Many of the world’s best dog mushers and their teams of sleek, powerful huskies will leave from Billy’s Bar (3502 Tischer Road, Duluth) on Sunday, Jan. 27 and end their race at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 29.
“We are excited to host many checkpoints and the big finishes for the Beargrease running through Cook County this year,” said Linda Jurek, executive director for Visit Cook County. “Our part of the region has experienced record snowfall this season, making the conditions prime for the Beargrease and many other outdoor winter activities here.”
The John Beargrease has been shortened this year to 300 miles, but it is still a qualifier for the famed “Iditarod” in Alaska and remains the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states.
Two additional race legs are scheduled during the John Beargrease, the Beargrease 120, the most popular competitive mid-distance race in North America, and the Beargrease 40, a recreational class race.
The Beargrease 40 will end at the Two Harbors gravel pit on Sunday, Jan. 27. The gravel pit will also serve as an alternate marathon start location, if there are low levels of snow in Duluth.
The Beargrease 120 will end at Lutsen Mountains, 467 Ski Hill Road, on Monday, Jan. 28. And the full marathon will end at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, 70 Casino Drive, Grand Portage on Tuesday, Jan. 29.
How to follow the race
Visitors interested in watching the race in Cook County should head to the following locations:
Sawbill Trail (Marathon checkpoint) approximately five miles up the Sawbill Trail in Tofte.
Lutsen (Beargrease 120 Finish) 466 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen.
Grand Portage Lodge and Casino (Marathon finish) 100 Blazes Road, Grand Portage.
Trail Center Lodge, 7611 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais.
Skyport Lodge, 205 Fireweed Lane, Grand Marais.
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