John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon returns January 25 with full slate of racers

The 41st running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon begins on Sunday, Jan. 25, in Duluth.

The 300-mile race has a “full slate” of 22 sled-dog teams who have registered, said Mike Keyport, the board president of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.

Most of the 22 registered racers are veteran mushers, Keyport said, which will provide an opportunity for really great training, but will also bring some competition.

“I’m anticipating a really competitive race,” Keyport said.

Mushers registered for the race include Blake Freking, Nathan Schroeder, Colleen Wallin, Ryan Anderson, Mary Manning, Andy Heerschap, Erin Altemus, Erin Aili, and many more.

The shorter distance races, such as the Beargrease 120 and Beargrease 40, are stacked full of mushers and their four-legged teams, bringing the total number across all three races to nearly 60 this year.

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will begin at Billy’s Bar in Duluth and finish near the Canadian border at Mineral Center in Grand Portage.

Keyport said as of Jan. 14, trail conditions are not perfect, but trails are “okay.” In the past week, the North Shore experienced snow, warm conditions, rain, and freezing temperatures, creating icy conditions along roadways and trails.

Race organizers will monitor trail conditions daily as the Jan. 25 race start date approaches.

In 2025, the John Beargrease race was delayed due to poor trail conditions, and the starting point was ultimately moved to Two Harbors.

WTIP’s CJ Heithoff spoke with Mike Keyport, the board president of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, about the upcoming race. The audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins January 17, 2026