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The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was held this last week. Two of my favorite checkpoints for photographing the teams are Sawbill and Trail Center. I went to the Sawbill Checkpoint first as teams were leaving there around sunrise.

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There was a group of bikers camped in the shelter who were also running the North Shore State Trail.

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It takes good equipment to winter camp.

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Each checkpoint has campfires to keep visitors warm.

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It is fun to see the dogs resting at the checkpoints. This one is Blake and Jen Frekings dog.

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I think they have the prettiest dogs. Both Jen and Blake run teams in the marathon each year and in 2019 Blake came in first with Jen right behind him in second place.

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Those amazing blue eyes.

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Breakfast.

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This is Laura Neese leaving the Sawbill Checkpoint. At this point they are on day two and 100 miles into the race.

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Jen Freking leaving the Sawbill Checkpoint.

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Like I said they have the most beautiful dogs. The blue eyes grab your attention.

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Blake Freking leaving the Sawbill Checkpoint. With temperatures in the 20's the weather was exceptionally nice for those watching the race.

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Colleen Wallin coming into Trail Center which is 200 miles into the race. Colleen came in third in the final and her son Ero was just three minutes behind her given him fourth place. Due to the warm weather and mushy snow conditions 14 teams had to drop out leaving only ten to finish the race. The dogs do better with colder temperatures and harder snow.

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This is Sarah Keefer coming in to Trail Center.

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The dogs get frosty while running at night even with the warmer temperatures..

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Here is the winner of the 2022 John Beargease Sled Dog Marathon. Ryan Anderson’s team ran the 300 miles in 2 days 6 hours and 26 minutes. This was Ryan's fourth win in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.

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