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Duluth, Minn.

John Beargrease sled dog race cancelled

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(AP) - A lack of snow in Duluth has forced organizers of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon to cancel the 25th running of the event this year.

Pat Olson, president of the event's board of directors, said organizers considered moving the event further north where there's more snow. But those out-of-the-way locations wouldn't have given the race sponsors enough media exposure or spectators.

"We looked at starting the race near Sawbill or on Devils Track (north of Grand Marais), but because of the remoteness of those spots, it wouldnt be fair to our sponsors," Olson said.

The race had already been delayed once this year. It was originally scheduled to start Jan. 28. Then it was postponed until Feb. 25, with hopes that more snow would fall. It hasn't.

It was the first time the event has been canceled due to a lack of snow.

"For the financial stability of the race, we have no choice but to cancel," Olson said on Tuesday. "It was a very hard decision."

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)