 Admittedly,
I’m a little long in the tooth and short in the leg to be an Olympic hopeful,
but who can blame me for dreaming of glory with all of these athletic top
dogs coming into Duluth, Minnesota, to run the John Beargrease Dog Sled
Marathon on February 1-9.* [*SEE FATHER'S NOTE BELOW}
The 2002 race will be the 20th running of the marathon that honors the
name of John Beargrease, a courageous human from Minnesota’s north shore
who used to deliver mail by boat in summer and sled in winter. He carried
mail before there was even a road up that way between Two Harbors and Grand
Marais.
I think of the race as honoring John’s dogs, too, because after all, what’s
a dog sled without dogs? A sled without trained dog athletes to pull it
gets about as far as … well, about as far as the same sled with just one
adorable little sheltie in front of it. (I’ve tested this with my Dad;
we go nowhere - even if he helps some.)
This year I’ve decided to take a more active role in the magazine - did
you notice who’s by that boy on the cover! - and I’ve talked my humans
into having Lake Superior Magazine as a sponsor of this great example
of dog abilities. (The people who participate deserve some credit, too,
of course.)
As sponsors, we want to get people - and for some events get puppies -
out to help celebrate the short and long races. There’s plenty to do. My
personal pick is the Cutest Puppy Contest on March 2 at Fitger’s Brewery,
even though a tinge too old for that category. Consider attending any or
all the events listed below - or best of all, become a member and show
your support for pooch power.
*Father's Note: The dates of the Beargrease for 2002 were changed due to
lack of snow at the beginning of February. All dates were moved to one
month later, into March on the same days of the week.
Get In on the Action
Join the mushers and organizers of the 20th running of the John Beargrease
Sled Dog Marathon.
Details of the 2002 Beargrease ...
Pre-Race Events
Friday, March 1 ...
• Meet the Mushers Banquet at Lakeview Castle
Saturday, March 2 ...
• Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitger’s Brewery & Complex
• Vet Check at Canal Park Inn
Race Day Festivities
Sunday, March 3 …
• Sled Dog Rides for the whole family at Northland Country Club
• Opening Ceremonies at Ordean Middle School Grounds
• Mid-Distance (150 miles) 1 p.m.
• Mascot Marathon Event 2 p.m.
• Marathon (411 miles) 3 p.m.
More Race Week Activities
Monday, March 4 ...
• Mid-Distance finishers arriving at Sawbill checkpoint
Tuesday, March 5 ...
• Mid-Distance Finisher’s Brunch at Lakeview Castle
Wednesday and Thursday, March 6 & 7 ...
• Marathon finishers arriving at Duluth’s Lester Park
Friday, March 8 ...
• Marathon Finishers Brunch at Lakeview Castle
Saturday, March 9 ...
• Recreation Race in Grand Marais
For more info …
to be member or a volunteer
or a sponsor (like Lake Superior Magazine,)
try these contacts at
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