Gunflint Mail Sled Dog Race Returns

Although the John Beargrease Sled Dog race along the north shore was cancelled due to lack of snow, local businesses along the Gunflint Trail came up with another plan.

Kicking off Monday, January 30, the Gunflint Trail Mail Race will begin. The race originated in the 70′s and faded out in the early 80′s as the Beargrease became an annual event. With its revival this year, 16 teams of mushers will compete, beginning Monday at 4pm on Devil Track Lake. The course will take them southeast to Poplar Lake. After a five-hour layover at Trail Center, they will retrace their route back to Devil Track. Racers are expected to finish before noon on January 31.

“Almost all 16 of the available race spots were filled by mushers from Cook County within days of announcing the race, ” according to sponsor, Stone Harbor’s website.

Everyone is encouraged to join in various festivities at Trail Center or Devil Track Lake. Stone Harbor will supply winter camping tents and gear available to anyone who wants to rough it on Devil Track Lake. If the weather is good, there will be snow kiting and Marquette ski demos. All of the events have been scheduled so that they don’t conflict with the remaining Beargrease activities.

Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, The Landing at Devil Track, Trail Center, Cook Co Dog Mushers and the Cook Co Ridge Riders worked together to put together this years racing route.

UPDATE: The race has a website, which can be found at www.gunflintmailrun.com (thanks Erik!)

Image: Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply