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.
The Oct. 3 banquet will serve as the official kickoff of the 2027 racing season and help fund the longest sled dog marathon in the lower 48 states. The public is invited and mushers will have the opportunity to register for the race and attend the banquet for free. Attendees will enjoy a delicious meal, games and auctions with items including:
- A $3,500 Salsa fat tire bike donated by Quality Bike Products in Bloomington, Minn.
- Six guns including a Henry Classic lever .22 S/L/LR worth $440; a Ruger Ranch 5.56 worth $769; and a Mossberg Maverick 12 gauge 3” valued at $290.
- A five-day Kevlar canoe rental from Sawbill Canoe Outfitters in Tofte, Minn.
- Four tickets to a regular season home 2027 Duluth Huskies game
- Four single-day tickets to the Duluth Children’s Museum
Discounted “Early-Dog” tickets are available online for $42 through September 12. After that date, standard tickets are $50. The event is free for kids under age 10. Mushers who plan to register in person at the event and receive a free banquet ticket are encouraged to make an online reservation to hold a seat. Tickets: beargrease.com/2026-banquet/
Oct. 3 schedule:
- 4 p.m. – Doors open, in-person musher registration begins.
- 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – Outdoor games, social hour, silent auction and raffle begins.
- 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Banquet dinner is served, in-person musher registration ends.
- 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m. – Official Trail Announcement reveals details of the full 2027 race route including checkpoints and the new trail map.
- 7:30 pm.-10 p.m. – Dinner ends, live auction begins, silent auction continues.
- 10 p.m. Event and auctions end.
About the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is a premier mushing event held each January along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. The race honors John Beargrease, an Anishinaabe mail carrier who delivered mail by dogsled along the North Shore in the late 1800s. The event showcases elite canine athletes, celebrates the region’s mushing heritage and holds the health and safety of every dog as its highest priority.
