(Tofte, Minneosta) An Irma woman has won the John Beargrease 107 mile mid distance 8 dog sled race.
Just before 6 a.m on the morning of Monday, Jan. 27, Erin Schouweiler arrived at the Trail center just south of the U S-Canadian border in Minnesota. Her trail time was 9 hours and 6 minutes, placing 45 minutes ahead of 2nd place Rita Wehseler of Minnesota and the rest of the 30-team field. Meanwhile, her mother-in-law, four-time Beargrease mid-distance champion Martha Schouweiler won the six dog, 40-mile one day event on Sunday, Jan. 26. Both Martha and Erin race for Otter Run Kennel of Irma. Chad Schouweiler is the lead trainer and handler.