Spirits were high on Sunday as enthusiasts filled the air with excitement at the start of the 40th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Two Harbors, Minnesota. This year’s event comes after the race was canceled in 2024 due to insufficient snowfall and faced a five-week delay in 2023 for the same reason. Following a late February melt, organizers relocated the starting point from Duluth to a scenic wooded area north of Two Harbors, with both mushers and fans expressing gratitude for being able to participate in the beloved tradition.
Blake Freking, a two-time Beargrease champion, conveyed his appreciation for simply having the event, even if it was slightly shorter than originally planned. Freking, along with his wife, Jen, and their two daughters, participated in the Beargrease 120 race this year. He cautiously noted the challenging first ten miles of the trail, emphasizing the importance of safety and pacing throughout the race.
To accommodate mushers better, the interval between departures was extended to three minutes instead of the usual two, allowing for smoother transitions. Kirk Weber was the first musher to leave the starting line at 11:07 a.m., with fifteen participants tackling the full 277 miles to Grand Portage, followed by sixteen competitors in the Beargrease 120 and eleven in the recreational-class Beargrease 40.
The atmosphere was vibrant as spectators perched on nearby hills cheered for their favorite mushers, including Erin Aili, the 2021 marathon champion. Aili’s family is notably accomplished in sled dog racing, with her husband Keith winning the marathon in 2023. Announcer Ken Buehler acknowledged the family’s prominence in the sport as Erin prepared to start, encouraging her to beat her husband’s record. Other notable mushers included Nathan Schroeder, who holds a remarkable four Beargrease marathon titles and aimed to make history as the first participant to secure five victories.
The Freking family received the loudest cheers as they departed in sequence: Blake, Nicole (12), Jen, and Elena (14). Young Nicole expressed that while her dad and sister Elena planned to run competitively, she and her mom intended to take a more leisurely approach. Musher Andrew Patron, present with his one-year-old daughter, praised the event, stating he looks forward to attending each year and appreciates the community atmosphere of the Beargrease.
This year’s race witnessed lower attendance compared to typical years when it starts at Billy’s, a popular bar and restaurant in Rice Lake, where up to 1,500 spectators usually gather. Despite the smaller crowd, owner Brian Larson noted the successful turnout, demonstrating communal support. Larson highlighted the spirit of adaptability and excitement that continues to thrive amidst changing conditions.
Of particular concern is the future of sled dog racing amid climate changes impacting snow conditions. Jen Freking expressed hope that her daughters and future generations would find ways to enjoy the sport, emphasizing the need for adaptability due to environmental changes in their beloved activity. As the racers took on the snowy trails, the commitment and passion of both competitors and supporters helped make the 40th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon an unforgettable event in Minnesota’s winter landscape.
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