In close finish, Tofte musher Rita Wehseler takes first during 2026 Gunflint Mail Run
Feb 09, 2026 08:34AM ● By Content Editor
Jennifer Freking of Manitou Crossing Kennels in Finland, MN, glides across a lake, courtesy of her sled dog team, during the 2026 Gunflint Mail Run. All photos by Alex Dobbins
By Alex Dobbins and Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 9, 2026
A Cook County tradition, the Gunflint Mail Run, took place on Saturday, February 7, at Trail Center in Grand Marais. Tofte, MN, musher Rita Wehseler and the Stoney Creek Sled Dogs took first place this year, once again demonstrating her resilience and talent as a tough competitor with over 25 years of experience. This is the second year in a row that Wehseler took first place in the Gunflint Mail Run, following a third-place win in the Beargrease 120-mile race in January. The Stoney Creek Sled Dogs team was closely followed by Sean de Wolski and his dogs, the first-place winner of this year's Beargrease 120-mile race, by less than a minute.
The 2026 event drew mushers from Minnesota, Ontario, and Alaska to participate, with an overall race goal of keeping our Northwoods traditions alive. Starting and ending at the Trail Center Lodge, this race honors the Gunflint culture and history of dog-powered travel, first used by the Anishinaabe for hauling, winter transport, and hunting. It was later adapted for fur trading, mail runs, and travel by isolated Gunflint Trail communities.
- 1st Place: Rita Wehseler (Bib #15) representing Stoney Creek Sled Dogs. Total Race Time: 4:48:54
- 2nd Place: Sean de Wolski (Bib #13) representing Bouncing Bumbles. Total Race Time: 4:49:27
- 3rd Place: Alyssa Sabatino (Bib #14) representing Schroeder Mushing. Total Race Time: 5:32:07
- 4th Place: Erin Altemus (Bib #1) representing Sawtooth Racing. Total Race Time: 5:45:10
- 5th Place: Jennifer Freking (Bib #8) representing Manitou Crossing Kennels. Total Race Time: 5:58:53
- 6th Place: Brian Bergen (Bib #7) representing Gone to the Dogs Racing. Total Race Time: 6:04:01
- 7th Place: Julia Cross (Bib #9) representing Criss Cross Racing. Total Race Time: 6:15:21
- 8th Place: Emily Ford (Bib #5) representing Lost Key Sled Dogs. Total Race Time: 6:18:44
- 9th Place: Elena Freking (Bib #4) representing Manitou Crossing Kennels. Total Race Time: 6:24:54
- 10th Place: Eva Koldji (Bib #3) representing Meander Mtn. Huskies. Total Race Time: 6:30:10
Rita Wehseler, winner of the 2026 Gunflint Mail Run, at the start line Saturday morning.
Sled dog team getting ready to run the Gunflint Mail Run.
#7 Brian Bergen, Gone to the Dogs Racing, Sioux Lookout, ON
Even bananas have to stay warm by the fire.
Emily Ford from Duluth, Minnesota, and the Lost Key Sled Dogs.
Alyssa Sabatino and her team from Schroeder Mushing leave Trail Center.
