Three Ladies Fighting Redington for The Lead On Day 2
The 2nd day of Beargrease is done and dusted. The mushers have made their way from Finland through Sawbill and Trail Center twice, before reaching Skyport. The fight for the lead is as tough as it gets!
Struggling With Sleep Deprivation
Erin Altemus was leading the race as the dog teams came into Checkpoint Trail Center, which marks the halfway point of the race, still riding a full 12-dog strong team. She was very happy being at the front of the race, although the sleep deprivation started to take it’s toll on her.
“I have a rope that I use to tie off the sled, and I tied a knot around my wrist to avoid falling off in case I fell asleep.”
Some well deserved rest at checkpoint for the dogs. Photo: JoAnn Jardine Studio One Photography
Not far behind was defending champion Ryan Redington, who was also facing problems with his lead dogs. None of them have run Beargrease before, they are unexperienced, and need to stop to pee very often. Not ideal when you’re trying to win a sled dog race, to say the least.
Erin Taking The Lead From Erin
Erin Letzring heading out of the start gate in Duluth. Photo: Heidi Pinkerton
Towards the end of day 2, another Erin showed her face at the pointy end of the race - Erin Letzring. She looked strong and committed to get to the next checkpoint, Devils Track, as quickly as possible
The front of the race is starting to take place with four mushers still in contention for the win. Erin Letzring, Ryan Redington, Sarah Keeper and Erin Altemus are still close going into the final day of racing. This could be anyone’s race.
As they say - anything can happen in a dog race!
Dog-team leaving the start-line in Duluth, Minnesota. Photo: Amber Impressions
The Youngest Marathon Musher
Another curiosity in this race is the youngest musher in the entire marathon field, Ero Wallin, only 18 years old, and still within the top 5 going into day 3 of the race. Ero is the son of musher Colleen Wallin, and proving that his mother has trained him and the dogs very well before his debut at Beargrease.
FOR AN UPDATE ON THIS YEARS FORMAT :
QRILL PAWS 2021
