John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

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John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

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Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest running sled dog race in the lower 48 states.
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The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Race start January 31, 2027

Store: www.beargrease.com/shop
Donate: www.beargrease.com/donate
Youtube: www.youtube.com/ World class mushers including Susan Butcher, Jamie Nelson, John and Jason Baron have competed – facing off against other seasoned competitors as well as the extremes of northern Minnesota weather and the deceivingly rugged terrain of the trail. The “Beargrease” is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska. The organization hosts the Beargrease 120, a mid-distance race, the Beargrease 40, a recreational class race as well as the Cub Run, a 2 or 1/4 mile loop for kids to get their chance behind a two-dog team. All check points and road crossings are easily accessible to the public and provide many opportunities for photographers, winter camping or simply quality time around a campfire with good people, hot chocolate and the thrill of seeing the amazing canine athletes in action. Close to 400 volunteers from around the country come together each winter to assure the event happens. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is a 501 ©3 non-profit organization, overseen by a Board of Directors elected by the general membership.

10/09/2026

Meet the new Beargrease "Dynamic Duo"! 🐾✨

We are thrilled to introduce our new Volunteer Coordinators, Ashley & Sydney!

Talk about dedication: here they are returning to the exact same spot at the Trail Center Checkpoint on the Gunflint Trail—almost 9 months later and 70° warmer! ❄️☀️

Keep an eye on your inbox—you’ll be receiving an email from them very soon with all the details on how to get involved this season.

Join us in giving a warm welcome to the always-smiling Ash & Syd! 😁❤️

10/06/2026

🔥 OFFICIAL T-shirt for 42nd RUNNING IS HERE! 🔥

We are thrilled to drop this year’s limited-edition John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon tee, featuring original artwork by celebrated Ojibwe artist Sam Zimmerman! 🐾🌌

From the glowing North Shore sunset to the iconic sled dog on the trail, this custom design pays homage to native heritage and the wild beauty of Lake Superior’s coast.

🐕 Every purchase directly supports the race and keeps our historic trail alive.

Printed exclusively for the 42nd running. Limited quantities available—grab yours before they sell out!

🛒 Shop online now: https://beargrease-2.myshopify.com/

10/05/2026

We are off to a great start. Within the first day we have had 29 mushers signed up to run the 42nd Beargrease. Remember all mushers that sign up in the first 7 days will be entered to win one of 3 great prizes (snowshoe set, portable heater w fuel, hot hands).

10/03/2026

COURSE CHANGES FOR BEARGREASE: Mushers will begin at Northland Country Club, and end at the Two Harbors Curling Club. More places for people to spectate, too!

10/02/2026

🐺Registration for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon opens online this Sunday, October 4th at noon on our website.

To kick off the season, anyone who registers within the first week will be entered into a drawing for three great prizes: a Flashtech snowshoe set with poles and a travel bag, a Mr. Buddy portable heater with a propane tank, and a 160 pack of Heat Pro hand warmers.

09/30/2026

Please note that our upcoming Fundraiser Banquet has been cancelled due to low interest.
While we won't be gathering in person for the banquet, you can still support the race! Online registration for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will officially open as planned on October 4th.
If you would still like to support and help us make this season possible, donations can be made directly online. Every contribution helps keep the trail open and the dogs running!

👉 Donate: https://beargrease.com/donate/

09/15/2026

Get ready to bid! 🐾🔨

Mark your calendars for October 3rd and join us for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Fundraiser Banquet & Grand Auction!

We’ve got an incredible lineup of auction items waiting for you—from premium outdoor gear (fat bikes, canoe packages, fishing setups) to romantic fine dining experiences by the lake. 🌲🍷

Every bid supports the race and our amazing mushers and dogs. Don't miss out on the action!

🎟️ Grab your tickets today: https://beargrease.com/2026-banquet/
🙌 Special thanks to our supporters: Northland Country Club & Lake Superior Magazine !

09/09/2026

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon today announced its 42nd running will return to an “out and back” format, starting in Duluth and finishing in Two Harbors, Minn. Further details will be revealed at a fundraiser banquet and in-person musher registration on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the Northland Country Club in Duluth.

Held every January along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, the Beargrease features three races: a 330-mile Marathon, a 120-mile race and a 40-mile race.

The Oct. 3 banquet will serve as the official kickoff of the 2027 racing season and help fund the longest sled dog marathon in the lower 48 states. The public is invited and mushers will have the opportunity to register for the race and attend the banquet for free. Attendees will enjoy a delicious meal, games and auctions with items including:

- A $3,500 Salsa fat tire bike donated by Quality Bike Products in Bloomington, Minn.
- Six guns including a Henry Classic lever .22 S/L/LR worth $440; a R***r Ranch 5.56 worth $769; and a Mossberg Maverick 12 gauge 3” valued at $290.
- A five-day Kevlar canoe rental from Sawbill Canoe Outfitters in Tofte, Minn.
- Four tickets to a regular season home 2027 Duluth Huskies game
- Four single-day tickets to the Duluth Children’s Museum

Discounted “Early-Dog” tickets are available online for $42 through September 12. After that date, standard tickets are $50. The event is free for kids under age 10. Mushers who plan to register in person at the event and receive a free banquet ticket are encouraged to make an online reservation to hold a seat. Tickets: beargrease.com/2026-banquet/

09/08/2026

Thank you to Arrowhead Printing, Inc. They are an important resource for our race. Not only do they print all the vet books, posters and banners in January but they also printed our posters and invites for the fundraiser banquet.

09/04/2026

🐾 TRAIL BOSS ANNOUNCEMENT 🐾

We are excited to share that Matt Schmidt will be stepping in as our Trail Boss for next year’s race!

If you follow Midwest sled dog racing, Matt needs no introduction. As part of Sawtooth Racing alongside his wife, veteran Beargrease musher Erin Altemus, Matt brings a lifetime of trail experience to the role. He has tackled different distances right here at the Beargrease and tested his team on major courses across the country—including The UP200, Midnight Run, and Jack Pine 30 in Michigan and the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race in Maine.

With years of experience running dogs, navigating harsh winter conditions, and supporting race operations, Matt knows exactly what it takes to keep the trail safe, challenging, and fair for every team.

Please join us in giving Matt a warm Beargrease welcome to the official team! Drop your congratulations in the comments below! 👇❄️

Address

218 1/2 W Superior Street
Duluth, MN
55802

Website

http://www.beargrease.com/

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