The race starts on Sunday in Two Harbors! Only about 10 mushers in the marathon so far, but a big pack of about 30 or so in the mid-distance. There's a decent amount of snow as of last week. Temps looking a bit too warm for the dogs during the day, but at least it might get more spectators out.

I'll be in my Snowtrekker up at Sawbill. Stop by to say hello if you are up that way!

I wonder if they will permanently change the start to the East Alger Grade parking area.

Iron WIll

Still remember going thru Little Grand Marais where the cast was staying and doing the filming. Also yes I loved the movie and scenery-a favorite of mine.

inspector13: "
I wonder if they will permanently change the start to the East Alger Grade parking area.
"

I think "permanent" is a risky word to use with the Beargrease, but my hunch is a Two Harbors start has worked very well. It started as a necessity over snow, but I think they realized there are a lot fewer busy road crossings, the crowds kept coming, and they are starting just that much closer to their major financial sponsor up in Grand Portage! Win Win Win.

wow, not sure what is happening in the race but 5 marathon teams have dropped out, mostly between sawbill and finland. hilly terrain? too warm?
jaywalker... you must get the scoop!

tree: "wow, not sure what is happening in the race but 5 marathon teams have dropped out, mostly between sawbill and finland. hilly terrain? too warm?
jaywalker... you must get the scoop!
"

Well, it was actually 4 marathon teams out of 6 that dropped over all; one at Trail Center (unbound) , one at Sawbill (down bound), and two I think at Finland down bound. The first two were the two rookies, and the second two were seasoned vets. The terrain both above and below Sawbill checkpoint is very hilly, and I've heard mushers say how hard it is - those hills really drain. Not sure why Matt or Keith dropped at Finland down bound - I watched both their teams head out of Sawbill and thought they both looked pretty good. The rookie who dropped as Sawbill was slowing down in the second half the race but may well have finished, but some heavy snow came in that really slowed her down a lot since she was running alone. The other teams had run into Sawbill on hard and fast trails, and she was breaking trail in 4-6 inch snow with much deeper drifts. No snowmobiles were even out, so her trail was terrible and she had to push her sled through drifts just to get in.

Overall a good race and a lot of fun to be there! Temps were very warm before race but cooled down very nicely to near ideal temps for race. Already found myself googling how long it would take to drive to the UP200!!

looking forward to seeing some of your photos from the race.
there is also that race in Alaska coming up... if you left now you could make the start in early march! :)

Ah, Alaska, that would be fun but not in the cards. I didn't get much chance for photography at the Beargrease, but did manage to set out my GoPro a few times.
Beargrease Sawbill