John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Cancelled, 40th run to be celebrated in 2025
Jan 02, 2024 09:20PM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Kevin Bessat on Unsplash.com
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 2, 2024
On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the organizers and Board of Directors of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon announced the cancellation of this year's race. This news come after the Gunflint Mail Run announced it would be rescheduling its January 6 race to February 10, 2024.
According to the press release, weather concerns and dog, musher, and volunteer safety were the main reasons for the cancellation. Additionally, race officials considered rescheduling for a later date but along with weather concerns, ultimately determined that "There was not another date that didn't impede on another established race". In an interview with the Star Tribune in December 2023, "Alex Angelos, the race's trail boss, said ideally there would be at least 8-10 inches of snow on the route — preferably with a wet and packed base."
The most recent snow depth map from the Department of Natural Resources shows less than 2" for the entire North Shore.
The Beargrease was set to celebrate its 40th run in 2024. However, the milestone celebratory race will be rescheduled to January 26, 2025.
Fundraising efforts will continue to take place for next year's race.
To learn more about the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, visit: https://beargrease.com/
Related: Gunflint Mail Run Dogsled Race Rescheduled for February 10, 2024
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 2, 2024
On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the organizers and Board of Directors of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon announced the cancellation of this year's race. This news come after the Gunflint Mail Run announced it would be rescheduling its January 6 race to February 10, 2024.
According to the press release, weather concerns and dog, musher, and volunteer safety were the main reasons for the cancellation. Additionally, race officials considered rescheduling for a later date but along with weather concerns, ultimately determined that "There was not another date that didn't impede on another established race". In an interview with the Star Tribune in December 2023, "Alex Angelos, the race's trail boss, said ideally there would be at least 8-10 inches of snow on the route — preferably with a wet and packed base."
The most recent snow depth map from the Department of Natural Resources shows less than 2" for the entire North Shore.
The Beargrease was set to celebrate its 40th run in 2024. However, the milestone celebratory race will be rescheduled to January 26, 2025.
Fundraising efforts will continue to take place for next year's race.
To learn more about the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, visit: https://beargrease.com/
Related: Gunflint Mail Run Dogsled Race Rescheduled for February 10, 2024
