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WETMORE -- The 22nd annual UP 200 sled dog race came to an end last night, but not exactly as planned.

The warm temperatures melted some trail areas and caused damage to parts of the sleds, forcing the early finish in Wetmore.

“We're usually the halfway point on the way back to Marquette,” explains Wetmore Checkpoint Coordinator, Bill Mills.  “So yeah, it's very unusual.  It’s the first time I’m aware of that we've actually finished the race in Wetmore."

Ryan Anderson took first place in the race.

Rookie David Gill was thrilled with his third place finish.  The gravel that he crossed over made the race especially difficult.

“From Marquette to here was really tough,” said Gill.  “And I wore right through one set of plastic runners, and I was running right through my other runners for a while.  And then there was a lot of ice. But I’m glad they shortened the race because I really don't think it's a good idea for us to do that leg again."

The judges were also making sure that rules were followed.  Teams must have between eight and twelve dogs, and mushers have to finish with at least seven dogs in the harness.

“There's not a whole lot that you can get away with,” explains race judge, Tom Shepski.  “It’s kept a pretty close eye on.  This is my fourth year here, and I haven't run into any troubles at all.  It’s all been clean racing."

The top finishers will receive their cash prizes at an awards banquet at the Holiday Inn in Marquette Monday.

eighteen teams started the race, but only 14 of them crossed the finish line.

For a list of the U.P. 200 finish order, click here.

For a list of the Midnight Run finish, click here.