John Beargrease Dog Sled Race facts for kids
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The John Beargrease Sled Dog Race is a super exciting dogsled race held every year in Minnesota. It takes place along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. This race is special because, at about 400 miles long, it's the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states! Winning or doing well in the "Beargrease" can even help mushers qualify for the famous Iditarod race way up in Alaska.
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What is the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race?
Honoring a Mail Carrier Hero
The race is named after a real hero, John Beargrease. He was a brave mail carrier who delivered mail in the winter using a dog sled. He traveled between Two Harbors, Minnesota and Grand Portage, Minnesota for many years in the late 1800s. Imagine delivering mail in the snow with only your dogs to help you! This race honors his amazing spirit and hard work.
When and Where the Race Happens
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Race has been held every January since 1980. It always kicks off from Billy's Bar in Duluth, Minnesota. Mushers and their teams of dogs brave the cold and snow to complete this challenging journey.
Recent Races and Challenges
Sometimes, the race course has to change. In 2019, for example, the course was shortened by 70 miles. This happened because there wasn't enough snow due to warmer weather. Even with changes, the race is always a big test for the mushers and their dogs.
In 2022, the race was won by Ryan Anderson. He is a musher from Cushing, Wisconsin. This was Ryan's fourth time winning the Beargrease race! That year, the snow was soft because of warm temperatures. This made the race even harder. Thirteen mushers had to drop out before they could finish. Ryan Anderson completed the race in just over two days and six and a half hours.
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