Musher Erin Aili takes second in Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Aili's team from Miles Ahead Racing Kennel in Ray, Minnesota finished runner-up in the 300-mile race.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Musher Erin Aili and her team from Miles Ahead Racing Kennel in Ray, Minnesota took second place in the 300-mile 2026 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon on Tuesday, February 3rd.

Why it matters

The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is one of the most prestigious long-distance sled dog races in the United States, drawing top mushers and their teams from across the region. Aili's strong second-place finish showcases the talent and competitiveness of her kennel and continues the legacy of the Beargrease as a premier event for the sport of dog sledding.

The details

Aili and her team completed the 300-mile course in a time that was just behind the winner. The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is an annual event that takes place in northern Minnesota, testing the endurance and skill of both mushers and their dog teams over several days of racing through rugged wilderness terrain.

  • The 2026 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon took place on February 3rd.

The players

Erin Aili

A musher from the Miles Ahead Racing Kennel in Ray, Minnesota who finished in second place in the 2026 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.

Miles Ahead Racing Kennel

A dog sled racing kennel located in Ray, Minnesota that Erin Aili represents.

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

An annual long-distance sled dog race that takes place in northern Minnesota, drawing top mushers and their teams from across the region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Erin Aili's strong second-place finish in the prestigious Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon demonstrates the skill and competitiveness of her dog sled racing team from the Miles Ahead Racing Kennel in Minnesota.