Erin Altemus
Grand Marais, MN – SAWTOOTH RACING
My husband and I have been racing dogs for 13 years. We learned to run dogs at YMCA Camp Menogyn and a few years later we acquired our own team. A mushing friend invited us to a race and soon we were breeding dogs and racing. We now have 30 dogs in our kennel located near Grand Marais. I work as a nurse at the local hospital. Our usual roster of races includes the Beargrease, UP200, Can-Am and Gunflint Mail Run. Last year I made an attempt at running the Iditarod in Alaska but unfortunately had to scratch after 500 miles. I’d like to go back and give it another try. This year, however, we will stick to races in the lower 48. We are incredibly grateful to our community of sponsors in Cook County and beyond that have helped us achieve our mushing dreams. To learn more about our dogs and kennel go to sawtoothracing.weebly.com
David Burge
Side Lake, MN – DOGWOODS
David and Cristen homestead and run dogs out of Side Lake, Minnesota and we just welcomed our newest human family member, Ronan, born in December of 2024! We have 3 children, 17 chickens, 11 sheep, 1 couch dog, and 18 sled dogs. You can follow us along the trail this season at the UP200, Wolf Track Classic, and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. David is an aquatic biologist working at the Natural Resources Research Institute and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Blake Freking
Finland, MN – MANITOU CROSSING KENNELS
Blake Freking is a veteran of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Beargrease Marathon, UP 200, Can Am 250, Race to the Sky, Hudson Bay Quest, Yukon Quest, and many other races. After years of mushing with his wife, Jennifer, he is now enjoying sharing mushing adventures and sled dog races with his daughters, Elena and Nicole. Blake is an Aviation Officer for the USFS.
Jennifer Freking
Finland, MN – MANITOU CROSSING KENNELS
Jennifer has been running sled dogs for 35 years and participated in many races including the John Beargrease Sled Dog Races, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Hudson Bay Quest, UP200, and Can Am 250. She owns Manitou Crossing Kennels with her husband Blake Freking, and their 2 daughters, Elena and Nicole. Jennifer is a Veterinarian at the Ely Veterinary Clinic in Ely Minnesota.
Andy Heerschap
Nolalu, ON – Paws on Patrol Racing
We live just over the border in Canada and enjoy coming down to the mail run. I have been Mushing for almost 20 years, where does the time go ? We mush because we really enjoy the dogs the lifestyle and the challenge. Dogs and I will be cheered on by my wife and two kids.
Mary Manning
Hovland, MN – DOODLE DOG KENNEL
Mary has been running dogs for many years. The Doodledog Kennel was established in 1998 as a fun diversion and an excuse to spend time in the woods during winter. It all started with a free dog, used sled and a race in Hinckley, Minnesota. Mary and her team have raced from Montana to Maine and many places in between.
Kevin Mathis
Monona, IA – GO THE DISTANCE
I’ve been mushing since 2015. I own Go The Distance kennel with about 20 Alaskan huskies. I live in Iowa and am a hospital pharmacist. I enjoy the challenges involved with mushing in the winter and being a one unit team with the dogs.
Joanna Oberg
Grand Marais, MN – STONEY CREEK KENNEL
Been racing dogs for quite a few years now but had to sell out my own kennel due to extenuating circumstances this last spring sadly. So thankful to my friend and fellow competitor for many years Rita Wehseler who bought some dogs from us and offered to let me run a 2nd team for her this year!!! Happy to be running dogs and racing even if its not with my own dogs, so thank you Rita you were a Godsend during a heartbreaking time for me!!!!
Matthew Schmidt
Grand Marais, MN – SAWTOOTH RACING
Erin Altemus and I live outside of Grand Marais in the historic mushing district on County Road 14. We race mostly in the Midwest but sometimes go out to Maine to race the Can Am. Last year we raced in Alaska and I competed in the Goose Bay 150, Alaska’s most prestigious sled dog race. When not mushing we work and take care of our 7 year old daughter.
William Sima
Stanchfield, MN – Bandit Creek Kennels
My name is Bill Sima and I have been interested and involved with sled dogs most of my adult life. I am a retired Soo Line railroad diesel mechanic and welder, and my other hobbies include woodworking, leather working and making knives. I am so lucky to have the support of my wife, daughter and grandchildren who are all very involved with the training and care of the dogs. Working with sled dogs and helping them grow and learn is very fulfilling for me and my family. It’s so much fun to do the work and watch the puppies progress into great working dogs. Blake and Jen Freking at Manitou Crossing Kennels have been instrumental in my understanding the training and development of a sled dog team; the teaching of harness manors, people manors and being able to let the dogs do what they love to do, pull a sled.
Rita Wehseler
Tofte, MN – STONEY CREEK KENNEL
My husband and I have 36 dogs in our kennel. We live on the beautiful shore of Lake Superior in Tofte, MN. I have been running dogs for 25+ years. My lead dogs are Ski, Boo and Raven.