READY…SET…SLED DOGS: Crowd reactions to the sled dog teams

For over 40 years, the Minnesota’s North Shore comes alive with the excitement of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Regardless of the frigid cold, crowd reactions are always enthusiastic.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching the dogs. Their enthusiasm to do what seems like a lot of hard work, but you can tell they just live for it. It’s a lot of fun,” says Stan, a spectator.

The recreational-class race starts at Billy’s Bar in Duluth and ends at the Highway 2 Gravel Pit in Two Harbors. For most folks in the Northland sled dogs are nothing new. However, there were many first time seers of the race in the crowd.

“This is my first time attending a race like this. I’m really excited. I’ve never seen anything like this before, and its super cold here, but I think it’s worth it,” says Nooreen a Beargrease novice.

And what is an annual goer’s favorite part about the race?

“Just the start, I think. Just the enthusiasm. Like I say, the dogs just pulling from the moment they get hooked up. They love it,” finishes Stan.

To watch WDIO’s live stream of the start of the race, click here: