MARQUETTE, MI-- Warmer weather could create problems for the 28th running of the UP200 and Midnight Run sled dog races this weekend.
Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association President Ron Hewson says most of the trails are in good shape—especially those in extremely rural areas. But officials are watching the stretch between Marquette and Sand River, as that trail hasn’t had as much snow and is exposed to direct sun.
Hewson says above-freezing temperatures at race time could affect where the teams cross the finish line.
“At this point we do not plan on any changes in the race,” he says. “We plan on our downtown Marquette start. The finish may be a different story, but we’ll evaluate that, because they usually finish in Marquette and some of that trail is suspect to continual days above freezing, so we’ll take a look at that as the race gets closer.”
About 45 teams are registered for the UP200, Midnight Run, and Jack Pine 30, which takes place in Gwinn on Saturday.
The UP200 starts at 7 p.m. Friday in downtown Marquette.
For more information, go to up200.org.
