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This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. In Duluth, it’s become a staple winter event. The Beargrease’s nearly 400-mile course, grueling terrain and high standards, makes it the longest and one of the most prestigious races in the lower 48 states. It is also a prequalifier for the Iditarod.

Weather near the lake is unpredictable, and this year is no exception. Due to lack of snow, the race has been postponed about a month from its original date.

The race starts at Ordean School at 1:00 p.m. on February 25. Around 4,000 people are expected to watch the event in Duluth and 3,000 more along the trail.

Along the course there are nine checkpoints with random vet checks on the dogs. At two of the checkpoints, teams are required to take mandatory six-hour rest periods. Animals receive comprehensive veterinarian evaluations during these rests.

Veterinarians come from everywhere from Alaska to Australia. “These vets are unique; it’s not just any vet. It is sports medicine for dogs,” explains Linda Nervick, vice president of the race board.

The mid-distance race covers 150 miles, ending at Tofte. The marathon covers almost 400 miles of rugged terrain with the trail heading up past Grand Marais and back to Duluth ending at Billy’s on Tischer Road on February 28.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m. is the second annual Red Lantern Party to welcome the final teams across the finish line. When dog sled teams were used regularly to deliver the mail and other goods, it was customary to leave a red lantern burning to signal a musher was still out on the trail. The Beargrease will continue that tradition by lighting a red lantern at dusk and leaving it burning until the last musher arrives, who will then be presented with the lantern.

The race is named in honor of John Beargrease, son of an Anishinabe chief. He and his family lived at the edge of Beaver Bay, the first settlement along the North Shore. At the time, the trail between Duluth and Thunder Bay, Ontario, was only a footpath.

The North Shore continued to be settled, but the remoteness and unpredictable weather of the region prevented regular mail delivery. John and his brothers, who frequently traveled along their Lake Shore Trail trap line, began carrying mailbags in their packs.

Between 1879 and 1899, the brothers delivered mail on a weekly basis between Two Harbors and Grand Marais. With limited equipment and heavy packs, the trail, which varies dramatically in elevation, was a challenge. John traveled by canoe, horses and boats, but was best known for his trips by dog sled. Traveling with only four dogs and a sled that resembled a toboggan, John’s fastest time rivals today’s teams with 16 dogs and advanced equipment along the same course.

Mary Black, a long-time race participant says the Beargrease racecourse is very hilly, especially from Finland to the Sawbill checkpoint. “It’s constantly up and down, but it’s beautiful.”

She and her husband Mark, former Duluthians, consider the Beargrease their hometown race. The couple moved to Cook County a couple of years ago. Mark won first place in the 2005 marathon and will race again this year.

What Mary enjoys most about dog sledding is the bond between her and the dogs, which they breed themselves. “It’s seeing these little puppies you hold when they are just minutes old and watching them grow up and then do so well.”

Mushers need to be dedicated to their dogs. The Alaskan Husky requires a lot of attention, exercise and a strict diet.

Mary says they don’t get much time for much physical training for themselves because they spend so much time training the dogs. “We are out doing chores in the morning first thing. After we feed the dogs, we feed ourselves, and then we are going outside and running with the dogs.” A short run for the day is 25 to 30 miles and a long run is around 60 miles. 

All Beargrease events are open to the public. On January 26, the gala event will feature guest speaker Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the Iditarod. The Cutest Puppy Contest is held January 27 at Fitger’s.

At 4:30 p.m. February 23, kids are welcome to come and meet “John Beargrease” in the Fitger’s courtyard. Presented by the Minnesota Historical Society, the presentation is designed to provide information on his life and the importance of his work. The week of the race, there are banquets to welcome competitors and also to honor winners.

“I like the fact that this race attracts unique people, from the volunteers to our guest speakers, the mushers, and, of course, the dogs,” says Nervick.

There are numerous areas for volunteers to get involved, from assisting the veterinarians at the checkpoints to answering phones at headquarters. Opportunities are listed online at www.beargrease.com.

Nervick says volunteering for the race has changed her life. She now has the opportunity to work with Will Sieger on his next expedition. “It also gives me a strong sense of community.”

The Beargrease struggled financially in the past, but Nervick says it’s now a thriving event with healthy sponsorship. Companies like Subaru, the National Geographic Channel, and Johnsonville have joined with local businesses to sponsor the event. “I have found incredible support from the community in everything from donations to the gala dinner.”

Kelly Harth is a freelance writer based out of Duluth, MN
Photo provided by Visit Duluth and Seaquest Photography.