Beargrease Marathon

An (R) behind any individuals name denotes rookie. This is defined as anyone who has not previously completed the respective race.

Keith has been involved in dog powered sports for over 30.  When asked what got him interested or how he started, Keith explained they had 2 dogs on the farm, a Black Lab and Irish Setter, “I just hooked them up and started running” and the rest “is history”.  Keith is a past Beargrease marathon champion and has participated in many other races in the lower 48 states. Keith has also completed the Iditarod. Currently, Keith has no dogs of his own and will be running a team from Callin’ Trail Kennel (Redington). Handlers will be the Redington, Rossi and Morrow families. 

Biography:

Liza became interested in mushing after hearing the story of Balto at age 6, but it would be another 14 years before she started mushing at the age of 20 (2009).  Liza has been pursuing her Iditarod qualifiers since 2014, the Beargrease marathon is the last 300 mile race she needs. She writes: “I have a young team who has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, so we plan to take it easy and make it fun for everyone. It’s not always about the place you finish in, it’s about the journey you took to get there. We’ve been doing a lot of rebuilding in the last few years after a tough year in 2016, but I think this year is finally going to be our year.”  Liza’s handlers for the 2020 Beargrease Marathon are Tim Wood, Kathleen Kimble-Baker, Sigrud Utych, Laurie and Kersten Thibodeau.

Sponsors: Northern Michigan University

Blake and his wife Jennifer own and  Manitou Crossing Kennels in Finland, MN where they raise and train their Siberian Huskies for competition in long distance sled dog races.  “Blake and Jennifer’s primary focus is the preservation of the working Siberian Husky. Their goal is to raise their dogs in the best environment possible with great socialization, the best nutrition available and optimal training to allow them to perform to their potential on the trail. They strive to enable their dogs to be happy and healthy from start to finish of every race.” 

In addition to the dogs, the couple have 2 daughters they are raising at their off-the-grid homestead. 

Blake is the reigning Beargrease Marathon champion, having won his second Marathon in 2019 (the first, his rookie year in the Beargrease Marathon was 2006).

Blake’s racing experience includes 3 Iditarod finishes, 1 Yukon Quest and a multitude of other races including the Beargrease, UP 200, Hudson Bay Quest, and many others in the US, Canada and Europe.  

Blake is a civil engineer and Air Tanker Base Manager for the US Forest Service.

Blake’s handler for 2020 will be Jake Liengang.

Sponsors:  Wintergreen Northern Wear (wintergreennorthernwear.com)

Howling Dog Alaska (howlingdogalaska.com)

Jennifer began mushing at the age of 8 competing as a Jr. Musher on the North Star Sled Dog Club sprint circuit.  She grew up around the sport and Siberian Huskies. 

Jennifer is in her 15th year as a Veterinarian at the Ely Veterinarian Clinic.  She and her husband, Blake live off-the-grid near Finland, MN where they are raising their 2 daughters and a multitude of Siberian Huskies, 10 chickens and 2 cats. 

Jennifer ran her first Iditarod in 2008 and was awarded Most Inspirational Musher by fellow mushers.  In 2019, Jennifer placed second in the Beargrease Marathon behind her husband Blake! Jennifer writes: “I live a very full life and rarely sit still except for during my hour long commute to work every day. …Boredom is a foreign idea to us!”

Jennifer’s handler in 2020 will be Jake Liengang. 

Sponsors:  Wintergreen Northern Wear (wintergreennorthernwear.com)

Howling Dog Alaska (howlingdogalaska.com)

Jaye began mushing at the age of 34, having run across it during her internet searches for a way for her and her Siberian Husky to burn off energy in the winter. 

Currently Jaye runs a team of mixed Alaskan and Siberian Huskies and is living in the UP for the 2019-2020 season, finishing up her qualifiers for the 2021 Iditarod.

Jaye works as a computer programmer to “support this money-sucking habit”.  

Sponsors: Carole & David Williams, Dana Kevalder, Kenley Kline-Foucher, Karen Christopherson, Jeanne & David Seaquist, Lissy Heminway, Ginger Webb, Joy Cacoulidis

Peter enrolled in a program to learn winter camping which included sled dogs.. he was hooked I live with my family and a kennel of 100 dogs. We own and operate White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures. We enjoy taking people in the woods where they can mush their own team on a guided trip. I enjoy racing where I can be out in the woods for long runs and focus on the dogs. My daughter Morgan will be racing as well in the 40-mile race. When not running dogs I enjoy fishing, biking, and camping.

In addition to the Beargrease, Peter has competed in many races of varying length in the US and Canada.  Peter’s handlers will be: Shawn McCarty, Heidi Favet, Scott Quick

Sponsors: White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures (whitewilderness.com), Denise Parker

When he was 8, Martin put a harness on the house dog, a big St-Bernard !!! Then, one day, he saw a team of several dogs and realized that he wanted to harness more dogs. 

As a teenager, Martin was doing sprint races.  It was only in 1996 that he began doing long distance races competing in races between 60 and 400 miles in the same year, including the Labrador 400. As he grew in experience, he began winning –having won the Can-Am Crown 250 10 times, beginning in 1998 and most recently in 2019.  Six of those wins were consecutive! In 2003 he realized his dream of running the Yukon Quest (1000 miles), where he placed 6th. In 2015, Martin won the Hudson Bay Quest in Manitoba (220 miles) as a rookie in that race and won it for the second time in 2019. In 2020, I will run my first Iditarod in Alaska. Martin stated: “What I like most about dog sledding is to be in the nature, discover new territories and especially to listen to my dogs and to see that we are an amazing team between human and the beast.”

Martin’s handler in 2020 will be Sylvain Robillard

Sponsors: KANUK www.kanuk.com
CANAC www.canac.ca
Mush Hi-Tech www.mushhitech.com
Hypnose www.hypnoseclothing.com

Kevin has been mushing for 6 years, starting with mid-distance races and now moving up to long distance competitions.  Kevin is running the Beargrease Marathon as an Iditarod qualifier, hoping to achieve the requirements this year and gain experience over the next few years.  

Kevin and his wife, Tera, have been married for 15 and have 3 boys, Kashton (15), Holden (14) and Lincoln (8).  Kashton and Holden ran their first races last year. Kevin commented: “It was a new perspective for me to be the handler waiting at the finish.” The family enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time in the outdoors.

Sponsors: Smitty’s Oil and Tire,  Cook Insurance Agency, Jet’s Meat Processing

Laura fell in love with the sport through following the Iditarod as part of a homeschool project at the age of 9 and “knew immediately that it was the life I wanted to pursue.”  Laura grew up on a small farm in Newark, Ohio where she and her older sister raised Boer goats and participated in 4-H for eight years, training and showing their five family dogs.  Laura spent four years learning everything she could about the sport and started a small kennel in Ohio and began competing in races in Michigan’s UP. Laura graduated from high school at the age of 16 and two years later received an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster College. In 2014 Laura moved to McMillian, MI to pursue her dream of long distance racing at Nature’s Kennel.  Laura says, “I have been blessed with the opportunity to train and race our Nature’s Kennel team throughout North America for the past five years.”

Laura has competed in the Yukon Quest, Iditarod, Percy DeWolfe, Canadian Challenge, Eagle Cap Extreme, Idaho Sled Dog Challenge, UP 200 and CanAm250.  Laura is looking forward to adding the Beargrease Marathon to her list of races. Julia Cross will be Laura’s handler.

Sponsors: Royal Canin USA

Mushing is a family tradition in the Redington family as Joe Redington, Sr., Ryan’s grandfather, Joe Redington Sr, founded the Iditarod.   Ryan has been running dogs since he could reach the handlebars. Ryan and his wife Erin, along with their two children (Eve 5 and TJ 4) make their home in Skagway Alaska and spend time in northern Wisconsin training dogs as well. Ryan has participated in many races in the lower 48 states, Canada and Alaska.  The Beargrease is one of Ryan’s favorite races, he is looking forward to participating again in 2020. Ryan’s handlers will be his wife Erin, the Rossi and Morrow families. 

Sponsors: www.dogbooties.com, www.alaskax.com, www.redpawdogfood.com, AFS, Ryan Air Inc., John Nunnes, Mary Lee, Geoff and Juliet Foulds- Walters, Bryan and Kay Gabbard, Spike and Lindy Fortier, Rossi Family, Morrow Family, Sue and Dave McCarville

John became interested in mushing after reading Jack London’s “ An Odyssey of the North” at the age of 10.

John began competing in Beargrease races in 1989 (Beargrease 130) and has competed in the UP 200, Percy DeWolfe in Dawson City, Yukon.  John first competed in the Beargrease Marathon in 2004 and finished 7th.    John’s wife, Robin has also competed in many Beargrease events.  Both have been a  part of the Beargrease Veterinary team in the past. 

John and Robin have operated the Vermilion Veterinary Clinic since 1985.  They both were forced to cut down on competing as their business grew. Their focus with their sled dogs over the past 15 years has been trips to the BWCA. The addition of Dr. Jack Anderson and his wife Renee to their practice in 2016 has allowed the Fishers to put in the training need to compete in the Beargrease again.  John’s handlers will be Robin Fisher, Ann Fisher and Heather O’Brien.

Sponsors: Northwest Mining Company, Fairbanks, AK; Vermilion Veterinary Clinic

Colleen’s interest in sled dogs was piqued after seeing teams coming and going from the “checkpoint from hell” (Hwy 2).   Colleen and her husband, Ward have been racing and raising sled dogs for 25 years, along with their two sons. Most recently, their youngest, Ero competed in the Beargrease 120 as a Junior mushers.  Mike and Angie Hoff have been their helpers for many years, dedicating many long hours at the kennel and on the trail. Silver Creek Sled Dogs has had the same handling crew for many years and they are grateful for their dedication to “this crazy sport”.   Colleen’s other passions include, seeing their oldest son, Ian on stage at UMD, winter camping in the BWCA, fishing, hunting, spending time at the W.FW. Ice Bar in the winter and on their boat in the summer. Colleen’s handlers for the 2020 race will be Ward Wallin, Ero Wallin, Maureen Sexton, Jerome Lemke, Jody Rhinosex, Faran Meeks, Mike and Angie Hoff .

Sponsors: Julie’s True Value, D&D Services, VanHouse Construction, Louise’s Place, Camp 61, Two Harbors Towing, Betty’s Pies, MMT Heating and Cooling, Homestead Family Dental, Granite Gear, Zups Market

Ryan, along with his wife and daughter Alivia, have a kennel of 35 Alaskan huskies. That number included puppies and retired dogs.  Ryan is a carpenter in the summer months and spends as much time as their life will allow training dogs in the winter months. Ryan has been around the Beargrease as a spectator and/or handler since the late 80’s and has been competing in Beargrease events since 1994.   Ryan has competed all over the US and Canada, including the Iditarod in 2017. Ryan’s handlers in 2020 will be his sister Miki and his wife, Missy. Ryan is looking forward to returning to the marathon after taking a year away and competing in the Beargrease 120 in 2019. 

Nathan was introduced to mushing at the age of twelve, when he was given a ride at an elementary school behind a team of malamutes. He has raced in numerous races in the “Lower 48.” He is a four time champion of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and was the 2014 Rookie of the Year in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. He has completed the Iditarod four times.  Handlers will be Carmen Schroeder, Jake Hway, Nick Vigilante. 

Nathan Schroeder was born and raised in Warba, Minnesota. He graduated from Mesabi Range Community and Technical College in 1999 as a maintenance mechanic. He has worked as a millwright in Local 1348 for the last twenty years. 

Nathan currently lives in Goodland, MN with his wife, Carmen and their six kids. When he is not running dogs, he enjoys the outdoors, hunting , fishing, hockey and being with his family.  

Sponsors: 

NORTH CENTRAL STATES REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS, LOCALS 1382

GRANITE GEAR

Beargrease Mid Distance

Justin, his wife Jaimee and daughter Isadore recently moved back to Michigan from Alaska. They brought their 30 dog kennel and business with them.   Both Justin and his wife are Iditarod finishes and have helped to train many Iditarod team including some with top 10 finishes. Their business, High’s Adventure Gear makes parkas and other gear designed for mushers for every cold weather environment.   Thier daughter, Isadore is “ready to run her own Beargrease but we keep telling her she has a few more years first.” Justin also wrote:  “We bring our own philosophy to running dogs”.  Justin’s handlers will be his wife Jaimee and daughter Isadore.  

Sponsors:  High’s Adventure Gear (highsadventure.com)

Janet Bahe is a retired postal clerk from Togo, Minnesota. She got her start with Inuits and after going to Mushing Boot Camp, she started running Alaskan huskies, many of them from Jamie Nelson’s kennel. She has been mushing for 19 years and enjoys mentoring kids, one of them being Nicole Grangroth who is running the Junior race again this year. Janet’s highlights from last year include running the Race to the Sky, 100 mile division and handling for Peter McClelland and Shawn McCarty at the Hudson Bay Quest. Janet has run the 40 mile rec Beargrease race in the past and is looking forward to running the 120 this year! Janet’s handlers will be Heather Jeske Pharr and Connie Bahe

Tom has been training and racing sled dogs for over 20 years, including a top 10 finish in the first UP 200 in 1990.  Since then, Tom has continued to compete in the UP 200 and other races in the upper midwest and Canada.   

“As long as I can remember, I’ve had a fire in my heart to run sled dogs. My mom has had me on the runners of a dog sled since I was 10 months old. Since then I have continued to run dogs and have added new challenges for me and my dogs in compete in.”  There are 22 dogs in the family’s kennel along with 4 horses and two house dogs. Talia started college this past fall at UW- Superior and is working on her generals. Talia has a 13 year old brother who helps a lot with the dogs and training as well as her parents. Talia’s other hobbies include  running, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and hiking. This is Talia’s first year competing in the Beargrease 120, but she did compete in Beargrease 40 in 2019 and the Jr. Beargrease (80 miles) in 2017. Talia wrote “ I would like to thank my family for supporting me in all the things that I have done the last couple years even if they sounded crazy. I’m very excited this year to compete in the Beargrease 120!”

Talia’s handlers will be:  Janet Martens, and Ruth King

Sponsors:  Tim Martens Logging Company

“I always loved watching sled dog races and decided in my 40’s to buy two dogs for fun…little did I know what was in store for me. I started with sprint racing nut wanted to be out longer with the dogs.”  Arlene lives in Togo Mn and has had the great pleasure of learning more about dogs and mushing from her mentor and friend Jamie Nelson. Arlene writes “There is nothing more I love than being out with the dogs…in the kennel and on the trail. My hope this year is to have a good safe run for all involed…two legged and four leggeds. These dogs are amazing and every time I go out with them they teach me more about life,myself, determination and passion. They just make me smile and fill me with joy!”  Arlene’s handlers will be Marina Fuhrman, Rhonda Vahle, Dianne Seger

Rhonda and her family have a small sled dog kennel in Nolalu, Ontario. Rhonda and her husband Andy have been mushing for over 15 years and have had their own kennel since they brought 9 dogs back to Northern Ontario from the Northwest Territories. Andy has run the Beargrease Mid before, they take turns running races, this is Rhonda’s turn to see the North Shore.  Rhonda added “ My goal for this race is to have fun travelling down the trail with our group of young dogs.” When not dog sledding the couple is spending time with our 2 children, working, camping, fishing and making improvements around the property and kennel.

Patrick has a 55 dog kennel in Wascott, Wisconsin. I enjoy spending time with my dogs and doing things with and for them. Pat left over the road driving after 32 years and got a job locally which allows him to be home daily and more time with his dogs. He enjoys spending time with his dogs; doing things with and for them.  Pat also enjoys camping, summer and winter, fishing, and hunting. Pat wrote: “ My family are my dogs for the most part. I have 2 brothers and a sister and 9 grandchildren. I am the only one who is involved with the sport in my family. My girlfriend Becky has begun to get into the sport somewhat and will be running a 6 dog team at Northern Pines race in Iron River.” Pat’s handlers will be Becky and Jesse

Sponsors: Jay’s Deisel, B.T. Game Processing

Sarah grew up in Minnesota and has always enjoyed the outdoors. Sarah got started running dogs with the Redingtons a few years ago. She added: “The Redingtons dragged me into the world!”  Sarah has raced in and handled for many events and is excited to be running in the Beargrease for the first time. Sarah is an accomplished artist and created the art for the Beargrease poster in 2018. Sarah’ handlers will be the Redington, Rossi and Morrow families. 

Sponsors: www.dogbooties.com, www.alaskax.com, www.redpawdogfood.com, AFS, Ryan Air Inc., John Nunnes, Mary Lee, Geoff and Juliet Foulds- Walters, Bryan and Kay Gabbard, Spike and Lindy Fortier, Rossi Family, Morrow Family

“It all started with one dog. That explains a lot”, said Dusty when asked about her introduction to the sport.   Dusty has a small kennel in northern Minnesota. This is Dusty’s eighth time running the Beargrease 120 (mid distance).   Dusty would like to thank her sponsors Wanderlust Essentials LLC and Barn Yarn. Her handler will be “Awesome Maria” 

Sponsors: Wanderlust Essentials LLC, Barn Yarn

Alex had always been interested in the sport, but it wasn’t until the age of 41 that she finally had an opportunity to try it with Dave Gordon’s help.  Alex always liked racing, having raced snowmobiles, and ridden race horses as an exercise rider. Sled dog racing was the “next thing to try” writes Alex.   Originally from Chaska, Minnesota, Alex has lived with her family in the Duluth area for 23 years. She and her husband Dave Mills have two boys ages 20 and 21.  Alex’s first race was 10 years ago and she has been addicted ever since. She runs dogs for Maple Ridge Kennel and is slowly building her own kennel with her husband. For the 2020 race, 3 of the dogs will be from their own and they are hoping for puppies soon!  When asked her goal for training miles before the race Alex wrote: “900 miles. When I did 1000 miles of training I was too focused on the number of miles and not on letting the dogs enjoy themselves.” Alex’s handlers will be her husband Dave, Mike Schultenover, Jim and Andy.  Alex gets help hooking up the rowdy bunch from her friend Jamie Timm when she can make it. 

Ryan and his wife Kaysee, along with their kids, moved to northern Minnesota in 2016 and got into mushing shortly thereafter.  Ryan writes: “Mushing has proven to be quite stressful, fiscally irresponsible and overly time consuming. Still, we seem to get deeper and deeper into the sport every year. This will be my first experience with the Beargreas and my 2nd race”.  

Sponsors: J & H Contracting (Angora,MN)

Joanna got to watch sprint races when the family first moved to Ely when she was a child. She got her first sled dog, a Samoyed at the age of 14 for dog shows and dog sledding.  She writes that it was her first dogsled ride at around age 12 from her friends the Chapman girls who were working with Jamie Nelson at the time, that got her “hooked for life”.   Joanna loved the enthusiasm of the dogs and the rush of being pulled by dog power! Dogs, the outdoors and adventure are a few of Joanna’s favorite things. Joanna and her parents run Agimac River Outfitters, a fishing camp in Canada and seasonally winter in Grand Marais.   Joanna has been racing competitively for 12 years and currently has 18 dogs in her kennel, 12 in the racing pool. Joanna shared this adventure from the 2019 race: “Last year on the first leg of the race my team came flying around a corner to see a porcupine waddling down the middle of the trail! My team flew by it, almost brushing against it as it twitched its tail… thankfully we escaped unscathed but I pray we do not have any close encounters this year!” When not running or playing with her dogs Joanna enjoys reading, writing, fishing, swimming, canoe/kayaking, dog shows/event, movies and taking long walks with her German imported Irish Setter!    Joanna’s handler will be John Oberg

Sponsors: Agimac River Outfitters (agimacriveroutfitters.ca), Home Hardware in Dryden, Ontario.

Erin’s interest in sled dogs started while reading about Susan Butcher in National Geographic while enjoying milk and Oreos with her Grandpa Mick.   “All I saw was a girl and her dogs and from then on sled dogs were on the brain.” Erin saved her chore money and pestered her parents “non stop” for about a year.  She reports that a family vacation to Duluth in 1999 ended with a trip to the Schroeder Kennel in Warba, Minnesota. She left the kennel with her first two “REAL sled dogs” thanks to Vern and Cindy Schroeder.  Erin started running dogs as a youngster at her Prairie Winds Racing Kennel. Currently she and her husband Chad, who she married right after the 2019 Beargrease, run Otter Run Kennels in Irma, Wisconsin. The couple have one son “T-Boone”.  Erin stated, “The Beargrease Mid is not only the most participated race in the lower 48 the last 15 years, but also the highlight of our kennel’s race season with its perfect format that combines adventure, challenge, speed, a competitive field and most importantly the format is inclusive and attainable for working class mushers. I am very excited to be back on the runners for this incredible race!” Erin’s handler will be her husband Chad. 

Sponsors: “wonderful friends sponsor individual dogs”

Darcy is a Mom, teacher and musher and “generally busy person”.  Darcy started this “crazy mission” eight or nine years ago after taking a ride with Jake Hway at Chilly Dogs. Darcy adds “…and the next thing you know I’m registering for 120 mile races”. Darcy’s handlers will be Scott Nord and Kimberley Wagner

Sponsors: Magnum Corporation

Rita was introduced to the sport by a friend, Paul Ellering and loved it! She has been running dogs for 25 years. Rita and her husband Bill live on the North Shore of Lake Superior. There are 40 dogs in Rita’s kennel.  Rita’s handlers will be Chris Johnson and Gary Gagnon

Sponsors: Claire Seekins, Chris Johnson, Lang’s Feed Inc.

Alice got her first husky at the age of 11 and began bikejouring with her. “It all kind of snowballed from there”, writes Alice.  Alice was captivated by sled dogs and the north country at a young age. Alice moved north 11 years ago and worked several seasons as a handler for Blake and Jennifer Freking before branching off to start building her own team and kennel.   Alice works as a veterinary technician at the Ely Veterinary Clinic. Alice enjoys the region and the mushing community. Alice’s handler for the 2020 Beargrease will be Cassie Schliesman.

Sponsors: Manitou Crossing Kennel

As an elementary school teacher for over 40 years, Lynne was privileged to travel to Alaska to follow the Iditarod as a teacher offering lessons and experiences back to her students.  This opportunity was the star for her running of sled dogs. Lynne began racing marathon canoes in Michigan in 1974 and was able to compete around the US and Canada. Lynne used cross country skiing as a means to cross train for the canoe races, which led to skijoring with 4 dogs and eventually realizing a sled would be easier.  Lynne’s passion for dogs and love of competing with so many teams is exciting. Lynne as competed in the Yukon Quest 300 and many races in Michigan. Lynne’s handler for the 2020 Beargrease is Keith Wojahn.  

Sponsors: dogbooties.com

Steph’s first encounter with dog sledding was a winter camping/dogsled trip to the BWCA with Paul Schurke from Wintergreen Dog Sled Lodge (Peter McClelland was one of the guides) and she loved it.   Steph is co-founder/director of Positive Energy Outdoors and has spent the past 15 years running educational tours and youth programs with her kennel of 55 huskies 15 miles north of Duluth. Through her work as an outdoor educator, Steph has introduced thousands of children and adults to the incredible sport of dog sledding. She is excited for a new chapter of racing as part of Moetown Kennels. Steph lives in Duluth with her 11 year old son, Ansel, and spends as much time outside as possible. In addition to running the Beargrease 120 in 2011, Steph runs half marathons and marathons, kayaks, skis, hikes and drives a team of Percheron draft horses, Hank and Henry. Thank you to Frank and Sherri for the opportunity to return to the Beargrease as a racer, and to the incredible volunteers who make this race such a positive experience for the mushers and spectators.  Steph’s handlers will be Britt Rohrbaugh, Leah Nelson, Rachel Keener.

Sponsors: NutriSource Performance Dog Food (nutrisourcepetfoods.com), Cook County County Home Center,  Qrill Pet (qrillpet.com)

Ashley points to seeing a black and white photo of a dog team in a history book at the age of 5 as her inspiration to pursue sled dog sports.   She writes: If someone had told five year old me that when I was 24 I’d be running the Beargrease 120 as my first mid distance race she’d have said: “yup, that sounds about right, what took so long?!” As far back as I can remember, I can remember being fascinated with sled dogs. I didn’t grow up with the sport, but it grew in me, in my imaginings and my daydreams. The older I got, the more I thought about it. The more I begged, and pestered, and prodded, and schemed; until finally one day, my parents let me get a dog. A big, goofy, malamute puppy I named Suka. Two weeks later I got another, and then 6 months after that 2 more, and so the story goes. I got my start in Malamutes, which is not what most people start with. They’re not fast, or obedient. They’re hard to groom, hard to train, and hard to raise in a pack setting. They’re stubborn as an ox, with the muscles to back it up. I adored them. The only thing more stubborn then a malamute, was 14 year old me.

I grew up in Forest Lake Minnesota, and that’s where I ran dogs until I graduated high school. After that I moved out to Colorado and began working as a guide for a touring company that ran exclusively malamutes. After nearly five years running tours it was time for a change. Family is so important to me and I missed them terribly. I wouldn’t be where I am today in life without the love and support of my friends and family and all the kind strangers that have offered advice and help along the way. So I bought property with my best friend Michael Tam in Tower, Mn. I wanted to change things up, so I made the jump to running Alaskan Huskies and that’s where I am now. Sometimes I feel like I’ve started over, but then I remember that the basics are all the same, and good dogs are good dogs. Everything else is just fine tuning and adjusting. We live completely off grid with 29 dogs, roughing it in what is basically “super glamping” but its home.

In addition to running dogs I’m also an artist, and you’ll never guess what my favorite subject is. Did you guess dogs? Well then you’re correct! I paint mainly with watercolor and ink, with a focus on wildlife art. I love the outdoors and I love northern Minnesota and I’m looking forward to this new venture into the racing community.

Ashley’s handlers for the race will be: Mike Tam, Cam and Carissa Thaemert. 

Business Sponsors; P12 Films https://p12films.com/about/

Kondos Outdoors https://kondosoutdoors.com/

Vermillion Club https://www.thevermilionclub.com/

Hawkinson Construction http://www.hawkinsonconstruction.com/

The Timberjay http://timberjay.com/

Running Bear Healing Center https://www.facebook.com/DrChristopherCraig/

TA Services LLC https://www.facebook.com/TA-Services-LLC-103725354409344/

Individual Sponsors: Ted and Cathy Golbuff

Kat Smith

Susan Edseth

Lara and Matt Mcdonald

Andre has been running dogs since the age of 2 and his family has been raising a sled dog kennel ever since.  Though the family has traditionally competed in sprint events, Andre began longer distance events in 2019. Andre enjoyed the mid distance circuit which included the Beargrease 120, Wolftrack Classic, Northern Pines and Mid-Minnesota!   In the summer time and his spare time, Andre shoots professional fireworks shows. Andre is looking forward to competing with other mushers and “our pups”.

Sponsors: Seal Tech Sealcoating – sealtechsealcoatingbrainerdmn.com

Joe became interested in sled dogs after an overnight sled dog trip at the age of 49.  He became interested in racing after meeting Ed Stielstra.  A four dog kennel grew to 33.   Joe’s first race was the Jack Pine 30.  Joe has also competed in the UP 200, Seney 300 and Race to the Sky.  Joe retired from racing when his dogs became too old to race.  However, after retiring from his 34 year career at ND Industries, he “got the bug again”.   To achieve his goals, Joe and his wife relocated to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

Joe is racing a team from Nature’s Kennel comprised of yearlings and veterans.  Joe’s leaders are Mukluk (Iditarod, Yukon Quest finisher), Big O, Yes Man (Iditarod), Apache and Badger.  Joe writes:  “ my goal for the Beargrease 120 is to provide love, encouragement and care to this amazing group of dogs and to finish the race with a team of happy, healthy dogs. There is nothing I would rather be doing in my golden years than spending time on the trail with a team of wonderful dogs who have quickly become my best friends.”

Sponsors:  Royal Canin

Dave began his mushing career at the age of 27 with a small team of Alaskan Malamutes.  Dave and his wife Jill own Maple Ridge Kennel and have raised all of the dogs in their kennel.  Dave writes “We are fortunate to have friends training with us as well, creating a very busy community around our home for much of the year. As all of us that are involved in this crazy lifestyle realize, the rewards of caring for and traveling with these wonderful animals are endless. It is always very humbling to share our lives with these magnificent animals.”  Dave’s handlers will be Jim Ward and Jim Giusti.

Dave and Jill have 5 children, 6 grandchildren and one on the way. Dave is an orthopedic surgeon at Essentia and Jill is retired from a 30 year career as a NICU nurse. 

Ryan met a sprint musher when he was in his twenties and started training with him and “one thing leads to another.”  Ryan used to participate in enduro style bike racing and spent a lot of time in the mountains out west on snow bikes. “Now with 4 kids and a very busy sled dog kennel and building business I have no time for anything else which is great! I love it!”  Ryan’s handlers will be Sarah Flynn and Newton Marshall.

Sponsor: Beaber Construction 

After taking a “face plant” at age 32 while roller blading with 2 dogs, Frank decided snow might be softer and started skiing with them instead.. thus began his 20 plus year relationship with sled dog sports.  

“Sherri and I live in Hovland with our 40 dogs, 2 cats, a mouse and a pig named Petunia. We built our lives around the dogs, both where and how we live. The North Shore of Lake Superior is perfect for mushing, long snowy winters, great trails, beautiful scenery and many hills to train for the Beargrease. When we’re not taking care of and training dogs, Sherri and I like to garden, hike, bike and sea kayak. My work now is primarily guiding rock climbing, canoeing and sea kayaking out of Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais. I want to thank all the volunteers and sponsors that make the Beargrease possible. This will be our 15th year!”

Frank’s wife Sherri will be his handler

Sponsors: NutriSource Performance Dog Food: https://nutrisourcepetfoods.com
Cook County Home Center: https://www.acehardware.com/store-details/16353
Krill Pet: https://www.qrillpet.com

Tony began racing dogs at the age of 36. He first got interested however from watching the movie Iron Will.  Tony is back to racing after a three year absence which he spent rebuilding his kennel. Tony raised most of the dogs in his kennel from the age of 3 months or younger.  Tony’s handler will be JD

Brian works as a property manager in Northwest Ontario, where winters are long!

He enjoys being outdoors and loves taking care of his dogs.  Brian’s handlers will be Corey Hulst and Kayla Borntager.

Sponsors: First Mate Dog Food, Home Hardware Building Supply

Beargrease Mid Distance Jr.

Nicole was 12 when “ my sister Brenna got me drug into this sport after she tagged along with our mentor Janet Bahe on a run”. Now, at 17 years of aga, Nicole is a senior in high school and works at a dog boarding and grooming kennel. She owns True North Kennels along with her sisters. They have 14 dogs. Nicole enjoys training the dogs and having something to work towards. This will be Nicole’s fourth appearance in a Beargrease race.  Nicole’s handlers will be Hanes and Brenna. Nicolie would ike to thank her sponsors, NutriSource and Smokey Hills Outdoor Store. Nicole is excited to be running in the Beargrease Jr. race with her young team.

Sponsors:  Smokey Hills Outdoor Store : https://www.smokeyhills.com/

Nutrisource: https://nutrisourcedogfood.com/

 Sam was inspired by the movie Iron Will and the family Malamute, Star. 

At the age of 8, Sam asked his Dad if he could save money to buy a dog sled. His Dad helped him get one and Sam put in trails in the woods near their home.  Sam hooked up their Malamute, and so it began! Today, Sam has a team of Alaskan Huskies. Sam writes that he has enjoyed learning about the sport over the years. Sam relates that the sport has helped him to learn a lot about himself and his dogs. Sam’s does not come from a mushing family, so he appreciates the help of other mushers. Sam is especially grateful for the help, advice and friendship of Jamie Nelson.  Sam would also like to thank his siblings- Mike, Anika and Levi for all their help around the kennel and with training. He thanks John Neilsen for his encouragement and support. Sam also thanks his parents for all they do for him. Sam’s handlers will be Chad DeYoung and Mike Louters.    

When not running dogs Sam enjoys cross country running, track and Taekwondo.

Sponsors: Air Control, John Neilsen

Ero is 17 and attends William Kelley High School in Silver Bay, Minnesota.  Ero’s family has had sled dogs since before he was born. Ero competed in the Beargrease 120, Jr. class in 2019 and said “it was mint”.  Ero’s family and friends have been very supportive of his choice to train and race sled dogs. In addition to competing in sled dog sports, Ero plays football, hockey and baseball. Ero also enjoys hunting and fishing and “time with the boys”.  Ero’s handlers in 2020 will be Angie Hoff and Thomas Rowlee.   

Sponsors: Julies True Value, Betty’s Pies, D & D Services, VanHouse Construction, MMT Heating and Cooling, Two Harbors Towing, Homestead Dental, Louises Café, Zups Grocery,

Kelsey began running dogs in kids races at the age of ten with Blair Braverman and Quince Mountain.   Kelsey writes “ Our life is dogs”.  Kelsey is a freshman in high school where she runs track. In addition, Kelsey is first flute in the band at Wabeno High School. Kelsey also runs the lighting for the high school’s very active drama department.    Kelsey’s handlers will be Sarah Flynn and Newton Marshall. 

Sponsor: Beaber Construction 

Beargrease 40

Tyler, from Lakeville, Minnesota always thought mushing was some far-away dream that he couldn’t break into until being offered a handling position last summer with Arlene Duff.  “Arlene showed me there’s a whole mushing world right here in Minnesota”, writes Tyler. This will be Tyler’s first race, his goal is to finish with all 6 dogs and come back next year to compete in more races. Tyler’s handlers will be Claire Watne, Diane Seger, Rhonda Vahle

Chris is 49 years old, married with 1 son and 2 daughters, a railroad engineer for 27 years. Chris grew up in the snow country of Bessemer, Michigan so winter has always been a fun time of year! Chris moved back to northern Wisconsin in August of ’99. When not working with the dogs, Chris enjoys hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and working on his collection of antique tractors and equipment. Chris and his family also raise chickens, ducks, and geese. Chris is a member of the Lake Superior Tired Iron Tractor club and Lake Superior Transportation Museum.  Chris started mushing in 2012 when he and his wife rescued a pair of malamutes and a month later they were asked to take the last two. Chris writes “Deal was sealed when he offered to give me all the left over equipment which turned out to be pretty much a complete musher’s starter kit of harnesses, lines, and a sled. After some trial and (much?) error and a few more rescued dogs (because you never have enough, right?) we were able to run our first rec race at Bayfield a few years ago and every year we’ve been expanding our horizons. Crazy.”

Martha is the mother of 4 and Grandma to 6.  Martha’s son Chad and daughter-in-law Erin operate Otter Run Kennel a small kennel in northern Wisconsin whose focus is on keeping the dogs happy.   Martha grew up on a dairy farm in near Cushing, Wisconsin and when not doing chores could be found playing in the woods, barns and sheds. She loves being with animals and in the outdoors. Martha’s interest in the sport started at the age of 16 with a trip to Alaska.   Martha has been racing since 2003 and writes “It took me 10 years to finally win a race. The first win was very memorable. The Beargrease is one of my favorites.” Martha will be running a group of young dogs in the 2020 Beargrease 40. Chad Schouweiler will be her handler.

Mark has been running dogs for 7 years, the kind of dog sledding he most enjoys is winter camping and ice fishing in the BWCA.  Mark wrote:“Just me and the dogs and nature; its quiet and peaceful with solitude. I like to be free on the dog sled. If i see a trail I will explore it to see where it leads me!”  This is my first year running the Beargrease. I am running not to win but to be out on the trial with the other mushers and have fun. My dogs are freight haulers not racers.”

Currently living in Maryland, Kristi is originally from Florida. It was the movie Balto that inspired her love of northern breed dogs. As with many mushers, it all started with one dog and then another, and another, until there were enough for a team! Kristi has entered the world of dog sled racing to challenge herself and to experience wonderful trails with her team. Kristi writes: “I’m competitive by nature. But I love my Malamutes and wouldn’t trade them, so I know that I’m out there competing for my own best time. My goal is to finish with happy, healthy dogs and enjoy our time on the trails”. This is Kristi’s first season competing in sled dog racing. Kristi’s handler will be Kenji Ackert

Like many mushers, the movie “Iron Will” sparked Linus’s interest in mushing.  After getting a ride from a local musher in 1995, Linus purchased 5 dogs and entered his first race in 1997 – the Mid Minnesota.  Since that time, Linus has competed in many races in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and South Dakota. Linus writes: “ Although I have a somewhat competitive spirit, the satisfaction of training up a team, the peacefulness, joy, and solitude of running dogs, and camaraderie with fellow mushers is what keeps me going.”  Grove Trotter Kennel consists of 17 Alaskan Huskies, including 1 retried 1 semi-retired and 4 puppies. Linus is a retired dairy farmer and conservation tech, his wife, Ileta, is a retired clerk. Together, the couple share a hobby farm with dogs, cats, chickens, ducks and goats

Nick began his mushing career at the age of 45 because he loved seeing the dogs.  Nick, along with his wife Joy got started by handling for teams from Alaska. The Turman’s have a small kennel of 14 dogs and continue to race in 3 to 4 races a year. Nick writes, “We would like to thank the Beargrease and all the volunteers and wish everyone a good time.”  Nick’s handlers will be Warren Turman and Paul

Drew saw a team running when he was 15, and was intrigued. He began running dogs with a black lab and roller blades! 

Drew writes that he “ran to” Alaska about 25 years ago. It was there he met John Hoeberg in the middle of the Alaska Range.  Drew was on snow machine and Joe was running team.  Drew lost his coffee cup and Joe found it and tracked him down a few days later. The two drove to Fairbanks, where Drew experienced mushing with a team for the first time. “I learned that huskies have unlimited amounts of love to share and to receive. When they work as a team, there exists a vortex of loving energy that flows into the wilderness. It is something that can scarcely be described, only experienced.”  Drew’s handler will be Alisa Sobczak

Sponsors: https://pfasfreefairbanks.org/

 Brave Face for Cancer

Morgan has been on the runners since she could stand. She has attended Musher Boot Camp with Jamie Nelson and Ann Stead as well as their Jr. Musher Boot Camps.

Morgan started competing in the Apostle Island Family Sled Dog races with her Mom at the age of six.  “After winning that race a few times,, I thought it was time to move on to longer races. Now that I am bigger this year, I plan to run the Beargrease 40, Apostle Island Sportsman, and the Northern Pines Race in Iron River, Wisconsin.” writes Morgan.   

Morgan attends Northwestern Middle School where she runs cross country and track and plays basketball. Morgan is a member of Gitchee Gumee 4H Club and shows her horse, LeRoy.  Morgan loves woodworking. Morgan would like to thank her parents for their support. Her handlers for the 2020 race will be Tim and Janet Martens and Ruth King. 

Sponsor: Hardwood Resources

David is 53 years old and embarking on a new adventure.  Having been a handler for his friend Drew Heskins a few times, David writes “Once you’ve been a part of this wonderful race, you can’t help but think about mushing in it. This year, I have an opportunity to fulfill a dream.”  David grew up in Cloquet and has lived in Wrenshall for the past 25 years. David is employed at Sappi. David’s handlers will be Kelly Sobczak, Shari Williams

Sponsor: Drew Heskins

The first dog Josh ever had was a Siberian Husky, which led to his love of sled dogs, and them becoming part of his family’s life.  Josh is father to 4 year old Mya and 14 Siberain Huskies. He writes: “We are a team and a family. We love the dogs first and the sport second. We are a young team with a good season of training alone on long runs, but we’ll see how the young guys do passing and or being passed.”  Handlers will be Dawn Buckels, Wayne Buckels, Chrissy Davidson

Morgan got into sled dogs because her dad is a musher and “he had me go dog sledding a bunch”.   This is Morgan’s fourth time in the Beargrease 40 and she writes: “ I hope that this time will be just as good or better. I also hope that my dogs will be happy with this run.”  She adds: “every time there is something new you never know what could happen on this trip. Good luck to all the other racers.”   Morgan’s handler will be Shawn McCarty.

Bucky talked his parents into buying a Husky pup from his 9th grade science teacher. The dog, Spirit, loved to be outside and started pulling Bucky and his brother on a plastic kids sled.  They entered Spirit in the Kiddie Mutt Race at the UP 200 and won! From there the kennel grew. Bucky was away from the sport for 23 years. Now his wife and their 4 children are a “family team” where every family member plays a vital role in the kennel’s success.  

Sponsor: Whiskey Ridge Meats