Ready, set, go, Michigan!
They’re off to the races at the UP200 night race that started in Marquette, MI.
Thousands enjoy storied UP200 sled dog race
Feb. 19, 2025
Ready, set, go, Michigan!
That’s exactly what thousands of Michiganders and others did in their quest to enjoy the annual UP200.
With snow painting, silent auctions, ice skating, cardboard sled riding, raffles, chili dogs, and pizza, spectators didn’t lack for food or activities at the Feb. 13-16 event.
The main attraction, though, was the iconic 228-mile UP200 race that crosses hilly terrain and creeks, typically covered in deep snow.
Enbridge’s Anna Mooney with her daughters Margaret and Elizabeth.
Launched in 1990 by the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association, the UP200 race now extends from Marquette to Grand Marais, with teams returning to Marquette.
The event provides opportunity for experienced mushers and their 12-dog teams to display their technical prowess while showcasing the tradition of dog sledding.
The event’s popularity has increased enough that organizers expanded the size of the Mush Bus, which takes guests from Marquette to Grand Maris.
“The UP200 is tremendous fun and a major attraction,” said Lauren Brown, Enbridge community engagement advisor, Michigan native and resident.
“It also is a vital economic driver that helps sustain area businesses, especially through the winter months, as they provide food and accommodations for visitors.”
Race has rich tradition, encourages sense of community
Additionally, the event is a qualifier for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a long-distance sled-dog race in Alaska at the beginning of each March.
Enbridge’s Lauren Brown speaks at the podium, flanked by UP200 race emcees Freda Warra and Walt Lindala.
“The race is a tremendous display of partnerships and camaraderie,” said Brown. “We are a proud sponsor of this event—the sense of community here is palpable and a big part of the allure.”
In addition to Brown, several other Enbridge team members attended race-related events, including Kate Houchard, Mike Moeller, Anna Mooney, Mark Pontti and Ryan Duffy.
Marquette-based Northern Michigan University was the event’s lead sponsor. Other sponsors included Eagle Mine/Lundin Mining, Homeward Health, Nicolet National Bank, Meijer, Travel Marquette, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Pure Michigan, Marquette Downtown Development Authority and Enbridge.
Checker Transport of Marquette helped make the Mush Bus possible.
“The UP200 race is an event that reminds us of the rich Michigan traditions that we share and enjoy with our families and community,” said Brown.
“I look forward to it each year.”
To view the results of the 2025 UP200, click here.
From left, Anna Mooney, Enbridge ambassador Mark Pontti and Lauren Brown.
