Marquette, MI – February 1, 2024 – Officials have canceled the UP200, Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30 sled dog races for this year. Citing deteriorating trail conditions due to a continued lack of snow and warm temperatures, the races, scheduled for February 16th through the 18th, will not be run.
Organizers say the poor conditions have created concern for the safety of mushers and dogs, and this marks the second year in a row the races have been cancelled due to weather. As a result, the “Festival of the Sled Dog Powered by NMU” returns on Friday, February 16th in downtown Marquette. The streets will be filled with snow for sledding and there will be sled dog demos, live music and other activities.
Read the full statement below:
Cancellation of UP200, Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30
February 1, 2024- Due to deteriorating trail conditions and concern for the safety of mushers and dogs, the UP200 has canceled the UP200, Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30 scheduled for February 16-18, 2024.
“Sled dog races across the Midwest have been canceled this winter due to lack of snow and warm temperatures. That being the case, we were even more determined to hold our races for mushers and the community, but the current conditions have made the choice for us. Safety is our top priority and given the lack of snow and the warm temperatures, we cannot offer a safe race. We will make the best of a difficult situation however.” says Darlene Walch, UP200 president.
“Festival of the Sled Dog Powered by NMU” will take place on Friday, February 16th in downtown Marquette. Watch for additional details on UP200 social media and in the local media. The arch will be up, the streets will be filled with snow for sledding and there will be sled dog demos, meaning: there will be sled dogs! There will also be live music and other activities.
“We appreciate the support of the community as we pivot to a festival format. This is a difficult decision to make after the months of work already put in by mushers, volunteers, sponsors and our board.” said Walch. “Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and understanding and we hope to see you at Festival of the Sled Dog!”
-mediaBrew Communications News
