Dog race financially sound
MARQUETTE -- What started as a community event in 1990 amidst great hopes and expectations looks to be stronger than ever this year. Forty mushers are signed up for the UP 200; 23 mushers for the Midnight Run.
The Holiday Inn in Marquette will be the headquarters again this year, offering merchandise, vendors, race information and a silent auction.
Four new sponsors agreed to donate this year, bringing the total to $43,000 in sponsorship. The event's overall budget is $125,000. And with the cost of merchandise, two banquets, 23 vets, five judges and course costs, organizers say they couldn't do the races without sponsors.
"It enables us to offer the competitive purse we do," said Race Treasurer, Pam Forsberg. "We offer a purse of $34,000, a combined purse between the UP 200 and the Midnight Run."
Community volunteers are just as important. There will be more than 1,000 of them along the course in the three days.
"When you're going from Marquette to Grand Marais and back, you need that kind of support," said U.P. Sled Dog Association President, Pat Torreano.
Still, there's still a slight shortage of crossing volunteers on Sunday.
Click here to find out how to volunteer.
"They make sure the dogs are safe," Torreano said. "Actually, they ask the mushers if they need help, and if the musher says yes, they go ahead and ask for help."
The UP 200 starts in downtown Marquette, February 19, and runs through Sunday the 21st, and it draws large crowds to the snow covered streets.
Opening ceremonies start at 6:30 p.m. with the race starting shortly after 7 p.m.
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