The U.P. 200 is a competitive, 12 dog, mid-distance sled dog race. Now entering its 20th year, (always on the third weekend of February), the race will start on February 20th, 2009. The race is approximately 240 miles in length and is a qualifying race for the Iditarod. A maximum limit of 40 mushers will be registered for this race.
Over 15,000 visitors come to Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) to see the U.P. 200! It is a favorite winter event for local residents and out of town guests. The U.P. 200 has a dedicated group of over 500 volunteers from the U.P. and the mid-west region that come together to stage this great event each year.
Start/Finish of the U.P. 200: Marquette, Michigan
Marquette Michigan hosts the start and finish of the U.P. 200; the city holds numerous events all weekend including Kiddy Mutt Races, Snow Sculptures, and more! Come see the start and finish of the race, and enjoy what this "Queen City of the North" has to offer!
From Marquette, the trail will wind in a northeasterly direction through the town of Deerton, traveling on to the first checkpoint.
Checkpoint 1 = Wetmore (at the Best Western)
This will be an "unassisted" checkpoint when mushers are moving toward Grand Marais. The mushers are required to prepare the dogs' food and water, as well as arrange their bedding with little to no assistance.
There are several reasons for an unassisted checkpoint. It makes strategy very important, and provides a distinct challenge for the mushers. Further, since the U.P. 200 is a qualifying race for Iditarod, an unassisted checkpoint is a very good experience for the musher who strives to compete in a distance race.
In the history of sled dog racing, the unassisted checkpoint brings back into focus the time honored tradition of the musher and his/her dogs alone on the trail. Mushing has evolved into an exciting sport which may eventually become an Olympic event. For fans, the unassisted checkpoint allows a glimpse into the unique relationship shared between musher and dog team.
Checkpoint 2 = Grand Marais
Since 2003 the race has been routed through this picturesque town on the bay of Lake Superior. This is the halfway point of the race, and many veterans say this is where the race is won...or lost. Each musher's strategy becomes public at this point in the race.
Checkpoint 3 = Wetmore
Mushers return from Grand Marais in an eastward direction back to Wetmore's assisted checkpoint.
Dog Drop Location = Chatham
Chatham has traditionally served as a checkpoint for the U.P. 200. This location now serves as a possible dog drop if the musher feels one of his team members needs to sit out the final leg of the race.
Finish = Marquette
On Sunday afternoon or evening the mushers finish the long race by going through the finish chute at the Lower Harbor in Marquette. Mushers appreciate the fans who come out to cheer their finish, and they appreciate the race being over.
