The UP200 is one of the top 12-dog mid-distance races in the Midwest, as well as being an Iditarod qualifier. The UP200 trail covers 230 miles of challenging terrain from Marquette to Grand Marais, Michigan and back again through forested land and near-wilderness.
- Up200.org
This past Friday, downtown Marquette was transformed into the starting line for 3 incredibly awesome dog sled races. The UP 200, Midnight Run, and Jack Pine 30 all took off Friday evening and the teams are out all weekend for some of the events.
While the UP 200 Runs from Friday to Sunday, the Midnight Run is an overnight race covering 90 miles between Marquette and Chatham and back again. I was fortunate enough to have the incredible opportunity to spend that evening at the Chatham Checkpoint, where the teams had a five and a half hour break before continuing on with the second half of the race.
From 9pm to 9am, with only about an hour and a half of sleep in the back of my car, I was immersed into the awesome culture that surrounds dog sledding and got to meet so many of the people who dedicate their lives to it. And yes, I got to pet more dogs than I can count.
I had no clue what to expect, but the results were amazing. I have both photographs and memories that I won't soon forget, a new appreciation for all the work that goes into events like this, and I can't wait for next year.