Ryan Anderson Wins Record Fifth in 302-Mile Beargrease Marathon

Ryan Anderson solidified his place in mushing history by winning the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon for a record fifth time, crossing the finish line at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino at 4:28 p.m. Tuesday after completing the 302-mile course in 25 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds. Anderson’s margin over 2025 champion Erin Aili of Ray, Minnesota, was 2 minutes, 27 seconds; Jesse Terry of Sioux Lookout, Ontario, finished third.

The marathon began Sunday morning in Rice Lake and followed the North Shore trails through the Gunflint area, with teams facing below-freezing temperatures and steady wind that tested handlers and dogs alike. Mandatory rest rules required teams to take 24 hours of rest at designated checkpoints, a regulation that shaped strategy and timing across the field. Mushers reported shifting veteran dogs into different positions on the line to manage fatigue and gain short-term advantage over rivals.

Anderson’s fifth win adds to previous victories in 2011, 2015, 2017, and 2022, giving him the most first-place finishes in the race’s history. The narrow margin over Aili underscored how endurance, checkpoint management, and mid-race lineup adjustments can decide outcomes even after more than a day on trail. Anderson credited careful handling of an inexperienced but well-managed team and a conservative approach through difficult sections of the trail for his result.

For residents of St. Louis County, the Beargrease remains a key regional winter event that channels outdoor traditions into measurable local activity. The North Shore route and the Grand Portage finish attract visitors, volunteers, and support crews, boosting traffic at lodges, restaurants, and trailside services during what would otherwise be a slow winter period. Local outfitters, snowmobile technicians, and trail-maintenance groups report increased demand tied to race week, translating to short-term economic gains and steady engagement with winter recreation.

The race also highlights the endurance-sport culture embedded along Minnesota’s north shore and nearby communities. Moving veteran lead and wheel dogs into new positions during the race illustrates the tactical depth of modern mushing, where animal management and checkpoint strategy are as decisive as speed. The Beargrease’s 302-mile route and strict rest requirements continue to make it a benchmark event for long-distance sled dog competition.

Anderson’s record fifth win raises the profile of the sport locally and sets a new standard for competitors eyeing future editions. For St. Louis County readers, the result is a reminder that winter events sustain local economies and community traditions, and that the coming season’s trails and clubs will be watching how other mushers adapt to the tactics that decided this year’s race.