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Derek Montgomery
Two Harbors, Minn.

Photos and video: Shortened John Beargrease race finds snow

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Rita Wehseler's dogs just before the race.
Dogs belonging to musher Rita Wehseler leap into the air with excitement moments before they hit the course Sunday in Two Harbors, Minn.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News

The longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states began Sunday on a shortened course due to the lack of snow.

Sixteen teams started the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Two Harbors instead of Duluth, and they got some fresh snow along the way.

Mid-distance racers finished Monday. Ryan Anderson won the 319-mile race by crossing the finish at 2:53 a.m. north of Duluth on Wednesday. Nathan Schroeder followed at 3:21 a.m.

Gallery
13 of 13
Approaching the Finland checkpoint.
Dogs approach the Finland checkpoint Sunday.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News
1 of 13
Rita Wehseler's dogs just before the race.
Dogs belonging to musher Rita Wehseler leap into the air with excitement moments before they hit the course Sunday in Two Harbors, Minn.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News
2 of 13
The excited dogs make for a noisy start.
Megan Wiszowaty, in green, covers her ears as dogs bark continuously in anticipation of racing.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News