In year of canceled traditions, mushers say Duluth's Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is 'a bright spot'

Jan 29, 20210

ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.com count

Ryan Redington's sled dog team, led by (left) Ghost and Henry ran down Old Highway 61 near Grand Portage, MN in the final leg of the John Beargrease sled dog marathon on Jan. 28, 2020. Redington would go on to win the race.

Social distancing isn't hard when you're racing a 300-mile trail on Minnesota's North Shore.

But like most events in the past year, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is feeling the effects of COVID-19. No spectators will be allowed to cheer on competitors, and those involved with the race won't mingle like usual due to public health guidelines.

"It's like an NBA game without the fans," said musher Ryan Redington of Wasilla, Alaska, who won last year's Beargrease marathon. "It'll still be the race, but it will have a different feel."

https://www.startribune.com/in-year-of-canceled-traditions-mushers-say-duluth-s-beargrease-sled-dog-marathon-is-a-bright-spot/600015220/