Latest news with #MikeKeyport
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
After delays, start of sled dog marathon moved due to 'unseasonably warm temperatures'
The 40th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is again adjusting the race due to warming winters. Organizers announced on Tuesday that the race, which has already had weather-related delays, will have its starting location moved "due to unseasonably warm temperatures." Originally set to begin at Billy's in Duluth, it'll now start just north of Two Harbors, at what was previously the race's first checkpoint, to ensure "a safe and competitive trail for mushers and their teams." The race begins at 11:05 a.m. on March 2. Related: Signs will be placed to direct traffic to the starting point, which is at the North Shore State Trail on Township Road 24. "Weather always plays a role in sled dog racing, and unfortunately, the recent warm temperatures have made conditions at our original start line unsuitable for the race. There is virtually no snow as of right now," Mike Keyport, President of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, said in a statement. "While we're disappointed to move from our traditional start, we're grateful for the support of Two Harbors and our dedicated volunteers who make this race possible." The delay comes after warm temperatures in 2024 postponed the race until January 2025. Until earlier this year, it had been scheduled to take place in January, but weather again posed a problem, and the race was pushed back until March. The race, a qualifier for the Iditarod, is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states at more than 300 miles. BMTN Note: Weather events in isolation can't always be pinned on climate change, but the broader trend of increasingly severe weather and record-breaking extremes seen in Minnesota and across the globe can be attributed directly to the rapidly warming climate caused by human activity. The IPCC has warned that Earth is "firmly on track toward an unlivable world," and says greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5C, which would prevent the most catastrophic effects on humankind. You can read more here.
CBS News
25-02-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
John Beargease Sled Dog Marathon's start location moved due to warm temps, organizers say
Organizers of the John Beargrease Dog Marathon in northeastern Minnesota say the race's starting location is being moved due to melting snow. The 40th anniversary of the race, which was originally slated to begin at Billy's in Duluth, will now start just north of Two Harbors on March 2. Deteriorating snow conditions prompted the change. "Weather always plays a role in sled dog racing, and unfortunately, the recent warm temperatures have made conditions at our original start line unsuitable for the race, there is virtually no snow as of right now," Mike Keyport, president of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, said. "While we're disappointed to move from our traditional start, we're grateful for the support of Two Harbors and our dedicated volunteers who make this race possible. Our team has worked hard to ensure the course remains safe and competitive, and we're looking forward to an exciting race." Spectators and teams can access the new starting location by taking Highway 2 to the North Shore State Trail on Township Road 24. There will be signage to help direct traffic. Keyport says the last-minute change means volunteers and donations are more important than ever. "If you've ever thought about being a part of the Beargrease, now is the perfect time to jump in and help," Keyport said. "It takes an incredible team to put on a race of this scale, and we truly couldn't do it without our volunteers and generous supporters." Last year, organizers had to cancel the race due to a lack of snow. This year's race was delayed until March due to a loss of snowpack. The marathon has been a staple along the North Shore since 1980. The 300-mile course is a qualifier for the Iditarod. Note: Video is from Jan. 2, 2025.
