40th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon postponed, organizers trying to remain optimistic
On Dec. 2, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon board announced that the annual race would be postponed from Jan. 26 to March 2.
The decision comes on the heels of another sled dog race postponement – the Gunflint Mail Run organizers announced just days ago that they would be postponing their race, though that race has not yet been rescheduled.
This is the second year in a row that poor snow conditions have forced the organizers for both races to abandon their usual dates. In 2024 both races were cancelled. John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Board President Mike Keyport told WTIP that at this time last year, his board decided to cancel. After speaking with meteorologists this year, they have opted simply to postpone, since the outlook for getting more snow is better than last year.
He said, “This year we thought just maybe, just maybe, with our fingers crossed, that we would get enough snow to at least have possibly even a shortened race. You know, maybe we can make this 40th running of the John Beargrease Marathon happen in March.”
Both Keyport and Gunflint Mail Run organizer Cathy Quinn agree that in order for their races to go forward with safe trails, the region will need about a foot of snow. It will also need to fall early enough for trail preparation to be completed.
One option that the John Beargrease organizers are exploring, which Keyport said that they have resorted to in the past, is holding a shortened race. He said that in some years the stretch between Duluth and Grand Portage has had inconsistent snow, so while trail conditions further south were not good, mushers were still able to complete a route further north where conditions were safe. Over the next month the board will monitor snow conditions across the region, as the potential quantity of snow is uncertain.
As Keyport put it, “It’s just kind of looking into the crystal ball for the next month or so here.”
The postponement of the Gunflint Mail Run has led organizers to consider moving the the race on a more permanent basis, according to Quinn. Keyport said that while there may be similar discussions about moving the John Beargrease Marathon, there are several factors that they are taking into account.
First and foremost, Keyport said that later in the season snow conditions may be less safe for the dogs, and that the safety of the dogs and mushers was their most important consideration. He also mentioned that many competitors look forward to the Beargrease as the first long race of the season. In addition to those factors, he said that the board also tries to be aware of scheduling conflicts with other regional races.
The board hopes to make a final decision for the year on whether or not the race, in some form, will go forward by early February, according to Keyport. He said that while the rules around the race give organizers up until the week before the race to make the call, in an effort to respect the volunteers, mushers, and sponsors for the race, they hope to have a decision closer to three weeks in advance.
As outdoor recreators across the Arrowhead lament the lack of snow, race organizers are trying to remain hopeful. Keyport said, “It’s tough to be optimistic after last year’s weird weather, absolutely, but, by George, we’re trying.”
WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Board President Mike Keyport live on Daybreak on Jan. 3. Audio of that interview is below.
Kirsten Wisniewski January 3, 2025
