ryan redington

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. 

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.

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.

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…

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. 

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…

Erin Letzring Wins Her First Beargrease Marathon, First Female Champion in 23 Years

Letzring beats previous champ Ryan Redington by just 7 seconds at the finish.

DULUTH, Minn.- After an epic finish-line battle Tuesday evening, the winner of the 37th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was first-time marathon musher Erin Letzring, beating out previous champ Ryan Redington by seconds in the final stretch. “Doing good. We’re all tired and could use a drink of water, but we’re all doing good,” said Letzring, panting with exhaustion…

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. 

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…

Redington Wins 2018 Beargrease Marathon

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

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

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

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…