DULUTH, Minn. - The shortage of snow on the North Shore has forced the cancellation of the annual John Beargrease Dog Sled Race.

The John Beargrease Board of Directors announced the cancellation Monday morning, citing the lack of snow and poor trail conditions prohibit the running of a safe race.

Organizers also said despite the race being cancelled, the other race week events - gala and silent auction at the Greysolon Ballroom in the Moorish Room on Jan. 27, and the "Cutest Puppy Contest" on Jan. 28 at Fitger's Brewery Complex - will continue.

The John Beargrease Dog Sled Race is an annual competition covering a 411-mile route between Duluth and Grand Portage.

The race was scheduled to begin Jan. 29.

Organizers told KARE 11 in early January they were hoping for at least one foot of snow to fall before the start of the race.

The Beargrease was canceled in 2007, when a lack of snow near Duluth forced the race to move its starting line at least twice - once to Two Harbors and once to Grand Portage.

Race coordinator Pat Olson told the Associated Press for the health of the race, they need to start in Duluth. Olson also said logistical issues make rescheduling difficult.

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