Blake Freking wins 2019 Beargrease Marathon

The 35th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was the highlight of competition along the North Shore during a brutal stretch of cold weather. 

In the end, the winner of this year's race was Blake Freking from Finland, Minn. Freking overcame a lead held by defending champion Ryan Redington during the final stage of the race.  Freking's wife, Jennifer, came in second place this year. 

2019 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon top 5 finishers in order

1. Blake Freking

2. Jennifer Freking

3. Jason Rice

4. Colleen Wallin

5. Erin Altemus

To see the complete leaderboard and race results, click here. 

A total of 12 mushers competed in the full marathon this year, and 20 in the Mid-Distance Beargrease, which ended at Lutsen Mountains on Monday. Ryan Anderson crossed the finish line at 7:19 a.m. Monday in the mid-distance race.

Beargrease Mid-distance teams traveled 114 miles to their finish line, while the full distance mushers finished Tuesday after 293 miles on the trail.

The 2019 race ended at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.