UP200 Dog Sled Race

Northern Michigan Dog Sled Races are Spectacular!

The UP200 dog sled race is an exciting event in Northern Michigan.
Every year, on the third Friday in February, regardless of the
temperature, thousands of locals and tourists alike line the streets in
historic downtown Marquette, Michigan for the start of this exhilarating
race.

Sled dog race fans would not miss the opportunity to cheer on the
mushers and teams competing in the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog
Association’s increasingly popular Sled Dog Race.

The 12-dog, 240-plus
mile race extends from Marquette to Grand Maris and back.

While the UP200 is the main event, two companion races also draw a good share of spectators, the 8-dog, 90-mile Midnight Run, and 6-dog, 30-mile Jack Pine 30
Sled Dog Races. Entrants for the three races typically hail from
various national as well as international regions, and many walks of
life.

Most of the Dogs are Alaskan Husky Mix

Most dogs in the event are classified as husky mix or Alaskan husky,
which is not an AKC breed. The appearance of the dogs is varied, as
they are a mix of up to several breeds. Siberian Huskies, thought of by
some as the classic sled dog, are often among the entrants. Alaskan
Malamutes and even snow-white Samoyeds have run in the Jack Pine 30 and
Midnight Run races throughout the years.

Whatever the breed, a sled dog
is one of high energy that likes to run and pull. Besides plenty of
exercise, sled dog mushers are known for providing their dogs with
exceptional care and nutrition.

Race veterinarians carefully screen the
dogs prior to and during the races.

First UP200 Sled Dog Race was held in February 1990

The Inaugural UP200 was held under perfect snow-stormy skies in
February 1990. Thanks to visionary leaders and hundreds of capable
volunteers, the race has been run each and every year since.

The
downtown start, which involves a great deal of preparation, has been
described as nothing short of glorious. The preparation is not as
simple as one might think in this northern city: on race day, snow
which has been plowed, moved aside, and hauled away earlier in the
winter is hauled back and packed down on downtown streets to create a
trail on which sled dog teams can depart safely.

As teams leave in two-minute intervals, widespread whooping, cheering and gloves and mittens thumping together resound.

Click here to read more about these exciting sled dog races in Marquette Michigan. The story continues!

Meet author Jackie Winkowski who writes touching stories about
sled dogs and their adventures. All of her stories are based on actual
events and real dogs. Her books are certain to inspire and delight
children of all ages.

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