Husky News

A number of mushers in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race are dropping out as the weather is continually getting worse.

On Sunday afternoon, 27 mushers gathered at Ordean Middle School to begin the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race.

But as the race has continued the number of mushers has declined.

“The number of mushers as of right now who have decided to withdraw from the race is 14 out of the original 27 who started at the starting line, so a little over half,” said John Beargrease President Jason Rice.

The biggest contributor to the increasing number of mushers dropping out of the race is the weather and trail conditions.

“The rain last night definitely made things difficult for the teams. It definitely changed conditions on them while they’re running. It’s like a person running along pavement and then suddenly having to run on sand,” said Rice.

These ever-changing trail conditions are hard on the muscles and joints of the dogs.

“We had quite a few mushers who came in with numerous dogs with sore wrists, sore shoulders, and they decided to drop them. In some cases they had enough dogs that had soreness that they had to withdraw,” said Rice.

Beargrease president Jason Rice says dropping the dogs was a safety precaution and the animals were never in any danger.

“The mushers were all looking in the best interest of their dogs. It’s not that they were making the calls because the dogs were in any danger or anything. They don’t like the dogs to be uncomfortable, so they take the safe route which is to decide to hang it up rather then to try to push just to make it to the finish line,” said Rice.

As the remaining mushers are preparing to finish their adventure, the most important part of Beargrease is enjoying the race.

Mushers are expected to start crossing the finish line tomorrow morning.

Source: Northland’s News Center