John Beargrease 40th run canceled due to lack of snow

As the Midwest continues to experience a historically whacky winter of no snow nor freezing temperatures, the mushing community has anxiously watched their season disappear. Most teams were still training teams with ATVs instead of the traditional sleds over the Christmas holiday. Races preparing for late January and Early February starts made statements warning that decisions would be announced after the new year.

Gunflint was first to announce a postponement of their race. With a race date of January 6, they had to announce a change of date as soon as possible. December 23 they announced that they would postpone the race until February 10, saying they took into account dates of other races so as not to take from anyone. Race officials say they need at least two feet of snow and frozen lakes to be able to pull off a race and will be watching weather reports obsessively.

Then today, January 2, the news broke with the release of the statement by the John Beargrease board that there would be no Beargrease in 2024. They could not find a future date that would not interfere with other races and so they've chosen to postpone the 40th running for a year citing the new date as January 26, 2025.

"For Immediate Press Release:

RE: John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 2024 Race

January 2, 2024

After months of waiting for the weather to cooperate, the Board of Directors for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon has made the decision to postpone the 40th running to January 26, 2025. This was not an easy decision. But, with concerns over the weather, safety of the dogs, mushers and volunteers it was the only decision that we felt comfortable with.

There have been many discussions about postponing to a later date this winter but the weather is unpredictable. Likewise, in the effort to find a postponement date and in the spirit of sportsmanship, there was not another date that didn’t impede on another established race.

The Beargrease will continue to have several fundraising events so stay tuned to our socials and website for how you can continue to support this amazing race that we all love so much."

Mushers in the region had already made alternate plans seeing the writing on the wall that their winter season was in jeopardy. Ryan Redington and Wade Marrs posted over the weekend that they were on the road with a full dog truck headed for Knik Alaska to run the Knik 200. Redington also announced he was on the roster for the Kusko 300 - replacing Brent Sass who has chosen to focus on training for bigger races this season. Any team from the Midwest facing no snow for the season who plan to run the Iditarod will no doubt have to make similar decisions to head north earlier than originally planned - with no Beargrease to run in January those moves could happen at any time.

With no winter weather in the forecast for the foreseeable future, races are now asking everyone to "think snow!"

Roster Run Downs (Pt 1)

Several mid-distance and junior races have opened registration for their races in the last couple of weeks. The Kuskokwim 300 capped their roster about ten days after opening. The Knik 200 closed their roster after just 48 hours. Copper Basin 300, John Beargrease, Yukon Quests Canada and Alaska, and the Can-Am have also released updated roster lists. 

Instead of trying to keep up, this blog decided to do a run down of all of the initial sign ups here. Let's get to it, shall we?

First up on the run down is the ACE Race. While an "unofficial" race for the season - as in it isn't used as a qualifier for anything other than the qualify that it's the start of the race season - it's one of the most popular races according to mushers and fans alike. It's not one to easily follow as there are no trackers, no checkpoints, and the only updates one can find are the ones on their Facebook page, still, it needs to be included on all mushing fan's radar.

The true kick off of the season will be the Knik 100 which will take place December 16, followed a few weeks later by the Knik 200 on January 6. Both rosters are FULL just 48-72 hours after opening registration and there are wait lists.

Minnesota's Gunflint Mail Run opened registration on November 1, and according to their website their roster of 15 teams is already full. They've not updated their website or social media with a current list of teams, however, so keep an eye open! This is another race that begins on January 6 - so just don't plan on doing anything but following multiple trackers and social media pages.

January 13th will host the start of the Copper Basin 300 - the COLDEST 300 miles of sled dog racing. This is another popular race in Alaska, though the race has yet to fill its roster (to be fair it caps at 50 which is the largest of the mid-distance rosters). Still, the roster is already getting fan buzz considering some of the names signed up. We'll let you guess who might have caused that.

Boasted as Oregon's only Iditarod/Quest qualifier, the Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race also has open registration for its race. The 100 mile race is already full with a waitlist, but it looks like the 200 still has some space (the 200 can be used as a qualifier for the bigger races in Alaska/Canada). You can keep up with the lists by visiting their website. The races begin on January 18.

The Pedigree Stage Stop race has opened registration and they put the roster on the main page of their website. Pretty easy to find, check it out. The first stage begins January 26.

The 40th running of the John Beargrease Marathon is FULL. You can take a look at the rosters of each of the miled races on their website! It's quite exciting. The race kicks off on January 28.

The Femundlopet opened registration this fall as well and it has its rosters for its different miled races on its website. You'll have to translate it into English, but there's a lot of great info on the race that begins February 7.

Caledonia Classic, which kicks off February 2, has their roster on their website.

The Klondike Dog Derby, also starting on February 2, has a FULL roster with an overflowing wait list. You can see all the registered names, and those waiting, on their website. A lot of very recognizable names DIDN'T get their paperwork in in time to have a guaranteed spot!

Yukon Quest Alaska has its rosters up on their website, you'll appreciate that they include kennel names and links (it's catching on)! The races take off February 3.

Yukon Quest Canada also starts February 3 (so sad when mom and dad can't get along, isn't it? The kids shouldn't have to choose which parent to love more.) They have their rosters on their website. Neither Quests are full. 

And to end this somewhat long blog, we'll feature the Willow JUNIOR race. This is NOT affiliated with the now defunct Willow 300 race, and that's a positive considering junior races are harder and harder to find these days. They took to facebook to share their current roster.

Check back soon for part two of the run down. But, for now, which of these rosters do you find most exciting? Who are you excited to see signed up? Which race is your favorite? Comment your thoughts below.

Do you like having an easy to find list like this and want to see them continue? This blog has always been a hobby and will continue to be - and this list is more for myself than anything - if you can spare a few dollars to help keep this blog running I would greatly appreciate it. Please do not feel obligated, but know that all support (in every form, not just financial) is greatly appreciated! Click here to "buy me a coffee".

2023 John Beargrease roster and race preview

Not so fast, race fans! We've got another race taking off this weekend. Sunday marks the start of the John Beargrease Marathon in Minnesota and as the first of the BIG races in the US, this is one you'll want to follow. Lots of familiar names will be on this roster that fans will most definitely be cheering for.

As always, the roster will be listed in alphabetical order until I get the bib numbers and then the post will be edited. Due to concerns with trail conditions the race capped entries early in December, but the roster is still very strong.

As of Saturday morning there are eighteen teams ready to start on Sunday.

Andy Heerschap (Paws on Patrol Mushing) - Facebook
Colleen Wallin (Silver Creek Sled Dogs) - Instagram 
Daniel Klein (Redington Racing) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
Ero Wallin (Silver Creek Sled Dogs) - Facebook / Instagram 
Jennifer Freking (Manitou Crossing Kennels) - Website / Facebook / Instagram  
Jesse Terry (On the Land) - Facebook / Instagram
Katherine Langlais (Akkada Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
Keith Aili (Miles Ahead Racing Kennel) - Website / Facebook
Kristen McCarty (Hauling Dogs) - Website 
Laura Neese (Nature's Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Martin Massicotte (Chenil des Patriotes) - Facebook
Mary Manning (Doodledog Kennel) - Facebook / Twitter
Matthew Karl Schmidt (Sawtooth Mountain Racing) - Facebook
Nick Vigilante (Nathan Schroeder Mushing) - Facebook
Peter McClelland (White Wilderness Kennel) - Website / Facebook 
Ryan Anderson (AnderTier Racing) - Facebook
Sarah Keefer (Redington Mushing) - Website / Facebook / Instagram

How to Follow

The John Beargrease has a wonderful media team for the race, and you'll no doubt want for nothing for the live feed of the start and finish. Both local media outlet WDIO and Mushing Midwest plan to livestream the start Sunday morning, and they've also streamed the finish in the past. 

Official Site
One of the best ways to keep track with the race is to use the Beargrease's website. It has loads of information on the race and links to the tracker, live feeds, musher bios, and time sheets.

GPS Tracker

Trackleaders.com once again comes through with the fan favorite spot trackers. You won't miss the action following those cute little beep boops.

Social Media

As with most sled dog races, the Beargrease is fairly active on their facebook page and they do have a twitter account though it isn't very active. And for a few pics check them out on Instagram. 

Schedule of Events

Saturday, January 29

8am - Vet Checks
3pm - Opening Ceremony

Sunday, January 30

8am - Meet the Mushers
10am - Race Start

Comment below with any thoughts about who you think are favored to win. If you like what you see and want to support my addiction (I mean HOBBY) of following these races and stalking (I mean cheering on) the mushers, you can buy me a slice of pizza (that really goes to paying for my internet/web expenses).

2022 John Beargrease Race Preview

Mushing fans are getting a lot of mushing in this weekend. The Kusko begins tonight in Bethel, the Pedigree Stage Stop starts in earnest Saturday, and the John Beargrease will take off from Duluth, Minnesota Sunday morning. (There's also the Willow 300 set for Monday, January 31.) But for fans in the Lower 48, their mini Iditarod is where the action is. The John Beargrease is the premiere sled dog marathon in "the States" and has become more and more popular in recent years. The field set for Sunday is a good mix of veterans and rookies, and the weather looks to be just about perfect for the start (if not a bit warm). 

Weather predicted for the start is 10F and partly sunny. Spectators won't have to freeze to cheer on their teams. 23 teams are signed up. Several past champions are back to try their hand at another chance to win. A prominent Iditarod musher is running their rookie Beargrease this year - having recently moved from Alaska to the Lower 48. Some rookies are looking for redemption after having to scratch in previous Beargrease runs. Other teams are looking to improve their standings. All are ready to have another fun adventure with their team.

So which teams should we keep an eye on? I'll admit I am not as familiar with this race and most of these teams as I am with races and teams in Alaska. I'm still learning, but there are some sure bets if you're still working on your Fantasy Mushing team.

Blake Freking - The two-time Beargrease champion most recently won in 2019. The Freking's have an amazing program often a hybrid of Siberians and Alaskans running in their team. Look for Blake to really push to be a front runner, maybe not in the first leg, but he'll stay competitive throughout the race and can make a move when possible.

Erin Letzring - The reigning champion came as a surprise to many fans who didn't realize the musher was no rookie with winning. Erin grew up with mushing and was married to Beargrease champion Ryan Redington. Some of her team were from the kennel she shared with Ryan. When they split, they also split the kennel. Erin and Ryan battled it out for the win last year, and look for a repeat of that this year.

Laura Neese - Laura is the front running musher for Nature's Kennel and has racked up a lot of miles in the last 7 years. She is competitive, and takes great care of her crew. She is my outside chance to take the race, and it's probably a long shot with all of the seasoned champions on this list, but don't count her out. If nothing else, she should be able to get you some solid points for your fantasy team.

Nathan Schroeder - The four-time Beargrease champion last won in 2016. The DoodleDog Kennel trained hard this season and it wouldn't be surprising to see Nathan challenge for the top spot. Schroeder has better luck with the Beargrease than he does Iditarod (he's gone backwards in the standings, but hasn't run it since 2017). 

Ryan Anderson - The three-time champion is once again taking on the marathon. Ryan's last win was 2017, so he's due another win. Anderson traded wins with Schroeder before Redington started winning, so it will be an interesting battle between all of the teams. How it all shakes out will make for an exciting race.

Ryan Redington - The grandson of the Father of the Iditarod has his eyes squarely set on Iditarod 50. With no Redington having won Joe's race, the pressure has built to a substantial level for the 50th anniversary. Ryan is running this season calling it "Redington's Run" (taking from the Hobo Jim song with the same title that the balladeer wrote after Joe Sr.'s passing in 2002.) Redington was dealt a blow in training a few weeks ago when he and his team were attacked by an unknown assailant on a snowmachine (sorry, outsiders, I just can't call it a snowmobile). Time will tell how that affects his race on the Beargrease trail. Redington is a two-time Beargrease champion.

Wade Marrs - While rookie sits next to his name on this race, Wade is no rookie when it comes to sled dog races. Marrs is coming off a 4th place finish in Iditarod 2021 and a recent move to the states. Marrs is sitting out the 2022 Iditarod due to their Covid-19 Policy requiring all participants to be vaccinated, so the Beargrease is Marrs' big event of the season. Wade has trained with Ryan Redington quite a bit this season and no doubt has gleaned some info from the champion racer. Expect Wade to play spoiler for many teams in this race.

How to Follow

It's unclear if there will be a livefeed of the start/finish. Last year both QRillPAWS and local news affiliate WDIO shared the start. There is a graphic on the official website saying "watch the race - coming soon" which I would take to mean that there will be something, but clicking it just takes you to the main page of the website. I'll keep looking and will update the blog if I find anything. (I do see on another page in the website that Mushing Midwest! will supply a livefeed. When I find the link I'll post it.)

GPS Tracker

With the Beargrease being partnered with Qrill Pets as part of the Qrill PAWS, the last couple of years the race has had two sets of trackers, one through our beloved Track Leaders, and the QrillPAWS system. I'm not finding any info on QPAWS this year, but they do have the trackleaders link up and ready to go come Sunday. 

Social Media

As with most sled dog races, the Beargrease is fairly active on their facebook page and they do have a twitter account though it isn't very active. And for a few pics check them out on Instagram. 

Schedule of Events

Saturday, January 29

8am-1:00pm Vet Checks

3pm-ish? Handler & Musher Meetings (Bib Draw)

Sunday, January 30

8am - Musher Meet & Greet
10am - Race Start

Comment below with any thoughts about who you think are favored to win. If you like what you see and want to support my addiction (I mean HOBBY) of following these races and stalking (I mean cheering on) the mushers, you can buy me a slice of pizza (that really goes to paying for my internet/web expenses).

2022 John Beargrease Musher Roster

Alaska isn't the only state with a major race this weekend. The Premiere sled dog marathon in the Lower 48 takes off this weekend as well! The John Beargrease is the first leg of the "World Series of Sled Dogs" that was founded several years ago by The Iditarod partnered with QrillPet. 

Like many of the races featured on this blog, the Beargrease boasts a very competitive field while also welcoming many "rookies" each year. This year is no exception, and mushing fans may notice a few names that they haven't seen before in this race, but who are also not unfamiliar to the sport.

As with all of the musher rosters I've done this season, the teams are listed alphabetically until the bib draw is announced. I will edit with bib numbers. So, without further adieu, let's check out the teams!

Alice White (Wolf Moon Kennel) - Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr
Andy Heerschap (Paws on Patrol Mushing) - Facebook
Blake Freking (Manitou Crossing Kennels) - Website / Facebook / Instagram  
Colleen Wallin (Silver Creek Sled Dogs) - Instagram 
Erin Altemus (Mush Lake Racing) - Website / Facebook 
Erin Letzring (Miles Ahead Racing Kennel) - Website / Facebook
Ero Wallin (Silver Creek Sled Dogs) - Facebook / Instagram 
Jen Freking (Manitou Crossing Kennels) - Website / Facebook / Instagram  
Jesse Terry (On the Land) - Facebook / Instagram
John Fisher (Meander Mountain Huskies) - Facebook 
Katherine Langlais (Akkada Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
Kevin Mathis (Go the Distance) - Facebook
Laura Neese (Nature's Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Liza (Deitzen) Weaver (Team Evergreen Kennel) - Website / Facebook 
Mary Manning (Doodledog Kennel) - Facebook / Twitter
Nathan Schroeder (Nathan Schroeder Mushing) - Facebook / Twitter
Nick Vigilante (Nathan Schroeder Mushing) - Facebook
Rémy Leduc (Akkada Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
Ryan Anderson (AnderTier Racing) - Facebook
Ryan Redington (Redington Mushing) - Website / Facebook / Instagram
Sarah Keefer (Redington Mushing) - Website / Facebook
Shawn McCarty (Hauling Dogs Kennel) - Website / Facebook
Wade Marrs (Stump Jumpin' Kennel) - Website / Facebook / Instagram

Comment below with any thoughts about the roster, or any corrections. If you like what you see and want to support my addiction (I mean HOBBY) of following these races and stalking (I mean cheering on) the mushers, you can buy me a slice of pizza (that really goes to paying for my internet/web expenses).

Mid-Distance races open up registration this weekend

With snow falling consistently for the last two weeks in Alaska, fans can officially say it's mushing season. Teams began early fall training late in August and have continued to share their impressive early season miles as the weather remains cool to crisp. While races like the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod open registration in mid to late summer, the mid distance races wait to organize as thoughts turn to long hours on the back of a dog sled. 

This weekend two of the big names in mid-distance races opened registration. The Copper Basin 300 in Alaska and the John Beargrease of Minnesota opened registration Saturday with much fanfare. With Covid numbers rising in Alaska and elsewhere, it was curious if there would be much enthusiasm by the mushing community to look ahead to January and sign up - but sign up they did.

While the Copper Basin is missing some familiar names to the opening name roster - most noticeable is reigning champion Nicolas Petit is not listed (however the musher did comment with plans to sign up, but was having credit card issues) - the Beargrease is welcoming a rookie to their race but not to the sport Wade Marrs. Marrs joins a field with several past champions (Redington, the Frekings, and reigning champion Erin Letzring) as well as some fan favorites and is shaping up to be one competitive race. The Beargrease is partnered with the Iditarod and QrillPet Sports as part of the "Grand Prix" of mushing known as QRILL PAWS Arctic World Series which began in 2019 but has since been sidelined due to the global pandemic. 

The Copper Basin 300 race begins in Glen Allen on January 8, 2022. Registration is open for the first 50 teams, after which names will be held on a waiting list until/if a spot opens up. Deadline to register is December 1, with late entries being allowed for an extra $150 registration fee. So far, the Copper Basin has not maxed out on registrations. 

The John Beargrease Marathon's registration is open from now until January 27, however if mushers want to get in at the cheapest rate they need to sign up by December 31. For the marathon race, due to covid mitigation - they will cap the registration at 25 teams (and then a wait list). The marathon has not maxed out its roster, yet. The race begins in Rice Lake Township on January 30, 2022.

Other races have also opened registration or will open in the next couple of weeks. Snow is literally in the air. It feels like sled dog season. Before we know it, we'll be cheering our teams from the comforts of our home (or out on the trail). 

Which races are you excited to watch? Who are you excited to see sign up, and who are you hoping to see add their name to the roster(s)? Comment below!

Like what you see and want to see post like this continue? Support is always greatly appreciated, if you want to buy me a slice of pizza (or more) I won't say no. (To be honest that money goes into paying for internet and other website related costs.)

John Beargrease 2021 Musher Roster

Seventeen teams are signed up to run the John Beargrease Marathon this year. Many veterans, some rookies to the 300mile race but not the John Beargrease. All in all it looks like a robust and healthy roster for the unorthodox 2021 racing season. 

As with the preview I wrote yesterday, I'm just focused on the marathon race. There are also the 120, Junior 120, and 40 Beargrease races. These are not less important races by any means, and perhaps in the future I can focus more attention on them. They are highly competitive and all race fans should pay attention. However, if I want to be able to do more than just sit on my booty and research all weekend, and to get this all out before race day tomorrow, I've gotta be willing to sacrifice something. 

As with my other rosters, I have assembled the list in bib number order. So, without further adieu...

Beargrease Marathon Mushers

2 Peter McClelland - Facebook

3 Alice White - Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr

4 Erin Altemus - Website / Facebook

5 Sarah Keefer - Website / Facebook

6 Jennifer Freking - Website / Facebook / Instagram

7 Mary Manning - Facebook / Twitter

8 Ryan Redington - Website / Facebook / Instagram

9 Blake Freking - Website / Facebook / Instagram

10 Ero Wallin - Facebook / Instagram

11 Colleen Wallin - Instagram 12 Bailey Vitello - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

13 Erin Letzring - Facebook

14 Gregg Vitello - Website / Facebook / Instagram

15 John Fisher - Facebook

16 Charmayne Morrison - Facebook / Instagram

17 Kevin Mathis - Facebook

20 Josi Thyr - Facebook

Who are you cheering for?

John Beargrease sled dog races will happen this weekend

Sled Dog races have continually found ways to show Covid that it will not win this season - while some races have had to restructure or move their dates, the race season is still happening with some of the biggest races standing firm. The Beargrease is no exception. While the threat of Covid-19 numbers rising kept many wary of whether or not the premier marathon sled dog race in the Lower-48 would happen, here we are. The race begins this weekend with a strict Covid-19 Mitigation plan.

While this blogger remains focused on Alaska (and mainly the sled dog races run therein) it's time to give this race its due. Several familiar names associated with Alaska's big races choose to run the Beargrease as well. It's also the race chosen to be part of the "Mushing Grand Prix Series" being pushed by Qrill Pet Sports and the Iditarod's CEO. 

Seventeen names are on the roster for the 300mile marathon race set to start on Sunday, January 31. Several top teams are back this year and more strong teams I'm probably not even aware of being top teams. Normally, we'd look at the top teams in the race, but I honestly don't follow enough of the lower-48 teams/races to have a real clue beyond watch the Frekings and watch Ryan Redington. Both kennels have been top teams and have won the race several times between them. 

Sorry, maybe the more I pay attention to these races the more prepared I'll feel to make any pre-race judgement. Maybe 2022? I know, that doesn't help your Fantasy Mushing team selection for this year, though.

How to Follow

As with most races this season, the race does not want spectators at the start, finish, or at checkpoints due to Covid-19 concerns. They are working with media outlets to make sure fans are able to watch the race in video form. Local news outlet WDIO will livefeed the start, and you can find the link on the race's website. Qrill PAWS has also announced they will report on the race. 

GPS Tracker

As we saw with last year's race, it looks like the Beargrease will again have two GPS tracker systems in place to follow the race. Race fans will be happy to know that the more familiar TrackLeaders trackers are still in play, but there is also the high tech looking QrillPet trackers linked to the race website. Both offer some interesting bits, and if one tracker goes out the other one typically keeps running so there's that. If nothing else it's back up!

Social Media

As with most sled dog races, the Beargrease is fairly active on their facebook page and they do have a twitter account though it isn't very active. And for a few pics check them out on Instagram. WDIO's Sports Director is also a good follow on Twitter to keep up with all of their headlines about the race. 

Schedule of Events

Saturday, January 30

8am-2:30pm Vet Checks

**There will be no Meet and Greet/Opening Ceremony this year due to Covid protocols**

3pm-ish? Handler & Musher Meetings (Bib Draw)

Sunday, January 31

9am - Live Stream of Race Start Begins

Mid-Distance sled dog races open for registration

Several mid-distance races opened registration last weekend for their 2021 races. With all of the uncertainty in 2020, fans wondered if races would see a slow start to the season - but the worry was all for naught. Every race has seen a very healthy return of applications, some are even full. Even with the uncertainty of travel, teams from Canada and the Lower-48 plan to come up to Alaska for the racing season. Alaska wasn't the only state to see races come alive for registrations.

The John Beargrease opened registration for it's different classes (with the 120 being full), with many familiar teams returning for another go at the Lower 48's premiere race. The Pedigree Stage-Stop race also opened registration with several familiar names on the roster. 

The Willow 300, which earlier this fall announced they were unsure they would be able to put on a race due to lack of volunteers, filled out within minutes. The race capped its number at 45. Willow 300 is one of the few races that does not do an interval start. Teams line up for a mass start on Willow Lake, though some choose to hold back and give their teams room to run. It makes for an exciting bit of race action for anyone watching.

The Kuskokwim 300 - which starts and ends in the Western-Alaska town of Bethel - also opened registration and is boasting the largest opening day of registration roster to date with many of the sport's top names. With Covid being a very real possibility for concern leading into 2021, Bethel has already been very pro-active in how they plan to make sure this race is safe for everyone. It's still early in the season, but this race is shaping up to be the one to watch. The Kusko always delivers an exciting race. 

Copper Basin 300 opened up registration, with 24 teams signing up on opening day. The CB300 is known as the coldest mid-distance race and offers many challenges for veteran and rookie teams alike. The 2020 race was nearly called off mid race due to cold, with many teams choosing to scratch at the first two checkpoints because of weather reports. This year there's a good balance of veterans and rookies hoping to take on the course.

The Yukon Quest has had to restructure for the 2021 race due to border and financial concerns. With Covid-19 a persistent issue, the race decided it would not be feasible to try to hold the traditional thousand mile race, and the lack of funds made running two 300 mile races difficult. However the Alaska side of the Quest has decided to hold the Yukon Quest 300 and have renamed it the Summit Quest, recognizing that the Alaska 300 trail goes over several of the famous summits of the Quest trail. 20 teams signed up on the first day. Several popular Quest teams are in the mix, including former Champion Hugh Neff. 

New race "Sweeps" also opened up registration this past week and announced two sign ups. First to register is DeeDee Jonrowe who retired from competitive dog mushing several years ago (do mushers ever really retire?) as well as Iditarod Champion Jeff King. Sweeps has a very expensive entry fee of $4000 to help build a giant purse payout. However, this is a steep price and it is unclear if there will be enough teams to make the race viable (the race states it needs 25 teams to sign up and race at minimum). 

Of course, all (except the Beargrease 120 and Willow 300) are still open for registration - as is registration for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Most races will keep registration open through December, the season is shaping up to be an exciting one. 

Which races are you excited to follow? Who are you rooting for? Who are you hoping to see sign up for some races? Comment below!

John Beargrease Live Feed from WDIO