About The
beargrease
Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the premiere sled dog race series in North America.
World-class mushers including Jamie Nelson, John and Jason Baron have competed in the more than 300 mile event – facing off against other seasoned competitors as well as the extremes of northern Minnesota weather and the deceivingly rugged terrain of the trail. The “Beargrease” is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska.
The organization hosts a Mid-Distance race, The Beargrease 120, which also travels through the rugged Sawtooth mountains of the North Shore of Minnesota. A recreational race, The Beargrease 40, also begins and ends on race day.
All check points and road crossings are easily accessible to the public and provide many opportunities for photographers, winter camping or simply quality time around a campfire with good people, hot chocolate and the thrill of seeing the amazing canine athletes in action.
Close to 400 volunteers from around the country come together each winter to assure the event happens. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, overseen by a Board of Directors elected by the general membership.
Coming to watch the Beargrease is Free; Donate Today to Help Keep it That Way!
“The mission of the John Beargrease Sled Dog marathon is to conduct the best long distance sled dog race in North America in a culturally sensitive manner, and to promote the sport of dog mushing.”
What to expect when you come see the Beargrease Marathon
Watching the Beargrease is not for the faint of heart. Neither is it for dress shoes, fancy clothes, makeup, or showers (we’re only half joking). Watching the race or volunteering involves spending hours outside in the harshest weather that Northern Minnesota can offer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the Crew that Makes the Beargrease Happen
Meet the amazing people behind the people behind the dogs! This race would not happen without the tireless effort of our Board of Directors and Staff.
Board of Directors
Local Minnesota beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Info here about Bent Paddle Brewing Co. and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Enjoy local food at the unique and historic Trestle Inn
Info here about Trestle Inn and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Local Minnesota beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Info here about Bent Paddle Brewing Co. and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Enjoy local food at the unique and historic Trestle Inn
Info here about Trestle Inn and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Local Minnesota beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Info here about Bent Paddle Brewing Co. and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Enjoy local food at the unique and historic Trestle Inn
Info here about Trestle Inn and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Beargrease Staff
Important events for the Beargrease
Local Minnesota beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Info here about Bent Paddle Brewing Co. and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Enjoy local food at the unique and historic Trestle Inn
Info here about Trestle Inn and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Local Minnesota beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Info here about Bent Paddle Brewing Co. and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
Enjoy local food at the unique and historic Trestle Inn
Info here about Trestle Inn and how they sponsor Beargrease and what it’s like to go have a beer at their brewery. Filler text here lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla cursus tristique aliquam.
The “goodest” dogs
Need your help
What a sled dog looks forward to most after a long day of racing is a nice bed of straw! But guess what happened at last year’s race? Someone stole all our straw right before the race start! Thankfully, great fans like you helped us out during the final hour to provide this vital supply for our amazing dogs.
These dogs simply are the best – and we want to be able to continue treating them that way! Donations from fans like you make that possible. Would you find it in your heart to help us out? No amount is too small in sled dog world!