Nathan Schroeder of Chisholm taking off in the 2010 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Schroeder was the winner that year. This is the 30th anniversary of the race that honors dedicated mail carrier John Beargrease.
Festivities of the 30th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, originally scheduled to begin Jan. 25, will take place beginning this weekend, Friday, March 8, and “run” through Thursday, March 14. The race was postponed due to the lack of snow earlier this winter.
The race starts at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 10 at Jean Duluth and Riley roads in Duluth. The mid-distance finish is scheduled for Monday, March 11 at the AmericInn in Tofte. Two days later, Wednesday, March 13, the marathon race finish will take place at Billy’s Bar on Tischer Road in Duluth.
This year there will be a new race for juniors, the inaugural running of the “Little John” for mushers between the ages of 14 and 17. In addition, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon board of directors has elected to guarantee a minimum of $15,400 for the 2013 purse. The current allocation is $9,000 for the marathon and $6,400 for the mid-distance.
Events begin March 8 with the annual Beargrease Gala and silent auction from 6 to 10 p.m. at Greysolon Plaza in Duluth. Opening ceremonies and the bib draw follow on March 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Depot in Duluth; activities there also include a pipe and drum ceremony. Awards banquets are scheduled for March 11 at Camp 61 in Beaver Bay (mid-distance), and March 14 at Black Bear Casino in Carlton (marathon). The photographer’s show runs through March 25 at the Great Lakes Aquarium.
At almost 400 miles, the Beargrease is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 of the United States. Teams must rest at least 32 hours during the race, including two mandatory six-hour layovers, one sixhour layover on the up trip and one on the down trip.
For more information and a complete schedule of events see www.beargrease.com or call (218) 722-7631.
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