Husky News

Mushers are counting down the hours to the 25th anniversary of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.

Tonight in Duluth, dog drivers gathered at Grandma’s Sports Garden for opening ceremonies.

For mushers across the nation and globe, tonight was a time for friends and fellow competitors to come together… and not to mention, some last-minute notifications.

“I have no idea what the top prize is for the event this year,” said musher Tasha Stielstra. “My husband was supposed to be running and he pulled me out of retirement to run his team last night. So I’m just here to have a good time.”

However, it didn’t take long to get to the business side of things.
The event gives mushers a chance to catch up with acquaintances and to be conscious of the weekend ahead.

“It gives everybody a chance to meet the mushers and get everybody together, excited before the race,” Stielstra said. “Once this night gets over, things get rolling with fat checks.

Nearly 80 top dogs and mushers will be competing for their share of 40-thousand dollar purse, and tonight starting positions were determined.

“Picking a low number is probably best if it’s going to be warm,” said musher Matt Rossi. “The more mushers go over the trail, the worse it gets.”

Of course, last year proved to be the worst for trail conditions:

“Last year, disappointingly enough, was the first year in 24 years that we had to cancel due to lack of snow,” said Pat Olson, John Beargrease Marathon coordinator.

With Mother Nature kept in mind, dog drivers are focusing on the treacherous train ahead.

And it all boils down to one thing…the canines.

“The dogs have a lot of miles on them, they’re used to these kind of distances,” said Rossi. ” A lot of running up hills, the Beargrease is a very tough race, so they have to be very well conditioned and they are.”

Come Sunday, mushers will see that conditioning put to the test.

Beginning at 7 A-M tomorrow morning, all sled dogs will undergo mandatory vet screening before being allowed to participate in the marathon.

Source: KBJR TV