The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is anticipating a great crowd, both in person, as well as virtually, for the first annual 2022 Fur-K Festival, Presented by NutriSource, to be held the morning of October 22, 2022, in Duluth, MN at DECS North Star Academy and Snowflake Nordic Ski Center. The event has been expanded from a virtual 5k to a full-day family and dog-friendly festival with a 5k or 10k race for runners, hikers, walkers or canicross (running with your dog) and a 1k kids race. Race starts will be staggered with the 10K beginning at 9:30am, the 5K beginning at 10:00am and the 1K Kids Run beginning at Noon on October 22nd. In-person registration is available 8:00-9:00am the day of the race. 

After the races, runners and spectators can stay for food trucks, North Shore and Duluth small business vendors, music and entertainment, a bounce house, kids activities, sled dog meet and greet, bucket raffle, and an after race meet the musher event at Bent Paddle. Two time John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon winner Blake Freking will be at the event to introduce fans to Siberian Huskies from his Manitou Crossing kennel in Finland. 

“The Fur-K Festival is the biggest and most important fundraiser of the year for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. This event, which includes the Virtual 5k, provides critical financial support for the 39th running of the Beargrease, and allows the running and dog powered sports communities to come together to enjoy a fall day in Duluth while supporting the amazing canine athletes that make the Beargrease so special,” said Beargrease Board of Directors Vice President Brittany North. 

Additionally, the Fur-K Festival will serve as the official opening of Musher Registration for the 39th Running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, which will kick off on Januray 29, 2023. 

Can’t make it to Duluth on October 22? Runners, hikers, walkers, and Canicrossers from around the world can participate in the Fur-K Festival virtually between October 21-23. Virtual participants currently represent 19 states. 

You can also support the Beargrease by becoming an individual or sustaining member of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. 

To sign up, go to: 

https://runsignup.com/Race/MN/Duluth/TheJohnBeargreaseSledDogMarathonFurKFestival For more information or to become a member, visit: www.beargrease.com For sponsorship opportunities, please email: [email protected] 

About the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the premier long-distance sled dog race in the lower 48 states and one of Northern Minnesota's greatest winter attractions. The sled dog

marathon honors John Beargrease’s legacy, the indigenous cultures, and North Shore communities while celebrating the history of mushing and the incredible canine athletes who make it possible. 

About NutriSource Pet Foods 

NutriSource Pet Foods is located in Minnesota and is a 3rd generation family owned company manufacturing healthy pet food since 1964. We offer the NutriSource, Pure Vita, Choice and Element pet food brands, with multiple offerings we have something for pets of all stages offering multiple protein sources, limited ingredient, high animal protein, grain inclusive or grain free pet food options along with treats, cans and toppers. We are focused on pet food for all aspects of a healthy life which is why we include the exclusive Good 4 Life Supplement System in all our recipes for your pets health and longevity to support absorption of nutrients, digestive, gut and immune health, skin and coat, cognitive and brain health. 

About DECS North Star Academy 

Duluth Edison Charter Schools (DECS) is a public charter school located in Duluth, Minnesota. As a public charter school, we serve students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 free of charge. 

Our mission is academic and personal excellence for every student. We are a PBIS (Positive Behavior and Intervention Systems) school focused on the core values of respect, responsibility, compassion, justice, courage, integrity, wisdom and hope. 

The North Star Academy campus is located at 3301 Technology Drive, Duluth, MN 55811. 

About Snowflake Nordic Ski Center 

Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (4348 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, Minnesota 55811) is a non-profit, year-round family recreation center. We offer a wide range of outdoor opportunities. A daily fee or season membership is your ticket to family fun.