If you've never experienced the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon before, let us give you a few good reasons why you should venture up to Cook County, MN for the event! This year's event starts Jan. 29 in Duluth and finishes in Grand Portage Jan. 31. Find more details here.
How the marathon began
Northeastern Minnesota is an unexpected hotbed for dogsled activities. The climate is right and the region has vast areas of wilderness. For over 20 years, John Beargrease and his brothers delivered mail between Two Harbors to Grand Marais and Grand Portage by dogsled. John Beargrease was pivotal in the development of the North Shore communities by providing a necessary service allowing settlers to get supplies year-round. His legacy is celebrated annually with the running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Learn more about John Beargrease: http://www.beargrease.com/aboutjohnbeargrease.htm
The route often changes from year to year
Weather can determine the starting line and the route that is safe to take. Some years there is not enough snow on the Lake Superior side of the Sawtooth Mountain ridgeline, other years the lakes are not safe. One guarantee is that at least 50% of the race occurs in the communities of Cook County MN thanks to our reliable northern landscape.
It is a tough race
While it is a qualifier for the infamous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska, some mushers claim that the Beargrease is a more challenging race due to the Sawtooth Mountains unique geography and elevation changes on the route.
Dogs like the cold
These furry athletes thrive in colder temperatures that are usually at or around 0F. Sled dogs have a dual fur coat, a dense undercoat to keep them warm. And a more coarse outer coat to protect them from wind, snow, and water. Of course there are times when they need their down coats and booties, but not quite as often as the biped friends.
It’s one of two premier dog sled racing events held in Cook County MN
The Gunflint Mail Run provides an excellent warm up to the big race and a great team testing ground for several new mushers. Discover the next big name in mushing at the Gunflint Mail Run, held annually in January.
A classical music song cycle has been written about the race
What truly sets this race apart from others is that it inspires adventurous and creative types alike! Robin Eschner, a 2014 McKnight Foundation visiting composer through the American Composer Forum wrote the Crazy Cold Beautiful the John Beargrease Song Cycle.
