When unseasonably warm temperatures left the Iditarod course unusable, organizers were forced to reconfigure a 1,128-mile course through the Alaskan wilderness. The result is a race like nothing before in the event’s 53-year history.

Erin Aili, who won in 2021, is resting with her dogs at the Trail Center, but has a 24-minute lead as of Monday morning.

GRAND PORTAGE — Erin Aili has won her second John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The Ray, Minnesota, musher and her eight-dog team crossed the finish line Tuesday just after 10 a.m. at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, 275 miles and nearly two full days after starting near Two Harbors. She also won the title in 2021.

Aili’s husband, Keith Aili, won the last Beargrease in 2023. The 2024 race was canceled because of low snow totals. He also has two wins, in 2023 and 2006.