CALUMET -- UPDATE: March 5, 12:15 p.m.

All Racers have now crossed 265 Trail Burma/Mandan

UPDATE: March 5, 10:30 a.m

To follow mushers from check point to check point click here.

UPDATE: March 5, 9:15 a.m.

According to radio traffic from the Copper Dog 150, mushers are safely making their way to Copper Harbor.  Radio checks are seeing activity at the Lac La Belle check point.

UPDATE: March 4, 10:50 p.m.

Thousands of people were watching as the first sled-dog team came out of the chute in downtown Calumet.

"It was neat to see the first ones and they probably had a tingling stomach," said 13 year old Anna Gaffney.

The teams took off in about two minute intervals starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Copper Dog 150 competitors went first, followed by the teams for the recreational Copper Dog 35 race.

"I like to watch the dogs because I think they're really fast, and I heard that they're going to Copper Harbor and it's going to go until Sunday," said 8 year old Billy Darnell.

"We’re loving the dogs and the way they blast off,” said Jeremy Whitmire.  “They're just full of energy and raring to go and it's a lot of fun to watch."

Most of the spectators had attended the start last year, but there were still a few first-timers who had a lot of fun taking it all in.

"This is exactly what I expected,” said Beth Cook.  “I heard the snow was going to be in the street and there'd be lots of people and lots of racers and good music."

Even after the teams left, the party continued in downtown Calumet with live music and fireworks.

Of course, the fun is far from over.

There's a full-day of family activities planned Saturday and everyone's invited back to see the teams finish up on Sunday.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE: March 4, 2:30 p.m.

Calumet was buzzing with excitement Friday for the start of the second annual Copper Dog 150.

It was especially busy at the Fifth and Elm Street Cafe as many race volunteers joined the regulars for their morning cup of coffee.

The business has all of its Copper Dog merchandise on display, and workers are expecting a busy weekend that'll also be a lot of fun.

“This year we'll have a radio outside so people can hear the start of the race here, not just from down the street,” said manager Boone Fiala.  “It should really add to the experience.”

In addition to Friday’s festivities, there will be a full day of events in Downtown Calumet on Saturday, too.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE: March 4, 1:45 p.m.

Before they can begin the race, all of the participating dogs have to get a doctor's approval.

Dr. Jeff Ladd led the team of veterinarians checking each sled-dog Friday morning.

The dogs were examined from head to tail to make sure they had no orthopedic problems or other conditions.

Assistants took notes of the check-up and marked the dogs after they were determined to be healthy.

“If we have any questions, it gives us a chance to talk to the mushers and make a decision based on the dog's history and our physical findings, as to whether or not the dog can safely compete,” said Ladd.  “We don't want anybody out there running the race that already has issues.”

The vets will follow the teams throughout the weekend and assist the mushers with the dogs as needed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though the official start of the Copper Dog 150 is still hours away, many people have been working all day to get Downtown Calumet race ready.

Volunteers started early Friday morning, setting up fencing all along Fifth Street.  Others helped put together the chute and hang the banners of local sponsors.

The snow was hauled in around 3 a.m. and the Swedetown groomer smoothed out the nearly mile-long trail.

Everyone was so excited for the race.  Even a few spectators joined in the setup.