
Erin Altemus
Grand Marais, MN
I live with my husband Matt and 3-year-old Sylvia in the high hills off the Gunflint Trail, where there is more snow than any other part of the state. We have 30 Alaska huskies and this will our tenth year racing sled dogs. When not training dogs, I work as a nurse at our local hospital, write about sled dogs for Northern Wilds, garden, run, paddle, fish, and of course, chase after our daughter.
This will be my fourth Beargrease Marathon–the best finish being 4th place and Rookie of the Year 2015. Matt and I alternate who runs the team. This year with so much change, chaos and unknowns, we are thrilled to participate in the race. Life without sled dogs would be too idle.
What other races have you completed to qualify for the marathon?
BG marathon 2015, 2016,2019, UP 200 and Can Am 250
How many lead dogs in your team?
Two for sure; hopefully many more!
Who are your dog handlers?
My husband Matt Schmidt, Dan Keifenheim and Phill Haas
What is your age as of Jan 25, 2020?
42
Kennel name
Mush Lake Racing
How can people find you on social media?
Rig size
Truck and 16′ trailer
Who are your sponsors?
Ed and Julie Dallas and Tim Brown
What inspired you to start running sled dogs and how old were you when you started?
I started doing tours for YMCA Camp Menogyn after college and was hooked forever.