Minnesota Sled Dog Events

     One great thing about the Gunflint Trail’s Mush for a Cure is snow or no snow the show will go on.  That’s not true for other sled dog events that depend upon the snow for sponsorships and the event itself.  The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon board of directors will meet tomorrow to decide if they will be able to hold their 29th running on January 29th, 2012.

     There isn’t a big snowstorm in today’s forecast or enough snow in Duluth, Minnesota at this time to begin the race there.  Event organizers could try to re-schedule the race or cancel it.  They have only cancelled the race once and that was in 2006.

     That year some Beargrease Folks planned a Fun Run for Mushers on the Gunflint Trail. There was a sourdough start, where mushers begin with boots off and on the ice inside of their sleeping bags.  It was a fun event with no prizes for the winners.  It was an opportunity for mushers to gather in a non-competitive event and showcase their dogs.

      In 2007 we held our First Annual Mush for a Cure.  It was a quaint event with just four participants in a format that included an overnight stay in a B & B.  We quickly realized if we wanted to raise money for a cause then we would need to make some changes.

     We’ve made some changes over the years and added even more fun into the mix.  The Bald, Brave and Beautiful is a head-shaving event on the Friday night before the Mush.  It happens during the Pink Party that has a different theme every year.  One year it was a Pink Prom, the next was a Pink Masquerade Ball and this year is the Pink Pajama Party.  I’ve already got my pink pj’s hanging in my closet for the big event.

     We’re excited for this year’s Mush for a Cure on the weekend of March 9-11th, 2012.  We hope you are excited too and we hope you’ll plan to come join the FUNdraiser for breast cancer.  We also hope there will be enough snow for the dogs and mushers but if not, we’ll still have a grand time for a great cause.