John Beargrease Sled Dog Race starting location moved to Two Harbors due to warm temperatures and deteriorating snow conditions
Feb 25, 2025 10:47AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Kevin Bessat on Unsplash.com
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 25, 2025
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Race event organizers announced today that the starting location has been moved from Billy's Bar in Duluth to the first race checkpoint in Two Harbors, MN, due to deteriorating snow conditions.
Of this year's race, Mike Keyport, president of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, said: "Weather always plays a role in sled dog racing, and unfortunately, the recent warm temperatures have made conditions at our original start line unsuitable for the race, there is virtually no snow as of right now."
The 40th run of the race was initially set to take place earlier this year in January, but was postponed until March 2 due to unsafe trail conditions. Last year, the race was ultimately cancelled due to warm temperatures and a lack of snow.
"While we’re disappointed to move from our traditional start, we’re grateful for the support of Two Harbors and our dedicated volunteers who make this race possible. Our team has worked hard to ensure the course remains safe and competitive, and we’re looking forward to an exciting race," Keyport said.
Race start time will remain the same, with the first teams taking off at 11:05 a.m. on Sunday. Organizers shared that updates on available amenities at the Two Harbors starting point will be on the Beargrease website as soon as they are confirmed.
Currently, the biggest need is road crossing volunteers, which help keep mushers and spectators safe. “If you’ve never been to a road crossing, you don’t know what you’re missing,” said Keyport. “You’re standing in the snow, the trail is quiet, and then suddenly—boom!—a team of dogs flies by, full of energy and focus. It’s an amazing thing to witness, and we need your help to make it happen.” To learn more or sign up, visit the Beargrease website here.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 25, 2025
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Race event organizers announced today that the starting location has been moved from Billy's Bar in Duluth to the first race checkpoint in Two Harbors, MN, due to deteriorating snow conditions.
Of this year's race, Mike Keyport, president of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, said: "Weather always plays a role in sled dog racing, and unfortunately, the recent warm temperatures have made conditions at our original start line unsuitable for the race, there is virtually no snow as of right now."
The 40th run of the race was initially set to take place earlier this year in January, but was postponed until March 2 due to unsafe trail conditions. Last year, the race was ultimately cancelled due to warm temperatures and a lack of snow.
"While we’re disappointed to move from our traditional start, we’re grateful for the support of Two Harbors and our dedicated volunteers who make this race possible. Our team has worked hard to ensure the course remains safe and competitive, and we’re looking forward to an exciting race," Keyport said.
Race start time will remain the same, with the first teams taking off at 11:05 a.m. on Sunday. Organizers shared that updates on available amenities at the Two Harbors starting point will be on the Beargrease website as soon as they are confirmed.
Currently, the biggest need is road crossing volunteers, which help keep mushers and spectators safe. “If you’ve never been to a road crossing, you don’t know what you’re missing,” said Keyport. “You’re standing in the snow, the trail is quiet, and then suddenly—boom!—a team of dogs flies by, full of energy and focus. It’s an amazing thing to witness, and we need your help to make it happen.” To learn more or sign up, visit the Beargrease website here.
