The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, already delayed by more than a month, will begin Sunday north of Two Harbors at what has traditionally been the race’s first checkpoint. “Weather always plays a role in sled dog race and unfortunately the recent warm temperatures have made conditions at our original start line unsuitable for the race,

Warm temperatures and a dwindling snowpack have forced organizers of this year’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in northeast Minnesota to move the starting location north of Two Harbors instead of near Duluth.

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will now start in Two Harbors on Sunday. The move comes after unseasonably warm weather impacting the snowpack at the original start site at Billy’s in Duluth. The new starting line will be located north of Two Harbors.