MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The qualifying race of the UP200 is inching its way here and race organizers are feeling confident we’ll receive enough snow for the race. Last year was the first time in race history that the Iditarod qualifier was canceled and it was due to dangerous icy conditions, this year’s lack of snowfall has drawn a different concern.
The Sled Dog Association official commented the trail needs at least two feet of heavy snow to be able to be groomed and with the recent snowstorms, they are pretty optimistic.
“We have a new rule now for the UP200 and it’s no rain in February and we’ve had seasons where we’ve not had snow until into January so it’s not unusual to be sitting where we are right now and we expect that we will have a decent trail,” commented President of Sled Dog Association Darlene Walch.
The association recently held a board meeting and decided they won’t be sending out any cancellations until February.
