U.P. 200 - the premier sled dog race in the mid-west United States.

Volunteers of the Sled Dog Races

One of the most impressive features you will notice about the sled dog races is the number of volunteers that participate each year. These volunteers donate their time and talents to ensure mushers have the safest competition possible. Contact Cori Bodeman if you can help.

MARQUETTE AREA:

Volunteers needed for setup Friday in the downtown Marquette area. Job includes lining Washington St. from Fourth St. to the lower harbor with barrels. We are also responsible for assembling the stage and chute area, plus hanging the banners.
Friday AM Vet Check at the Holiday Inn from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is outdoor work, helping the vets verify dogs' papers and shot records. We also record data for the vets and use runners to keep the flow of info going back into the headquarters.
Friday evening (start of the race): Volunteers needed for parking dog rigs and getting the teams set up in their designated parking area
Want to be a bag checker? They volunteer from 5 pm until they are done, using a checklist to verify that all teams have the necessary equipment mandated for the race. These jobs exist at all the checkpoints as well.
Help needed for crowd control both downtown and in Harvey. We keep crowds and teams safe at the street intersections. Crowd Control volunteers for Marquette's downtown meet at the Masonic Temple at 6 p.m. Harvey crowd controllers meet at 7 p.m. at the Citgo Gas Station in Harvey.
Dog Handlers needed: We use assigned teams of 6 people to help get the teams to the start line. Volunteers are requested to have training and be in excellent physical health, preferably over 16 years old. The 12 dog teams leave from MQT and the 8 dog teams will leave from Gwinn. Each area has their own team handlers. Please meet at the Masonic Temple on Friday for assignments. Gwinn volunteers need to check with Lynn for meeting instructions.

Clean-up Friday Night: All the work done setting up must be removed immediately after the race in the Washington Street area. The fencing must come down and be rolled up. The sandbags are removed from the barrels and stacked on the sidewalk for pick up by the City.

ROAD CROSSING VOLUNTEERS (AKA: Party spots)

Kawbawgam road: 7.5 miles from M-28/US-41 at the light on M-28 heading east. The mushers will be on the old railroad grade so you will watch for cars and stop them as teams approach. Do not help the musher with the dogs unless he specifically asks for help. You can make a bonfire at this area to keep warm. We will try to have burn barrels at all the open unprotected areas. Volunteers will be provided with a worksheet so they can mark off teams as they go by, that way you will know how many teams are still out.
Casino road: 7 miles from the M-28 light. Will have a sign that says "SLOW - sled dog race in progress". There is a barrel here also, you can make a bonfire and make a fun day of it.
Chocolay Downs Road: 5 miles from the M-28 crossing in Harvey
Prince of Peace Church Bridge in Harvey on the south side of the bridge
Riverside Drive
Greenbay Street/Lakewood Lane
Hotel Place Bridge
Bayou Bridge
Bayou Road
Welcome Center
Carp River Bridge
Lower harbor for the race finish

Road Crossing volunteers are needed from Marquette to Grand Marais for the U.P. 200. Additional Road Crossing volunteers sought from Marquette to Gwinn. Some of these are secluded areas.

MIDNIGHT RUN VOLUNTEERS

Anyone wishing to volunteer to work at the Gwinn Checkpoint should contact Checkpoint Coordinator Barb Matson at the Republic Bank. Barb's sister Lynn Tousignant will also be the checkpoint coordinator. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Volunteers are needed for set-up, clean-up, timers, recorders, bag checkers, runners, dog handlers, computer and fax operators and many other jobs. All ages and organizations are welcome.