Beargrease Marathon Reaches Halfway Point

Marathon Gets Closer to Finish

 Even though it’s only day two of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, the race has already reached its halfway point. Many of the mushers reached the checkpoint near Grand Portage to rest many of those weary paws.

Cheers greeted musher Jennifer Freking and her team of sled dogs near Grand Portage. While the race started on Sunday, January 31st, it’s already almost to the finish. “Oh, I love the trail. It’s pretty amazing out there. It’s beautiful to run out there with the dogs,” said Jennifer Freking.

The dogs and musher use the checkpoints to rest, sleep, and eat a quick snack and meal. “It’s a pretty quick pace,” said Jessica Shold, one of the Beargrease directors.

Checkpoints also give the community a chance to see the show. “I think it’s great to see the greater community come out here and enjoy everything. It’s great to have the greater community out there and more than just the Duluth and Two Harbors area,” said Shold.

Eleven mushers remain and keep a steady pace for this race. Warmer temps at the start of the race had mushers saying mush a little less. “The hot weather starting off zapped the energy out of the dogs. They’re furry dogs,” said Freking.

The teams stay at the checkpoints for however long they want but must meet the required number of hours of rest set forth by the marathon. “We check their feet and joints and make sure the dogs are healthy. We also check on the mushers and more,” said Shold.

Halfway there, but more fun and adventure await. “It’s all downhill from here,” said Freking. The mid-race and recreation race finished up on February 1st. The marathon is expected to finish up in Duluth on February 3rd.