John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Announces New Duluth to Two Harbors Route,
Kicks off Season Oct. 3, 2026
Public invited to fundraiser, musher registration event where further race details will be revealed.
DULUTH, MN - August 31, 2026—The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon today announced its 42nd running will return to an “out and back” format, starting in Duluth and finishing in Two Harbors, Minn. Further details will be revealed at a fundraiser banquet and in-person musher registration on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the Northland Country Club in Duluth.
Held every January along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior, the Beargrease features three races: a 330-mile Marathon, a 120-mile race and a 40-mile race.
The 2027 Marathon returns to an out-and-back format – one of the most demanding tests in the sport. “This course is going to challenge our mushers and their teams in ways they haven't faced in recent memory,” says Cliff Wang, Beargrease president. “It will be more competitive than in recent years, but every decision about this route starts with the health and safety of our dogs. That hasn't changed and never will.”
“We’re also excited to have start and finish locations where more spectators can participate, and our sponsors can have greater visibility,” he adds. Race start will be Sunday morning, Jan. 31, 2027, in Duluth. Early finishers of the marathon are expected in Two Harbors the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 2.
