Sled Dogs Ready to Race in Marquette's UP 200 This Weekend

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Mushers and their sled dog teams will compete in the annual UP 200 dog sled race in Marquette, Michigan this weekend, February 13-15. The 228-mile race is a qualifier for the Iditarod in Alaska. Fans can watch the race start in downtown Marquette and follow the teams along 10 designated viewing areas along the route to Grand Marais and back. The event also includes the shorter 82-mile Midnight Run on Friday night and the 26-mile Jack Pine 30 on Sunday.

Why it matters

The UP 200 is a long-standing tradition in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, drawing mushers and fans from across the region and country to experience the thrill of dog sled racing. The event highlights the region's snowy winters and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as the dedication and skill of the mushers and their canine athletes.

The details

The UP 200 race starts at 7pm on Friday, February 13 in downtown Marquette, with teams departing every 2 minutes. The teams will travel 228 miles to Grand Marais and back, arriving at the Ojibwa Casino southeast of Marquette on Sunday, February 15. The Midnight Run, an 82-mile race, starts 30 minutes after the final UP 200 team on Friday night. The Jack Pine 30, a 26-mile race, takes place on Sunday morning in Gwinn. Spectators can watch the starts and finishes, as well as cheer on the teams at 10 designated viewing areas along the routes.

• The UP 200 race starts at 7pm on Friday, February 13 in downtown Marquette.
• The Midnight Run starts 30 minutes after the final UP 200 team on Friday night, February 13.
• The Jack Pine 30 race takes place on Sunday, February 15 at 10am in Gwinn.