You re kind of always training, she said. You have to be prepared for just about anything.
Letzring s is one of 17 teams taking on the marathon race. She s not the only one from out of state to compete. According to race spokesperson Monica Hendrickson, about half of the marathon teams are from outside Minnesota, a higher-than-usual amount.
Erin Letzring’s lead dogs set the pace early in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon on Sunday. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com) It s mostly because a lot of races had to cancel. So mushers are a little more willing to drive further distances to get a race under their belt, Hendrickson said.
WDIO Created: January 31, 2021 07:27 AM
In a year full of cancellations, the 2021 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is officially underway. The 37th running of one of North America s biggest and most challenging sled dog races. Last year s winner Ryan Redington will defend his title in a field of 17 mushers in the 300-mile long race up Minnesota s North Shore.
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, spectators won t be allowed to watch the event in person. Beargrease officials determined the teams will start with 10 dogs.
Peter McClelland (bib 2) from Isabella was the first to leave the chute just after 9 a.m. McClelland s first Beargrease was in 2000. McClelland was followed by Alice White of Ely, and Erin Altemus of Grand Marais. Ryan Redington and his team was the 7th team to get out on the trail. Redington is wearing bib number 8.