UP200       MIDNIGHT RUN      JACKPINE 30

THREE RACES OFFERED 

The UP200 is one of America’s premier 12-dog, mid-distance sled dog races and draws mushers from around the United States and Canada. The first UP200 was run in February, 1990, after two years ofplanning by sled dog racing enthusiasts. The current race covers approximately 240 miles from Marquette to Grand Marais, with a return to Marquette along the same trail. The terrain includes stretches of near-wilderness, creek crossings, hills and valleys, and heavily forested land. Mushers say this is one of their favorite races, not only because of the challenging race, but because of the cheering crowds and warm welcome they receive here in the Upper Peninsula.

The UP200 is an Iditarod qualifying race. Registration is limited to 40 teams, and mushers are required to have finished the Midnight Run or other equivalent sixty (60) mile continuous running race within the past three seasons.

Coinciding with the UP200 is the eight-dog Midnight Run, a race from Marquette to Munising, Michigan with a checkpoint in Chatham.  The Midnight Run, or MNR, draws premier teams wanting to test their skill on a technically challenging trail.  This year the Midnight Run has a new, improved trail and will start in downtown Marquette approximately 30 minutes after the last UP200 musher has left the starting gate on Friday, February 17, 2012.  The teams will rest the required 5 hours at the checkpoint in Chatham, and finish in Munising on Saturday.  Registration is also limited to 40 teams.

The JackPine 30 rounds out the weekend’s fun with a six-dog, 30-mile sprint from Gwinn, Michigan to Marquette.  The JP30 will start on Saturday morning, February 18, 2012 from the parking lot of Larry’s Family Food’s in Gwinn.  From there, it’s a race to the finish!  The teams are expected in Marquette late morning or early afternoon on Saturday.

The rules for each race are posted here on the website, and mushers will also find registration forms and an online payment option through PayPal. 

H E L P N E E D E D :

Marva Ittner was recently diagnosed with panreatic cancer. Marva has been active with the UP200/MNR since the very early days serving in MANY capacities.  Her dedication and love of the races got many of us involved.  Mike Hutches is organizing a … Continue reading →

Posted on May 10, 2012

BANSHEE & TODD HENNIGAN RECEIVE SEVICE AWARD

Todd Hennigan & Banshee have been selected to receive the  Marquette County Community Service Award in the Pet Partners category.  The celebration is on Saturday April 21, 2012 at the Westwood Mall, 2 – 4 p.m. with the actual awards … Continue reading →

Posted on April 18, 2012

We’ve received some great feedback!

To the UPSDA and everyone involved with the Midnight Run:  WOW!!! What a great event this year!! I could tell you all put your heart and soul into the 2012 race to make it go so smoothly!! THANK YOU for … Continue reading →

Posted on March 9, 2012

YOUTUBE AND THE UP200

The UP200 has added a link for you to become a member of our YouTube page. We will be showcasing videos of the UP200/Midnight Run Sled dog races. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to view some great shots. To join … Continue reading →

Posted on February 10, 2012