Kip’s Comments - March 1 through March 6, 2025

John Beargrease 2025 - Alice White - Image 946965

A Northwoods Adventure - John Beargrease Sled Dog Race

After too many years of not being able to accept the invitation, this year I joined my “other brother Darrell” at the 40th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race.

Our official task was to stand-by at a crossing point in the middle of nowhere to radio in when teams crossed and their times. Since they were running non-stop day and night (except for mandatory rest hours), we needed to be in position early in the day through late at night. There was no light, no heat, no Internet, and no skeeters, but there were a million or more stars sparkling through the tall Northwoods forest. It was a surreal experience.

I have many, many photos to share. For now I will pick a few favorites and then I will put something together that shows more of the action.

John Beargrease 2025 - Erin AIli - Image 946906 (Winning Team!)

John Beargrease 2025 - Mary Englund - Image 946679 (First completion for the team. Winner of the "Red Lantern" for the event.)

John Beargrease 2025 - Nathan Schroeder - Image 946710c

John Beargrease 2025 - Image 946466 (Parking brake for the sled..)

John Beargrease 2025 - Image 946529

John Beargrease 2025 - Image 946793 (Recording light trails as the team passed our crossing point at night.)

At Our Trail Crossing - Image 946800

John Beargrease 2025 - Jen Freking - Image 947333

My compliments to all who worked to put this event together - from the mushers to the handlers to the volunteers to the race board and Tribal Council. This was my first time to observe and one detail was noted repeatedly. I have never been to a sporting event where all were respectful, caring, and genuine like I witnessed at this race. Even though there was competition, there was respect and camaraderie. Good job all!!