UP200 Races Through Northern Michigan
13 Finishers and More than 100 Dogs Participated
Last year it was unseasonably warm weather. In 2023, it was COVID. The UP200 sled dog race was canceled both years.
(alt text: sled dogs racing through winter terrain; photo courtesy Michael Ruble, used with permission)
2025 UP200 Sled Dog Race
But in 2025, there was nothing stopping the 13 finishers and 111 dogs participating in the UP200.
The racers traveled from Marquette to Grand Marais, Michigan. The race covers challenging terrain like creeks, hills, deep snow and remote trails.
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Who Won the 2025 UP200?
Martin Massicotte won the event with a finish time of 12:55:26, and a total run time of 25:19:26. Times ranged up to a total race time of 33:09:15 on the course. Massicotte is from St-Tite, Quebec, Canada. He started racing as a teenager. He says he likes dog sledding to be in nature, listen to his dogs and be a team with them.
The 13 casino finishers (218 miles total) are:
Martin Massicotte
Erin Aili
Erin Altemus
Remy Leduc
Mary Manning
Jaye Foucher
Nathan Shroeder
Talia Martens
Kristen McCarty
Amy Dionne
Ward Wallin
Benjamin Amat
David Burge
Congratulations to all.
(alt text: people cheering at a race finish line; photo courtesy Michael Ruble, used with permission)
Spectators cheer on finishers at the UP200.
About the Race
NMU sponsors the race, and finishers collect prize money.
There are checkpoints and mandatory rest times. Handlers, care providers and veterinarians assist and help with strategy on the course.
When I think of sled dog racing, I think of Alaska and the Iditarod. Actually, the UP200 is an Iditarod qualifier.
Northern Michigan winter terrain
(alt text: trees and creek covered in snow; photo courtesy Michael Ruble, used with permission)
Sled Dog Rides in Michigan
My next thought is - Can I try it? - I used to love sledding at the Union High School hill and Richmond hill (You West Siders know what I’m talking about), and I skied when I lived in Northern Michigan, so I’d probably like this, too.
Yes, you can go for a sled dog ride in Michigan. Otter River Sled Dog Training and Wilderness Center in Tapiloa, MI offers rides. Tom and Sally Bauer run the center. They offer a range of tours, with discounts for seniors and young children. It looks like most anyone can go for a ride.
Another place where you can go for a sled dog ride is Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Adventures in McMillan, Michigan.
Here’s a list of Michigan sled dog companies and organizations from michigan.org.
If I missed your organization, feel free to add it in the comments.
Have you been for a sled dog ride? What are your favorite winter sports?