Beargrease Preparations Underway, New Race Changes

DULUTH - It doesn't look like it just yet, but in less than two days, sled dogs and mushers will fill Duluth.

"Hope to see everybody out at the start of the dog race," Beargrease volunteer Jeffrey Bertani said.

Thirty teams with 300 dogs are making their way to Duluth for the 30th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.

"We are game on, the race is amazing," Beargrease organizer Linda Nervick said.

"It's exciting especially going out in the field and watching those dogs run. It's outstanding," said Bertani.

But before they get here, 800 volunteers are getting the town Beargrease ready.

They’re doing everything from hanging banners to prepping the starting line.

More than ten race events are set to kick off and this year and organizers are pulling out all the stops.

"Oh, this is way bigger than ever. We're very pleased," said Nervick.

For starters, there's a new race starting line and fresh leadership.

"This group that came together knew what they were doing," said Nervick. “We have great motivation and we work together really well."

There's a brand new race for kids called the Beargrease Cub Run.

"We want to encourage young teams and young mushers to get started in this great sport," said Nervick.

For the first time, spectators can follow the race from the comfort of their own home with GPS tracking.

"This is an amazing way to watch the race 24 hours a day," said Nervick. “A lot of time, in the middle of the night is going to be your most exciting time to watch the race.”

Parking will be limited, but a free bus ride will take you from UMD to the race every 20 minutes from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The race will kick off  Sunday at 1 p.m.

Oganizers advise leaving your animals at home.

The race is also in need of volunteers.

Anyone interested can contact the Beargrease office.