Photos: Gunflint Mail Run sled dog race kicks off at Trail Center

It was a busy start to the 2026 Gunflint Mail Run at Trail Center on Saturday morning.

The race began at 8 a.m. with sled dog teams leaving in three minute intervals. Temperatures hovered around negative 20 degrees at the start of the race.

WTIP’s Matthew Brown and CJ Heithoff broadcasted live at the start of the race.  Photos by WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins of the Gunflint Mail Run start are below.

Kalli Hawkins February 7, 2026