NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – No snow needed, the sled dog season is officially underway in the U.P.
The UP200 hosted its 10th annual Dryland Dash at Negaunee Township Park this weekend, a free two-day event bringing together wheeled rigs, scooters, bikes, and cani-cross teams with one, two, four, and six-dog lineups. The fall event gives mushers and their dogs a chance to compete on dry ground before the winter racing season begins, with two-day combined teams determining the cash purse winners. Spectators were welcome free of charge.
Organizer and Trail Boss Kate Dehlin says the Dryland Dash is about growing the sport. “The Dryland Dash is really great to get the next generation started,” says Dehlin. “Maybe you only have one dog at your house but you’re interested. A lot of people start with one dog and you come out and just hook them to a belt, the next year you see them coming out with their dog attached to a bike, and then they get a second dog, and then it just snowballs into a bigger event.”
The UP200 Sled Dog Race returns to Marquette this February.
