DULUTH - The 27th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is just days away, and officials expect it to be the most competitive race they've seen in years.

It’s said to be the toughest sled dog race in the Lower 48. Dozens of mushers from around the world will converge on Duluth to run the 150 mile mid–distance race or 390 mile marathon starting Sunday.

"It’s probably one of the best things that happen in January in northern Minnesota," said Start Coordinator Bob James. "You get out here and watch the dogs and they are ready to run, it's just great!"

On Wednesday they were setting up the start and getting the chute ready at a new location. This year, the race's starting line has moved to the Lake Park Soccer Complex just outside of Duluth. 

"Due to the Red Plan and the construction at Ordean, we moved up here, which is kind of neat in a way because we are kind of going back to the roots of the race; we are starting in basically a wilderness start point," said James. 

"The mushers like it because there are a lot of road crossings from Ordean up to this trail; this is actually the trail that they are on so this is a straight shoot out," said Beargrease official Linda Nervick.

"There is a lot of excitement, this year we have a very competitive race," Nervick said. 

"We have Mark Black, Jason Barron, John Barron, Jamie Nelson, Blake Freking, all returning champions in the Beargrease so this is going to be the most competitive race we've had in a long time," James said.

The race commemorates John Beargrease. who delivered mail with his team of sled dogs up and down the North Shore in the late 1800s.  Today’s mushers will do the same. 

"Each musher will be sworn in as a postal carrier, carry mail up the shore and then it will be dropped at Beaver Bay and Finland, depending on the racer, and then be marked with a John Beargrease stamp," James said.

On Sunday, 4,000 spectators are expected at the start as 800 volunteers line the trails.  It's a chance to take part in the thrill and adventure of a Northland sled dog race. 

"People come out here in all ages from kids up to really elderly adults and they just love it because it's a winter sport; it's something unique to the northern states," James said.

"It’s the spirit of the race; it's a way to celebrate the winter," Nervick said. "The trails are in great condition. We are ready to run!"

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is a qualifier for Alaska's Iditarod.

Race events start Friday. Also new this year, iFan TV will broadcast parts of the race live on the Web. For more information on the race, go to www.beargrease.com.