John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

The Cub Run was held on Saturday, January 21 at the Lakeview National Golf Course in Two Harbors.  The 2 mile class began at 1:00 p.m. for the 2 mile class, 1/4 mile class started around 2:30, or
after the last 2 mile class musher leaves the chute, award ceremony to follow.  Tap to watch Sabrina Ullman’s coverage of this year’s event.

On Saturday, January 28 at Fitger’s at 600 E Superior Street in Duluth. Puppy check-in begins at 10: a.m. with viewing and voting from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  The awards will be given at 1:30 p.m.
No outside dogs will be allowed in the Fitger’s complex during the event.  ** Pre-registration at https://beargrease.com/events/

Meet the mushers on Saturday, January 28 at Black Bear Casino Resort Golf Course Clubhouse in Carlton for the mandatory vet check. The dog teams will participate in the mandatory checks from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The public can meet with the mushers and learn about how sled dogs are taken care of before, during and after the race.  *** No outside dogs allowed.

Then on Saturday, January 28 there will be an Opening Ceremony at Black Bear Casino Resort with a 3:00 p.m. Drum ceremony, eulogy and land acknowledgement. There will also be a brief introduction and ceremonial bib draw. (Mushers receive their bibs, mailbags and swag.)  There will also be a swearing in of the Marathon and 120 mushers as mail carriers.
*** No outside dogs allowed.

Sunday, January 29 at Billy’s Bar at 3502 W. Tischer Road in Duluth.  WDIO will be broadcasting and streaming the start of the Beargrease Marathon at 10 a.m. Streaming on WDIO.com, YouTube and Facebook.  Meet the mushers at 8:00 a.m. followed by the National Anthem and Pipe Ceremony at 9:45 a.m.  The sled dog teams in the 2023 John Beargrease Marathon leave the starting chute, followed by the Beargrease 120 and Beargrease 40 mushers at 2 minute intervals.   *** No outside dogs allowed, except service dogs.

Limited breakfast and lunch will be available from 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
PARKING: There is limited parking at the race start–plan to ride the shuttle. Limited first come, first served handicapped parking available at Billy’s.
Free Shuttle pick up at:

• UMD Campus – Junction Avenue and West College Street
  7:00am-8:00am – UMD to Billy’s
  8:00am-12:30pm – UMD to Billy’s
  12:30 pm- 2:30pm – Billy’s to UMD

Beargrease 40 – Finish is expected on Sunday, January 29 at Highway 2 Gravel Pit in Two Harbors.  The time is approximate, with teams crossing the finish between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Beargrease 120 – Finish is expected on Monday, January 30 at Trestle Inn at 9459 Highway 7 in Finland, Minn. Teams will reach the finish between 6 a.m. and noon.

Beargrease Marathon – Finish is expected on Tuesday, January 31 at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino at 70 Casino Drive, Grand Portage. Teams are expected at the finish between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

** All times are approximate and could change based on weather, trail conditions and musher strategy.)