Odin Jorgenson of Grand Marais crossed the 2013 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon finish line in third place, the best finish he has had in the approximately 400-mile marathon. Waiting at the finish line was his wife, Betsy and baby boy, Gunnar.
The 29th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was postponed from its usual January date because of lack of snow and right up to the start of the race Mother Nature was not being very cooperative. A few inches of snow fell just before the race and the warmer weather and soft snow made things tough for the dogs. Of the starting field of 10, only five teams finished the nearly 400-mile race. The 2013 Beargrease Marathon winner was Nathan Schroeder of Chisholm, repeating his 2010 victory. In second place was Keith Aili of Ray, MN. Finishing in third was Cook County’s own, Odin Jorgenson.
Jorgenson was greeted at the finish by his wife Betsy and baby boy, Gunnar, at his first sled dog race!
This is the top finish for Jorgenson, who told the News-Herald he went into the race with the idea of running conservatively and just holding the team together up to Trail Center. “If I had taken good care of the dogs up until that point, I knew I would have a chance to compete and move up in the standings in the second half of the race.
“I did not know what to expect with this year’s race as my training and focus has been more divided this year with having our first child and building a house. This is actually the first race I have run all season. So I am thrilled with how things worked out.
“I am also very grateful to all my family members that help handle at the race. My sister and brother-in-law take time off from their jobs as firefighters in Minneapolis to handle for us. My mom came along to help with Gunnar, my dad came along and provided invaluable advice at the right moments, and Betsy was there and knows the dogs as well as I do.
“It was also very fun to have the ‘hometown advantage’ of pulling in to Trail Center and Devils Track to the encouragement friends and neighbors. I am so grateful again to Sarah Hamilton and Emily at The Landing for supporting the Beargrease and mushing in the county.”
Colvill musher Frank Moe was very close to finishing when he scratched at the Highway 2 checkpoint. The Beargrease was the first race for Moe and his team since he collided with a vehicle at the UP 200 in February 2013.
The Mid-Distance Marathon saw a better turnout, with 30 mushers. Finishing first was Jenny Greger of Bozeman, Montana. Cook County musher Rita Wehseler finished 13th at the beautiful Sawbill checkpoint in Tofte. The Mid- Distance race finished almost in the Tofte musher’s backyard this year.
Hovland musher Dennis LaBoda unfortunately was not able to complete the race. He scratched at the Finland checkpoint.
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