Marathon leaders maintain a connection to the race’s Ojibwe namesake in various ways, including pipe or drumming ceremonies before the start. But it’s uncommon to have a musher in the race who is also Anishinaabe.
So, Terry’s participation “means a ton to me. It really does,” Keyport said.
It’s also meaningful to Terry. But he doesn’t want to be the token Anishinaabe man, just racing to finish, he said. He races to win.
Terry, center right, and his wife, Mary England, center, host a dinner for their family and close friends at their home in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. At the time, Terry was prepping to run the Beargrease in 2024, but the race was cancelled because of warm weather. (Alex Kormann)
The Beargrease is the longest sled dog race of its kind in the lower 48 United States. The day before the marathon began, teams convened at the Buffalo House in Duluth to meet with veterinarians and kick off the event.
Terry, who was about to embark on his third Beargrease, readied his team for checks. A believer that dogs feed off their human’s energy, he moved through the line sharing a moment with each, offering jubilant encouragement.
Team handler BJ Egerter said Terry takes great pride in honoring his dogs and ensuring their well-being.
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