GWINN, Mich. (WZMQ) – After years without the proper conditions, this year brought back the sled dog races of the UP200. The Jack Pine 30 is the smallest of the three races, covering 26 miles of snowmobile trails. 10 teams of six dogs each made way on Saturday morning, before making it to the finish line by early afternoon.
This years winner was Melinda Hayes of Jim Falls, Wisconsin, crossing the finish line in two hours and one minute. “This is my first experience up here in Gwinn, and it was great,” said Hayes, “and the trails were challenging but fast.”
The Jack Pine 30 race builds off of the support from surrounding communities, making the smallest race that much bigger. “We all stick together,” said Alexis Weedin, a musher for Spirit Dream Racing, “this race wouldn’t be possible without these volunteers.”
Hundreds were in attendance on Saturday morning, adding to all the excitement for the teams and their dogs.
For more details on the UP200 races, go to their website.
