DULUTH, Minn. (KFGO) – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon’s start location has been moved due to warm temperatures which are melting the snow.
The 40th anniversary of the race, which was originally slated to begin at Billy’s in Duluth, will now start just north of Two Harbors on March 2.
Deteriorating snow conditions prompted the change. Snow is expected to fall this weekend in northeastern Minnesota.
Mike Keyport, president of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, said weather always plays a role in sled dog racing and the recent warm temperatures have made conditions at the original start line unsuitable for the race. “There is virtually no snow as of right now,” Keyport said.
Last year, organizers had to cancel the race due to a lack of snow. This year’s race was delayed until March due to a loss of snowpack.
The marathon has been a staple along the North Shore since 1980. The 300-mile course is a qualifier for the Iditarod.
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