The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 35th Running
2019 Champion Blake Freking and wife Jennifer Freking take first and second place
Bitter temps, -50 below wind chills and white-out conditions couldn’t stop the Beargrease
• The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, North America’s Premiere Sled Dog Race Series, concluded on Tuesday January 30 celebrating its 35th running. It was a year of many changes, including shortening the race from 400+ miles to 300 miles, and running one-way from Duluth, MN to Grand Portage, MN just 6 miles south of the Canadian border.
• The shortened race at 300 miles is still not an easy task as it is still the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Running through the Sawtooth Mountain Ridge on the North Shore of Lake Superior is challenging even for a seasoned-competitor. Many mushers lay claim that the Beargrease is physically a harder race than some of the longer races in North America. The ever-changing climate and constant elevation changes require the musher be in top-shape physically and mentally.
• The Polar Vortex that is sweeping across the nation and shutting down most of the state, couldn’t stop the mighty Beargrease. Mushers, race officials and volunteers said that they weren’t stopping, “we’re made for this weather” stated one official. -20 degree wind temps and wind gusts made it feel like -50 below. Plus, the wind and lake-effect-snow conditions made it nearly impossible to see and created snow drifts that were waist-high in some areas. All mushers and all canine athletes are resting comfortably – proving that if you have the right gear and proper training – you can defeat almost any brutal Minnesota winter.
• The canine athlete’s thrive in colder temps as their bodies physiology is different than humans. A team of 22 specially trained veterinarians monitor the health and safety of every canine throughout the entire race. If the temps would have been above 10 degrees, it actually causes more concern for the Vet team as well as the mushers as overheating is harder on the dogs.
• 2019 Marathon Finisher Line-Up:
o Taking a late-lead in the race, 2019 Champion Blake Freking came across the finish line on Tuesday evening.
o Shortly after, his wife, Jennifer Freking, crossed the finish line with all 12 of hear team looking strong. The first time a husband and wife took the First and Second place titles respectively.
o Other marathon race finishers were: third place, Jason Rice, followed by Colleen Wallin, Erin Altemus, Ryan Reddington, Peter McClelland and Frank Moe.
• The Beargrease 40, recreational class race (40-mile race) ended on Sunday night in Two Harbors, MN. And the Beargrease 120 Mid-distance class race (120-mile race) ended on Monday morning in Lutsen, MN.
• Official statements regarding the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon can only be made by designated spokespeople for the race. Contact Monica Hendrickson at 218-348-2268.
• About the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon: Headquartered in Duluth, MN, the mission of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is to conduct the best long-distance race in North America in a culturally sensitive manner, and to promote the sport of dog mushing. To learn more about this non-profit, please visit www.beargrease.com.
• More information and photo’s can be found on Beargrease.com as well as Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
