As the start of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon nears, mushing fans are holding their breath, hoping for more snow for the 27th running of the race. The 2010 race is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 31. The first racers will probably appear in Cook County—in Tofte—in the early morning on Monday, February 1.
Mid-distance racers could be crossing the finish line at AmericInn, Tofte as early as 6:00 a.m. with racers continuing in throughout the day. The 150-mile mid-distance awards banquet will be held at Bluefin Bay Resort on Tuesday, February 2.
At press time, Robin Beall of Amarok Kennel in Colvill was the only Cook County musher taking part in the mid-distance race. Beal said even the mid-distance race is tough.
It takes a lot of mental preparation, for the dogs and the musher. There are lots and lots of hills—and they get bigger and bigger as you go.”
Asked about being the sole Cook County mid-distance racer, Beall said she salutes the folks who race the full marathon. “I prefer the mid-distance race. I like going fast for a shorter distance.”
Beall said short or long, the weather will impact the race.
The snow is really ‘punchy.’ There is no ‘slide.’ If we get rain it will be really entertaining.”
The full 390-mile Beargrease marathon racers move away from the lakeshore heading uphill to a secluded stop on the Sawbill Trail. Mushers may appear as early as 5:00 a.m.
The Sawbill stop has long been a Cook County favorite. Handler trucks and crews are not allowed—the Sawbill checkpoint offers a glimpse of how man and dog interacted in the days of John Beargrease.
The race continues up the shore, following the CJ Ramstad North Shore snowmobile trail on to Poplar Lake and across to Trail Center Restaurant. It is very exciting to see the mushers appear out of the darkness at this checkpoint. Based on previous year’s times, mushers can be expected as early as 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Monday, February 1.
The race makes a loop from Poplar Lake up to Gunflint Lake, turning around and heading across Loon Lake and finally to Devil Track Lake. The first arrivals are expected at the Devil Track checkpoint in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday, February 2.
Race fans get a last chance to see the mushers
Hwy 2
and dogs at the Sawbill checkpoint on
the “down-bound” leg of the race. From there, it’s back to the finish at Billy’s on 3502 W. Tischer Road in Duluth. The estimated finish time is 11:00 p.m. if all goes well. Mushers, like organizers, are concerned about the weather. Mary Black of Black Magic Kennels, whose husband Mark will be racing in his 16th Beargrease Marathon, said some fresh snow “would be nice.”
The race will be bittersweet for friends of Mark Black, as he has announced that this will be his last marathon. His wife and handler, Mary, said the couple would not be giving up their “doggy lifestyle.” Black Magic Kennel will still be offering sled dog rides, “Mushing 101” classes and entering occasional races.
Matt Groth of Oomingmak Kennels in Colvill is also concerned about the weather as he sets out with just 13 young dogs. He won the “Red Lantern Award” at the Red River Sled Dog Derby in Halstad, MN—an honor earned by being the last finisher. Groth said he expected that result as he was running five yearlings. And, he said he’s still working with those dogs, so he will be running a conservative Beargrease. Groth said he is ready, though. “It’s been a fun year and I have more miles than ever before.”
Despite weather concerns, most mushers are looking forward to the race, which is steeped in history. The “Beargrease” is named for John Beargrease, a Grand Portage Chippewa who was renowned for carrying the mail along the rugged North Shore in the 19th and early 20th century. Beall said, “The biggest thing about this race is that we remember the heritage of the North Shore and of John Beargrease. We all actually carry mail!” New this year! Sawbill Winter Camping Village
Racing fans can rent or bring a tent to experience traditional
winter camping at the Sawbill checkpoint. Winter
tents from The Canoeist of Two Harbors (218) 834-3523
will be on hand.
On Monday, February 1, gourmet chef Jon Farchmin will
be demonstrating how to bake cookies outside with a
woodstove reflector oven. From 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Mike
Keller from The Canoeist will be demonstrating methods
of winter travel and camp set up. Also during that time,
adventure photographer Chris
Gibbs will be offering helpful
hints on how to capture the
Beargrease with your lens.
All ages are welcome for
these activities and no
reservation is needed.
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