Michigan’s longest dog sled race is canceled for the very first time in its 33-year history.
The Upper Peninsula Dog Sled Association announced Wednesday that it was canceling the UP200 — in addition to its Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30 races — due to “degrading weather and issue for the safety of mushers, dogs, viewers and volunteers.”
The UP200 path covers 216 miles of terrain from Marquette to Grand Marais and back once again through forested land and near-wilderness. It is “powered by” Northern Michigan University, to name a few sponsors.
Warmer temperature levels and shower this winter season did not permit adequate snow to run the races, according to the association, which likewise mentioned the choice was “extremely challenging” to make after months of work.
“Safety is our leading concern,” Darlene Walch, Upper Peninsula Dog Sled Association president, said in a Wednesday declaration. “Given the rain overnight, the upcoming flash freeze and the absence of snow in this week’s projection, it would be reckless to motivate mushers, volunteers and viewers to be on the path this weekend. We will reconcile a tight spot.”
To do so, the association turned the scheduled races into a celebration taking place Friday, Feb. 17.
“Festival of the Sled Dog will change the Friday night race beginning at 7 p.m.,” Walch said. “The arch will be up, the streets will be filled with snow for sledding and sled dog demonstrations implying: there will be dogs. Grand Marais is preparing a Winter Fest on Saturday with food, bonfires, a raffle and quiet auction and other enjoyable activities.”
“This is a very first for us and we value the assistance of the neighborhood as we pivot to a celebration format,” she continued.
