Copper Dog 150 Sled Dog Race Kicks Off in Calumet

36 mushers begin their treks in the 16th annual event

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The 16th annual Copper Dog 150 sled dog race weekend kicked off in Calumet, Michigan on Friday evening. 36 mushers began their treks in downtown Calumet, with two races heading towards Eagle Harbor. This will be the first of three stops for the 20 teams competing in the CD120, and the finish line for the 16 competing in the CD30.

Why it matters

The Copper Dog 150 is a major annual event for the Calumet community, drawing in spectators and boosting the local economy. The race has been held for 16 consecutive years, showcasing the region's rich sled dog racing heritage.

The details

The Copper Dog 150 features two races that began on Friday - the CD120 and the CD30. Mushers in the CD30 finished their runs in Eagle Harbor around midnight. Two more races are set to take place on Saturday, including a new junior mushing competition.

  • The 16th annual Copper Dog 150 sled dog race weekend kicked off on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • The CD30 race finished around midnight on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Two more races are scheduled for Saturday, February 29, 2026, including a new junior mushing competition.

The players

Krissy Tepsa

Volunteer Director and Musher Liaison for the Copper Dog 150 event.

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What they’re saying

“This thing takes an army to put together, so many people come out to help for it. It's not just the volunteers, it's all the spectators that come out, all the people from out of town. It's great for the businesses, for the residents, everybody.”

— Krissy Tepsa, Volunteer Director and Musher Liaison (wzmq19.com)

What’s next

Two more races are scheduled for Saturday, February 29, 2026, including a new junior mushing competition.

The takeaway

The Copper Dog 150 is a beloved annual tradition in Calumet that brings the community together, supports local businesses, and showcases the region's rich sled dog racing heritage.