The Grand Marais checkpoint is a community effort and over 120 volunteers pitched in to make things happen, including several willing folks who volunteered at the last minute. Rather than try to list all the names of our volunteers, wed like to instead thank all the groups of people who worked so hard to make this race happen here.
The Grand Marais Womens Club they provided breakfast and lunch for everyone. Their soup and sandwich lunches are famous! And a big thank you to all the folks who donated their favorite homemade soup.
Methodist Church Pie Ladies their Pie-by-the-Slice is always a huge hit!
Crossing Crews these hardworking volunteers manned 13 road and trail crossings to make sure the teams could pass safely. Most of the crossings had two shifts, which means Grand Marais provided 24 crossing crews more than any other checkpoint in the race.
The Trail Genies this crew worked their magic to prepare the streets and the dog lot so the mushers had a place to rest their dogs.
The Trail Team this duo cleared and maintained our section of the trail to make sure it was ready for the race. Be sure to see the story about their Volunteers of the Year Award.
Grand Marais Sno-Trails Tom Davis volunteered to groom 20 miles of trail leading into Grand Marais. This years trail was declared the best ever!
The Firewood and Straw Folks they delivered firewood, fire rings, and straw before the race, and helped pick it up afterward.
The Merchandise Team these hardworking ladies took care of all the UP200 shirts, hats, mugs, pins, and other items. Much of it was sold out by the end of the day, and our sales set a record this year.
Ham Radio Operators our ham team was stationed at the Community Center and three other crossings, to keep tabs on the mushers as they passed through remote areas.
Gate Guys this team put up and took down the finish gate cant have a race without it!
Radio Wizards our resident wizard, Joe McDonald, assembled all the radio gear needed by the crossing crews, with a little help from friends.
Timing and Bag Check Crew Two shifts of timers and a pair of bag checkers handled all the ins and outs at the gate (literally!)
Sign Crews we re-directed traffic for the day, and this crew of volunteers made sure the signs were set up so vehicles knew where to go.
Traffic Controllers these folks handled the snowmobile and vehicle traffic in front of the Community Center and kept everyone safe.
Fundraising Team Olivia Zech and friends gave us a wonderful raffle that everyone enjoyed.
Raffle Donors without our generous donors, we wouldnt HAVE a raffle. Thank you!
Township Board our Board is an unwavering source of support for the checkpoint. They granted the use of the Community Center, Library, (thank you, Roger!) and Youth Center for race day, which allowed us to offer unparalleled hospitality to the mushers.
Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce our local businesses are some of our best supporters. Thank you for all you do.
Mile Club Donors The Sportsmens Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and several generous local donors adopted parts of the trail through the Mile Club program.
Grand Marais Property Owners thank you for allowing the UP200 trail to cross your land! No trail? No race. We couldnt do it without you.
Finally, to all who offered moral support, last-minute help, photographs, muscle, encouragement, and a listening ear: you are appreciated more than you know!
Cathy Egerer, Kelly Danton, and Tiffani Holocher
Checkpoint Organizers
