Marquette County Gears Up For U.P. 200 and Midnight Run

Premiere Dog Sled Races in Marquette Michigan

Marquette, MI.  February 12th-16th 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the U.P. 200 and Midnight Run Sled Dog Races. The U.P. 200 is one of America’s premier 12-dog, mid-distance sled dog races drawing mushers from around the United States and Canada and is also an Iditarod qualifying race.

In this year’s race we’ll see two 4-time U.P. 200 racers competing to be the first five-time winning title holder.  The two racers Keith Aili and Ryan Anderson both hail from the same town in Minnesota.

Coinciding with the U.P 200 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.

These races attract lots of people to the area from local residents to tourists. Everyone enjoys coming out to see the mushers take-off from downtown Marquette and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Even the race competitors enjoy the excitement of the downtown race starts.

There are also several viewing stations along the race routes where people can come out to cheer on the sled teams. Several of the viewing sites provide bonfires to help stay warm as well as refreshments and bathroom facilities. Check the race website for details on the when and wheres.

U.P. 200 teams will hit the trail on Friday, February 13th at 7 p.m., followed by Midnight Run teams at 8 p.m. The race route is set on Washington Street in downtown Marquette Michigan, heading east along Lakeshore Boulevard.

The JackPine 30 rounds out the weekend’s fun with a six-dog, 30-mile sprint from Gwinn, Michigan to Marquette. http://up200.org

by marquette_magazine