2022-23 Race Schedule

Race List

Alpine Creek Excursion Sled Dog Race
December 10, 2022
Facebook

Knik 200*
January 7, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

MUSH Synnfjell
January 6, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race
January 7, 2023
Website / Facebook

Gunflint Mail Run
January 7, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Copper Basin 300*
January 14, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Alpine Creek 200/300*
DISCONTINUED
Facebook

Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race*
January 19, 2023
Website / Facebook 

Willow 300*
It's Complicated
Facebook 

Warm Lake Stage Race
January 25, 2023
Website / Facebook 

Kuskokwim 300*
January 26, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Pedigree Stage Stop Race
January 27, 2023
Website / Facebook

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*
January 30, 2023
Website / Facebook 

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon*
January 29, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Femundløpet*
February 1, 2023
Website / Facebook 

Caledonia Classic
February 3, 2023
Website / Facebook

Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
February 3, 2023
Website / Facebook

Yukon Quest Alaska*
February 4, 2023 
Website / Facebook 

Willow Jr. 100
February 10, 2023
Website / Facebook

Yukon Quest Canada*
February 11, 2023 
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Goose Bay 150*
February 11, 2023
Facebook

Bergebyløpet N70
February 12, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Amundsen Race*
February 23, 2023
Website / Facebook 

Race to the Sky*
February 10, 2023
Website / Facebook 

UP200*
February 16, 2023
Website / Facebook 

Northern Pines Sled Dog Race
February 18, 2023
Website / Facebook 

Canadian Challenge*
February 21, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
February 26, 2023
Website / Facebook

Two Rivers 100/200*
TBA
Website / Facebook 

Junior Iditarod
February 25, 2023
Website / Facebook

CopperDog 150
March 3, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Iditarod 51*
March 4, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Can-Am Crown International*
March 4, 2023
Website / Facebook 

Finnmarksløpet*
March 10, 2023
Website / Facebook 

Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Run*
March 9, 2023
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Taaqpak 120
March 11, 2023
Website / Facebook

Hudson Bay Quest
March 15, 2023
Website / Facebook

Nome to Council 200*
TBA, March 2023
Facebook 

Kobuk 440*
April 6, 2023
Website / Facebook

Junior Kobuk 440
April 22, 2023
Website / Facebook

*Iditarod/Yukon Quest Qualifying Race

Do you like having an easy to find list like this and want to see them continue? I'm looking at a significant change in circumstance and while 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. I hate doing shameless plugs, but readers have asked and I'm finally opening up to the idea. 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".

2021/22 Race Season Schedule

With the Summer Solstice behind us, it's only a matter of time before autumn is upon us here in the North and with that the touring season will give way to the training season. As has been my habit over the last few years, I've compiled a list of the mid and long distance races fans wait for every year. If there is a new race, or one that I've missed in previous seasons please comment below with information and I'll be happy to research and add it! I'm always looking for more races to follow, and I'm sure other fans are, too!

And now, without further adieu, the 2021-22 race schedule. As always this page will be updated as dates become official.

Race List

Alpine Creek Excursion Sled Dog Race
December 11, 2021
Facebook

Two Rivers Solstice 50/50
December 21, 2021
Facebook 

Knik 200*
January 1, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

MUSH Synnfjell
January 7, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Gunflint Mail Run
January 8, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Copper Basin 300*
January 8, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Alpine Creek 200/300*
January 18, 2022
Facebook

Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race*
January 20, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Willow 300*
January 26, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Kuskokwim 300*
January 28, 2022 
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Pedigree Stage Stop Race
January 28, 2022
Website / Facebook

Tustumena 200*
Hoping to return in 2022!
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*
January 30, 2022
Website / Facebook 

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon*
January 30, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Femundløpet*
February 2, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Caledonia Classic
February 4, 2022
Website / Facebook

Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
February 5, 2022
Website / Facebook

Yukon Quest*
February 5, 2022 (Alaska)
February 19, 2022 (Yukon)
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Summit Quest (Formerly AK Yukon 300)*
February 5, 2022?
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Bergebyløpet N70
February 9, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Amundsen Race*
February 16, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Race to the Sky*
TBA
Website / Facebook 

UP200*
February 17, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Yukon Journey 450
February 19, 2022?
Website / Facebook

Northern Pines Sled Dog Race
February 19, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Canadian Challenge*
February 22, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
February 27, 2022
Website / Facebook

Two Rivers 100/200*
TBA
Facebook 

Junior Iditarod
February 26, 2022
Website

Iditarod 50*
March 5, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Can-Am Crown International*
March 5, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Finnmarksløpet*
TBA
Website / Facebook 

Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Run*
TBA
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Hudson Bay Quest
TBA
Website / Facebook

Nome to Council 200*
TBA, March 2022
Facebook 

Kobuk 440*
April 7, 2022
Website / Facebook

*Iditarod/Yukon Quest Qualifying Race

Do you like having an easy to find list like this and want to see them continue? I'm looking at a significant change in circumstance and while 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. I hate doing shameless plugs, but readers have asked and I'm finally opening up to the idea. 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".

Richie Diehl wins the Kuskokwim 300

Setting a pace almost equal to his starting pace, Diehl and team flew down the Kuskokwim River to land a strong finish. The team came under the arch (after trying to detour into the crowd) with energy and tight lines. He was met under the arch by a fan who gave him a red rose and wished him a Happy Valentine's Day - Richie passed the rose onto his Partner Emery.

When asked what made this team the one he knew could win, Richie said he didn't know if there was one thing as it is a combination of feeding, training and breeding. When further pressed he said it was the breeding. 10 of his team are direct siblings ages 3 and 4. He did the same breeding twice and ended up with a group of highly energized dogs. He calls them the Spring Breakers because, "everyday is a party with them."

Richie is the first of several local mushers in the top five, reporters asked how he felt to see such a strong local showing. Diehl credited the sign up as being due to the Bogus Creek 150 being run almost 2 weeks ahead of the Kusko. He suggested it continue that way as the Bogus saw far more entries and more local teams joined the Kusko. "There's definitely something to be said about that," he stated.

When asked how it felt to beat five-time champion Pete Kaiser, Richie said it felt good. He said you always want to win by competing with the best, and Pete has dominated this race. Diehl noted that Pete is his "best friend" and said Pete told him thay this was the best Kusko (Pete) had ever had so to win after that, it felt really good.

Richie Diehl was quick to shut down questions about winning the Iditarod next month. "I'm not even thinking about that," he said. Diehl pointed out he grew up with the Kusko, that this was his race, he wanted to take the next few days and just think about how he won his race.

Next into the chute should be Pete Kaiser followed closely by Nicolas Petit. 

2021 Willow 300 Musher Roster

The season is rolling along, and we have another weekend of big races in the sled dog world. While the Willow 300 is one of the newer races (as in, less than 10 years old) it has become one of the most popular mid-distance races in Alaska. Not only is it used by veteran teams to train for the big races - but it's a race that sees a lot of teams looking to qualify for those races. This year is no exception even with all of the uncertainty brought on by that lovely little concern called Covid-19.

The Willow 300 does not do a bib draw, mushers are given the bib number in order of sign up (makes it easy for me as I don't have to come back and edit this list just hours before the start!) Of course, we won't know if all of these teams show up or are who they say they are until race day, but this is the roster as of January 29 February 1.

Willow 300 Musher Roster

1. Grayson Bruton - Website / Facebook
2. John  Lloyd - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram 
3. Dave Turner - Facebook*
4. Casey Randall - Facebook / Twitter 
5. Deke Naaktgeboren - Website / Facebook / Instagram
6. Jacob Witkop - Facebook 
7. Eddie Burke Jr - Facebook / Instagram
8. Amanda Otto - Facebook / Kennel Facebook / Instagram 
9. Misha Wiljes - Website / Facebook
10. Julie Nelson - Facebook 
11. Gerhardt Thiart - Website / Facebook 
12. Sean Williams - Facebook
13. Allen Lau - Facebook
14. Jessi Downey - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram**
15. Gabe Dunham - Website / Facebook / Instagram
16. David Hassilev - Facebook / Instagram 
17. Hunter Keefe - Facebook / Twitter / Instagram 
18. Nic Petit - Website / Facebook / Twitter
19. Rick Casillo - Website / Facebook / Instagram
20. Cim Smyth - Facebook
21. Jim Lanier - Website / Facebook*
22. Rebecca Rowin - Facebook
23. Julie Ahnen - Facebook / Instagram 
24. Victoria Hardwick - Facebook
25. Susannah Tuminelli - Website / Facebook / Instagram
26. Samantha La Londe - Facebook / Instagram
27. Elliot Hubbard - Website / Facebook 
28. Kai Leddy - Website / Facebook / Instagram
29. Linwood Fiedler - Website / Facebook / Instagram
30. Katie Timmons - Facebook*
31. Dane Baker - Facebook / Instagram
32. Anja Radano - Facebook / Instagram
33. Wade Marrs - Website / Facebook / Instagram
34. Michaela O’Connor - Facebook 
35. Karin Hendrickson - Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
36. Eric Kelly - Instagram / Facebook
37. Lev Shvarts - Website / Facebook
38. Josh Armstrong - Facebook
39. Travis Beals - Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
40. Aaron Burmeister -  Facebook
41. Josh McNeal - Website / Facebook / Instagram
42. Adam Worsell - Facebook
43. Unknown*
44. Joshua Robbins - Facebook
45. Mike Dolinar - Facebook / Instagram

*Edited to remove teams who chose to Withdraw as of February 1. 
**Edited to add links for Jessi Downey (thank you Jae March) 

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