COPPER HARBOR -- Organizers call it the 'last hurrah' of the dog sled racing season. The Copper Dog 150 is well underway, mushers stopped at the checkpoint in Copper Harbor this afternoon.

JR Anderson has clocked in the fastest time at stage two, with just eight hours and thirty minutes spent on the trail. Bruce Magnusson finished in second, Dennis Laboda in third.

Just in the knick of time this weekend, the dog sled racing community got what they were hoping for.

"Mushers asked for some snow and winter, well we gave it to them," said Race Director Todd Brassard.

Mother Nature laid some fresh powder on the Copper Dog 150 trails this week, and more than 40 teams in total set course.

The first team hit the second checkpoint of the 150-mile course around 2 p.m. Saturday.They were greeted with a small but anxious crowd.

"The starts and finishes are quieter, but you get a more intimate connection with the race," said Assistant Race Director Meredith Labeau.

Fans are really why the race is held in the first place. Organizers hope to show off the area, boost tourism and build local spirit.

But, the warm weather has made it tough for teams this year.

"The warm weather has made viruses, very easy for the dogs to catch," said Brassard. "The dogs haven't been trained like they normally would. A lot of the races have been cancelled.

When all is said and done, race veterinarians say the dogs have faired the season well.

"They're really adaptable, durable animals, we haven't seen a lot of detriment this year," said Chief Vetriantrian Jeff Ladd.

Mushers will cross the finish line for the Copper Dog 150 Sunday afternoon in downtown Calumet.

To see all of the race standings, click here.