson Archives

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,…

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…

No Spectators for 2021 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Officials say they see no way to properly social distance the thousands that come out to the start.

January 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The 41st Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is planned to go on this year, but it will look different as no spectators will be allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. Every year thousands of spectators gather at the start of the race at Billy’s Bar in Duluth. But according to Beargrease spokesperson Monica Hendrickson, organizers saw…

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…

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…

Volunteers Needed for Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at DECC

The Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC is Happening Thursday, November 28

November 18, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 5,000 Northlanders will receive a free, home cooked meal on Thanksgiving thanks to help from hundreds of local volunteers. Organizers of the annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center are in crucial need of volunteers to help make the event a success once again this year. Organizer Monica Hendrickson says volunteers are…

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…

Night at the Museum Offers After Hours Tours of Glensheen

Grounds Lit Up and Whole Building Opened for Event

October 5, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Glensheen Mansion got its evening dress on as the building and the grounds were opened up for Night at the Museum. Glensheen staff said this free event was to give back to the community, who they say has done so much for the mansion. The grounds, trails and buildings were lit up for the public to enjoy…

Northlanders Spread Thanksgiving Cheer

Northlanders come together during the Thanksgiving season, ensuring everyone has a hot meal.

November 17, 2017

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly 5,000 meals are given out on Thanksgiving at the 28th annual Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet. Preparations to feed Northlanders at the Thanksgiving feast, begin back in August. Friday volunteers brought in 2,200 pounds of turkey and nearly 1,900 pounds of mashed potatoes. The group of volunteers lending a hand, come from many different backgrounds. “We really all…

Monica Hendrickson

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.

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.

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.

No Spectators for 2021 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Officials say they see no way to properly social distance the thousands that come out to the start.

Beargrease Broadcast Internationally for First Time

Over 100 countries can view the race this year.

Dogs, Spectators Energetic at Beargrease Starting Line

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

Volunteers Needed for Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at DECC

The Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC is Happening Thursday, November 28

MUSH! 2019 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Begins

Mushers and Dogs Race Through Bitter Cold

Beargrease Marathon Kicks Off with Opening Ceremony

Mushers and Fans Eat and Share Memories

Night at the Museum Offers After Hours Tours of Glensheen

Grounds Lit Up and Whole Building Opened for Event

Northlanders Spread Thanksgiving Cheer

Northlanders come together during the Thanksgiving season, ensuring everyone has a hot meal.

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Monica Hendrickson

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

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

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

Officials say they see no way to properly social distance the thousands that come out to the start.

Over 100 countries can view the race this year.

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

The Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC is Happening Thursday, November 28

Mushers and Dogs Race Through Bitter Cold

Mushers and Fans Eat and Share Memories

Grounds Lit Up and Whole Building Opened for Event

Northlanders come together during the Thanksgiving season, ensuring everyone has a hot meal.

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