Recent Articles - Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association - UP 200

September 25, 2019

It was with much sadness that we learned earlier this month of the passing of our long-time friend and race judge, Carl Mackenzie. You may have already seen postings about Carl on our Facebook page. Carl has been a well-respected member of our judging crew and we valued his knowledge, experience, humor, and calm demeanor. We extend our sincere condolences to Carls family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

May 01, 2019

The annual meeting of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association (UPSDA) will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th in the Ampersand conference room located in the Masonic Building, 132 W Washington Street, Marquette. The purposes of the meeting are to present an organizational year-end summary of UPSDA activity, elect three (3) board members who will serve for three years, and consider revisions to the Bylaws. The UPSDA board meets monthly (except July).

April 21, 2019

A field trip to Natures Kennel gave UPSDA Board members a chance to visit with dogs, learn about the kennel, and drive their own dog teams. Board members have seen dogs get their pre-race vet checks, leave the start chute and cross the finish line. Theyve worked tirelessly (or maybe at race time tiredly is more accurate) to keep all parts of the UPSDA sled dog events working smoothly. Given the Boards hard work, we thought it would be great to get a different perspective by visiting a kennel and driving a team of sled dogs.

March 10, 2019

Its still snowing in the Upper Peninsula which makes it easy to stay in sled dog mode! Big, gentle snowflakes and three inches of fresh snow have created a gorgeous first day of daylight saving time. Get out your calendars and make your plans for next winter! The 30th anniversary of the UP200 & Midnight Run is set for February 13-17, 2020 and the Jack Pine 30 will run February 15, 2020.

February 16, 2019

Due to the change in the UP200 finish, the Wetmore Checkpoint is sad to report that the celebration at the Wetmore road crossing is canceled. We were looking forward to greeting everyone and sharing SMores but that will have to wait until next year. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm!

February 16, 2019

Come to the Ceremonial Finish to cheer and support our mushers! Because the finish of the UP200 has been moved to Wetmore, our mushers will participate in a ceremonial finish at 1:00 pm in Marquette.

Come join the fun as all of our mushers run their teams to Mattson Lower Harbor Park to celebrate the 30th running of the UP200. What a way to round out race weekend!

February 16, 2019

Joanna Oberg of Grand Marais, Minnesota won her second Midnight Run Sled Dog Race in a row with her win today in Marquette at the Lower Harbor. Joanna wins with a total time of 11 hours 54 minutes and 1 second over the 94 mile course from Marquette to Chatham and back. Larry Fortier and Joann Fortier, a married couple from Gaylord, Michigan, finished second and third, respectively, only 32 seconds apart.

February 16, 2019

Trail conditions improved, speeds picked up, and Midnight Run mushers are approaching the finish line! Several teams have passed the Welcome Center in Harvey and are very close to finishing the 2019 race.

February 16, 2019

Due to weather and trail conditions teams are traveling more slowly than last year. We anticipate Midnight Run teams to arrive in Marquette Lower Harbor Park starting at about 2:30 pm today. For those wanting to attend the Midnight Run banquet, gather at 5:30 pm at the Marquette Township Hall on Commerce Drive.

UP200 teams are now moving between Wetmore and Grand Marais and should arrive late this afternoon. You can track their progress on Spot Tracker.

February 16, 2019

The UP200 race marshal and judges have made the decision to finish the race at Timber Products in Wetmore. Five hours have been cut from the mandatory rest, so teams will complete 11 hours of rest time before leaving Grand Marais. Timber Products is not open to the public. Good luck, mushers!