UP200, Midnight Run, Jack Pine 30 sled dog races cancelled for 2024
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) – Board members of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association (UPSDA) made the decision for the second year in a row to cancel the UP200, Midnight Run, and Jack Pine 30 races which were scheduled for the month of February.
A lack of snow and warmer temperatures create an unsafe running surface for the mushers and their teams of sled dogs.
The UPSDA plans to bring back The Festival of the Sled Dog to downtown Marquette on Friday, February 16.
WJMN will have special coverage during our 6 p.m. hour-long newscast on Friday, February 16. We will celebrate the volunteers, mushers, and the communities that make the UP200 weekend possible.
“Sled dog races across the Midwest have been canceled this winter due to lack of snow and warm temperatures. That being the case, we were even more determined to hold our races for mushers and the community, but the current conditions have made the choice for us. Safety is our top priority and given the lack of snow and the warm temperatures, we cannot offer a safe race. We will make the best of a difficult situation however,” says Darlene Walch, UP200 president.
The “Festival of the Sled Dog Powered by NMU” will take place on Friday, February 16th in downtown Marquette. Watch for additional details on UP200 social media and in the local media. The arch will be up, the streets will be filled with snow for sledding and there will be sled dog demos, meaning: there will be sled dogs! There will also be live music and other activities.
“We appreciate the support of the community as we pivot to a festival format. This is a difficult decision to make after the months of work already put in by mushers, volunteers, sponsors and our board.” said Walch. “Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and understanding and we hope to see you at Festival of the Sled Dog!”
When the race was canceled in 2023, we were still able to celebrate the sport, and all the people who make it possible. The UP200 and a celebration of sled dogs | WJMN – UPMatters.com
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