International recognition for Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon made an exciting announcement last week, letting racing fans know that the Beargrease is now part of an international sled dog racing championship circuit, the Qrill Pet Arctic World Series, or QPAWS.

The QPAWS racing circuit featured four races around the world: the Femundlopet in Norway; the Volga Quest in Russia; the Iditarod in Alaska and the Beargrease.

This will bring international attention to the Beargrease, which is already considered the most renowned race in the lower 48 United States. Its connections to the Iditarod are part of the reason the Beargrease was selected for this elite series, but there are other reasons.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence checked in with Frank Moe of MoeTown Kennels in Hovland. Frank is the vice president of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon board of directors to learn about this racing circuit designation and what it means to the North Shore.

The 2020 Beargrease will be Jan. 26-30, but there are many events leading up to the race, including a Beargrease film screening of The Great Alaskan Race on Oct. 24, 5 -9 p.m., at West Theater, 319 North Central Avenue, in Duluth.