news & updates

The 27th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon kicked-off yesterday in Duluth and this year's field is one of the most competitive in the marathon's history. Mushers and their teams will reach the Sawbill Wilderness Checkpoint in Tofte today. First teams in arrived around 9:00 am, with the last teams in by mid- to late-afternoon. Teams are required to rest here for 4 hours plus their start differential (up to an additional hour). The first teams left early this afternoon, and some are likely to still be here well into the evening.

The Sawbill Checkpoint is a unique "wilderness" checkpoint. There are no handlers or trucks allowed at Sawbill on the up bound leg of the race – the mushers need to take care of their dogs by themselves. The teams will be spread out in the woods near where the State Trail crosses the Sawbill Trail 5.5 miles inland from Highway 61 (across from the Coho Cafe) in Tofte.

The Beargrease trail is widely considered among the toughest there is. At nearly 400 miles, the Beargrease is also the longest distance race in the lower 48 states. The race is also a qualifier for Alaska's Iditarod. Make plans to join us in Tofte next year to celebrate the 28th annual race! We love the energy the race brings to the resort and the area!!

For more information on the race, please visit: http://www.beargrease.com/.

Ryan Anderson
Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
218/663-6886