Organizers of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon announced in a Facebook post that the 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon postponed to March 2 due to unsafe trail conditions. Race officials say there is insufficient snow and the terrain along the 300-mile course is icy. These conditions create “hazardous conditions for sled dogs and mushers,” according to the post.
This year will be the 40th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The longest sled dog marathon in the lower 48 states had been scheduled to begin on January 26.
WDIO will continue to follow this story and provide updates. WDIO will be broadcasting the start of the race on March 2.
RELATED STORY: Gunflint Mail Run postponed due to poor trail conditions
In the Facebook post from John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, officials say “Safety is our number one priority,” Mike Keyport, President of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Board said. “After thoroughly evaluating the trail and exploring alternate routes, we determined that postponing the race is the best option to ensure the safety and well-being of the dogs, mushers, and everyone involved.”
This is the second consecutive year that the race was impacted by the weather. On Wednesday, it was announced that the Gunflint Mail Run was postponed due to poor trail conditions.
Keyport goes on to say “Postponing the race is never an easy decision, especially following last year’s postponement of the 40th-anniversary running due to similar weather challenges,” Keyport added. “We are heartbroken that, once again, weather – a factor entirely out of our control – has impacted our plans. However, the safety of the doges and mushers remains our unwavering priority, and we are determined to ensure that the rescheduled race continues to honor the spirit and legacy of the Beargrease.”
Officials say by postponing the event they are hopeful that the conditions will improve.
The 2024 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was canceled due to lack of snow. It was disappointing for the mushers and the fans. We spoke with veteran musher Colleen Wallin from Two Harbors after that announcement was made.
RELATED STORY FROM 2024: Canceled Beargrease called heart-wrenching
“We are optimistic that by moving the race to March2, we will be able to host an event that upholds the tradition and standards of the Beargrease,” Keyport added regarding the 2025 race. “We are grateful to the mushers, sponsors, and volunteers for their flexibility and dedication to this incredible event.”
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