By William Beacom
Marquette, MI – Excitement is building for this weekend's sled dog races in Marquette County. About 70 Mushers are registered for the U.P. 200, Midnight Run, and Jack Pine 30 events. Officials say recent snowfall has accumulated in all the right places, and will protect dog paws from the icy layer beneath.
Pat Torreano is president of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association. She says sponsors continue to support the popular races despite the difficult economy.
The U.P. 200 begins Friday at 7:10 p.m. in downtown Marquette, with opening ceremonies at 6:30. Mushers will ride to Grand Marais and finish in Marquette's Mattson Lower Harbor Park on Sunday. The Midnight Run begins in Gwinn Friday evening, runs through Deerton, and ends in Munising Saturday morning. And the 6 dog Jack Pine 30 starts in Gwinn 9:30 Saturday morning and finishes near Upfront and Company in Marquette a few hours later.
Torreano says volunteers are still needed for early Saturday morning and when teams return Sunday. For more information, call 387-1234.