![A Smaller Beargrease Prepares To Hit The Trail](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/01/Sled-Dogs.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
A Smaller Beargrease Prepares To Hit The Trail
TWO HARBORS (AP) - This year's John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will be a lot smaller than in past years.
Thirty mushers are expected to take off Sunday, bound for a finish line in Duluth in what's billed as the longest sled dog race in the Lower 48 states.
That's less than half the number of about a decade ago. Racers who no longer run dogs say they've chosen to get out because of the high expense and personal cost of training and maintaining a competitive team of dogs - especially when prize money is fairly small.
Two-time winner John Stetson of Duluth says it takes so much time and money that it's "not sustainable." He says he would get right back in - if he ever hits the lottery.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready For Change: Minnesota Introduces Area Code 924 Overlay](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-NewAreaCode.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MSP Ranked Top U.S. Airport in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-MAC_MSP-Airport_Terminal-1_Delta_6x4_200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Riding High: Amtrak Borealis Trains Impress In First Month](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-AmtrakBorealis-AmtrakHandoutPhoto.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![90s Possible in Minnesota this Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2021/07/attachment-RS45164_GettyImages-1150050227-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)