MARQUETTE, MI – Sled dog races set to occur in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have actually been canceled due to weakening weather, the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association revealed Wednesday.
Due to safety issues, the UP200, Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30 set to leave from Washington Street in Marquette this weekend have actually been canceled.
“Safety is our top priority. Given the rain overnight, 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,” said Darlene Walch, UPSDA president.
The “Festival of the Sled Dog Powered by NMU” will change the Friday night race start beginning at 7 p.m. The streets will be filled with snow for sledding and sled dog demonstrations will occur, with a lot of dogs on hand.
Further northeast, Grand Marais is preparing a Winter Fest on Saturday with food, bonfires, a raffle and quiet auction and other enjoyable activities.
“In our 33 years of putting on these races, we’ve never had to cancel due to weather,” Walch said. “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.”
This is the 2nd significant sled dog race to be canceled in 2023. The 2023 Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race was aborted in January due to poor path conditions.
The three-day CopperDog 150 race, and other occasions, in the Keweenaw Peninsula are still scheduled to occur March 3-5.
