Where to Watch the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

The 35th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will run Sunday, Jan. 27 – Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. It is scheduled to start at Billy’s Bar at 3502 Tischer Road in Duluth and end at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino at 70 Casino Drive in Grand Portage, Minnesota.

Linda Jurek, executive director for Visit Cook County said “We are excited to host many checkpoints and the big finishes for the Beargrease running through Cook County this year. Our part of the region has experienced record snowfall this season, making the conditions prime for the Beargrease and many other outdoor winter activities here.”

According to a Press Release: The John Beargrease has been shortened this year to 300 miles, but it is still a qualifier for the famed “Iditarod” in Alaska, and remains the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. The Beargrease 40- a recreational race will end in Two Harbors, Minn. Gravel Pit on Sunday, Jan. 27, The Beargrease 120-a mid distance race will end at Lutsen Mountains, 467 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, Minn. on Monday, Jan. 28. And the full marathon will end at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, 70 Casino Drive, Grand Portage on Tuesday, Jan. 29.

If you are interested in watching the race in Cook County the following are great locations:

Sawbill Trail (Marathon checkpoint) approximately five miles up the Sawbill Trail in Tofte, Minn.
Lutsen (Beargrease 120 Finish) 466 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, Minn. 55604
Grand Portage Lodge and Casino (Marathon Finish) 100 Blazes Road, Grand Portage, Minn. 55605
Trail Center Lodge, 7611 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, Minn. 55604
Skyport Lodge, 205 Fireweed Lane, Grand Marais, Minn. 55064