I joined the Beargrease board because when I first volunteered at the Sawbill Checkpoint in 2011, I learned there aren’t many things more magical than a group of dogs jumping and barking, ready to go, who then go silent the moment they hear HIKE, and take off to do what they love!
The Beargrease is a real family affair for me, with most of my extended family having been involved at some point.
It is an honor to have the confidence of our membership and the Board of Directors to serve the Beargrease as President.
I am a Member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Great Grandson of John Beargrease. I have been involved with the Beargrease race event for quite a number of years. I enjoy being involved not only for the namesake but to take my part in making sure the race continues in a safe, respectful, and cultural manner and brings great mushers, spectators, and volunteers. It will be my honor to serve once again on the Board of Directors and bring my experience and knowledge forward to carry this great race to new heights.
I’m Shannon Benolken. I’ve been involved with the Beargrease for 7 years and for the last 6 years I’ve been the Treasurer.
I got involved with the Beargrease because my husband suggested it then I was asked to join the board because we needed a treasurer.
I am a Business Banker for Park State Bank and my husband and I own a small business and I do all the bookkeeping. I have an MBA with concentrations in finance and public administration and I have served on the Executive Committee of various nonprofits over the years.
I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog. I am an avid backpacker and hiker and I enjoy living vicariously through all the mushers.
I currently live in the Twin Cities and in my day-to-day life I am an operations manager for an optical company, where we manufacture eyeglasses for approximately 6,000 patients each day.
I have had experience with the Beargrease with varying levels for many years. For the 2022 race, I volunteered to assist with various tasks at the start and then worked with the checkpoint coordinators at Trail Center to support the volunteers, spectators and mushers.
I became a board member because I have always been inspired by the dedication, perseverance and passion that is demonstrated during the race and want to help to move the organization forward to create a better and more immersive experience for the spectators, volunteers and the mushers.
Hello, I am Kirk Weber and I am excited to be part of the Beargrease again this year. I joined the board because I want to be part of the premier sled dog race in the lower 48 and preserve the sport of distance mushing. My Wife of 26 years Kendra and I live in Stewartville, MN and recently started a small kennel I ran my first races this past season. When I’m not with the dogs I am a full-time firefighter for the City of Rochester. In my spare time I enjoy camping and golf.
Hi, I’m Jason Eiynck. I have been a volunteer in many roles with the Beargrease over the last 15 years. While I do no mushing myself, I enjoy the sport and the people and dogs in and around it. My wife, Marcia and I currently live in Sturgeon Lake, MN. We have 4 adult children out in the world, four huskies of our own, and two granddogs. I joined the board to use my experience and expertise to help drive this race into the future. I look forward to seeing you out on the trail, and I welcome your thoughts on the race.
I Joined the board because this race means more to me than it would to most. I have been watching the race since I was a very young boy. My father owned and ran Billy’s bar for 20+ years and in all those years my family was there for every race, every start and every finish.
Watching this race continue to grow and thrive is my dream and goal. I want others to have the chance to see this amazing event. The Beargrease has something for everyone, and this race and the world of dog sports is my true passion. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to represent and work for the organization in every and any way I can.
DOGS RULE!!!
Alex works construction and enjoys hunting, fishing, and music. He lives in Duluth, Minnesota.
I have been running dogs since 2006, and running in the Beargrease off and on since 2008. I joined the board because I enjoy running the race and figured it was about time I take a turn as Musher Representative. I want to see the race continue to be a great race for mushers to run, as well as a great chance for us to show the public what this sport is all about. I am looking forward to seeing what we can do to make the 40th running special.
I have been involved in working with dogs for as long as I can remember. I grew up on a farm in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area, and we always had farm dogs. I moved to Idaho in my early 20’s, and got into working with scent hounds. When I moved to Minnesota in 2016, I was immediately drawn to the world of mushing and sled dogs. My wife, Ashley, and I, now own and operate a kennel of 25 Alaskan huskies. We try to participate in as many races as we can get to in the winter, and the Beargrease has always been one of our favorites!
I am the musher representative for the Beargrease 120 mid-distance race. I wanted to be involved because this is a fantastic race over beautiful trails, and I think it should be well represented.
I joined the Beargrease board because I grew up on the North Shore and want to be more involved with this incredible race. My involvement in dog mushing comes through my older brother, Allen, who was an Iditarod musher/finisher, dogsled builder and race judge for the John Beargrease for many years. I’ve followed the Beargrease from its inception on icy roads up and down the Shore, long before the Internet. It’s an honor to be on the board and to be part of a World Class Event.
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