MARQUETTE, MI-- Too much snow spelled an early end to this year’s UP200 Sled Dog Race.
Flakes continued to fall over the weekend on already snow-clogged trails, making it a difficult run for the dogs. Judges were concerned the race might finish late Sunday or early Monday, and they also didn’t want the dogs to be injured on the difficult course.
The race—which normally goes to Grand Marais and back—was officially ended in Wetmore Saturday night.
A ceremonial finish was held in Mattson Lower Harbor Park at 1 p.m. Sunday. Racers gathered at the Marquette Welcome Center, then ran the final miles into the city.
Ryan Anderson of Wisconsin won the UP200, followed by Martin Massicotte of Quebec and Ryan Redington of Alaska.
Joanna Oberg of Grand Marais, Minnesota won the Midnight Run for the second year in a row. She crossed the finish line first with a total time of 11 hours, 54 minutes, 1 second over the 94-mile course from Marquette to Chatham and back.
Larry Fortier and Joann Fortier, a married couple from Gaylord, Michigan, finished second and third, respectively, only 32 seconds apart.
Geri Menard of Newberry won the Jack Pine 30 on Sunday. Susan Serafini of Hancock came in second, and Amelia Carusi of Houghton was third.
