The UP 200, the largest sled dog race in the lower 48, has been canceled by race organizers. The Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association (UPSDA) cited deteriorating weather conditions and safety concerns for participants, spectators and volunteer for why the event will not happen.
“Safety is our top priority. Given the rain (on Tuesday, Feb. 14), the impending flash freeze and the lack of snow in this week’s forecast, it would be irresponsible to encourage mushers, volunteers and spectators to be on the trail this weekend. We will make the best of a difficult situation,” UPSDA President Darlene Walch said.
The UP 200 course travels from Marquette through Alger County to Grand Marais before turning around and this year’s race was supposed to highlight a new ending at the Ojibwe Casino in Chocolay Township. Hundreds of volunteers and spectators were set to watch the race at crossing locations in Chatham and Wetmore with numerous local landowners allowing the race to travel through their properties.
“It’s disappointing to see the races canceled, but it’s absolutely the right decision. The primary consideration is always the safety of the mushers, dogs, and volunteers,” UP 200 Grand Marais Coordinator Cindy Egerer said.
The UP 200 provides a major financial benefit to Marquette and Alger Counties. With the race canceled, organizers are doing everything they can to offer other festival activities. Marquette, which hosts the most spectators with the downtown start, will host a new event called the “Festival of the Sled Dog” through Northern Michigan University. Many of the sled dog teams, including the teams from the two smaller races that stay within Marquette County, will be on display to learn about the sport.
In Grand Marais, the Chamber of Commerce and UP 200 organizers are creating their own festival on Saturday. Traditional fundraisers that operate during the layover period for the teams will still happen, but some additional family events will take place.
“Grand Marais has an amazing ability to adapt to last-minute changes, and we are morphing into a Winterfest for Saturday. We’ll still have our chili and hot dog lunch, raffle/silent auction, and loads of great race merchandise. The Chamber of Commerce is planning special events such as the kid’s cardboard sled races. We will have a sled dog team visiting for a meet and greet, so come take some pictures,” Egerer said.
While some past races ended early or took a different route due to trail conditions, this is the first cancelation of the event in 33 years due to weather.
“This is a first for us and we appreciate the support of the community as we pivot to a festival format. This is an incredibly difficult decision to make after the months of work already put in by mushers, volunteers, sponsors and board. Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and understanding. We hope to see you Friday night in downtown Marquette and Saturday in Grand Marais,” Walch said.
