The 2025 Gunflint Mail Run took place all day Saturday starting and ending at the Trail Center Lodge. Many families and spectators traveled 40 plus miles up the Gunflint Trail to watch this year’s Mail Run dog sled race, which had 11 teams participating. 

Sled dogs excited from running

The race totaled 65 miles but stretched from Trail Center Lodge at Poplar Lake to Kings Road. It had four courses, one track and a mandatory three hour layover for the dogs to rest in between.

Dogs coming back from the first half of the race

Most of the 11 competing mushers hailed from Minnesota, with two mushers from our neighbors Ontario, Canada and Iowa. Local musher Rita Wehseler, of Stoney Creek Sled Dogs in Tofte, Minnesota won the Gunflint Mail Run this year with a time of 5 hours 20 mins and 8 seconds. Second place was Matt Schmidt with Sawtooth Racing from Grand Marias. Third place was Erin Altemus, 2024 Iditarod contestant, also with Sawtooth Racing.

Matthew Schmidt from Sawtooth Racing crossing Poplar Lake. 2nd place winner of the Gunflint Mail Run.

Thank you to all the volunteers and donations who help keep this winter tradition alive!

Close up of dog team

Andy Heerschap of Paws on Patrol Racing, with handlers and volunteers

Local musher Mary Manning from Doodledog Kennel in Hovland with dog team

Jennifer Freking of Manitou Crossing Kennels, being assisted by volunteers and handlers

Volunteer for the Gunflint Mail Run smiling

Go The Distance taking off for second half off the race

Team hanging out before the race

Spectators staying warm by the fire through out the Gunflint Mail Run

Erin Altemus with Sawtooth Racing. Local musher and previous Iditarod contestant.

Kevin Mathis and team in the Gunflint Mail Run

Sled dog team with booties racing to the Trail Center Lodge finish line

Musher Jennifer Freking from Finland, Minnesota

David Burge from Lakeside, Minnesota

The local team Stoney Creek Sled Dogs from Tofte headed to the next check point.  Musher Rita Wehseller and team won first place this year.

Gunflint Mail Run winner, Rita Wehseler, waving along with her team on Poplar Lake