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The mushers are here, the dogs are raring to go, and there is plenty of snow.
So much snow that CopperDog 150 race officials were forced to alter the course a bit but downtown Calumet is cleared and ready for the start of Friday’s event.
Three races–the 3-stage CopperDog 150 along with the 2-stage CopperDog 80 and single stage CopperDog 25–will begin on the snow road on 5th Street.
Volunteer Coordinator Krissy Kovachich says the start of the race draws thousands of people into town. “That Friday night start is amazing—just the people around and the noise and the music and the dogs and just the excitement—it’s awesome,” said Kovachich.
There will be plenty of food, music, and Calumet’s downtown shops will be open.
Another thing there will be plenty of–dogs. So, please leave yours at home.
“Leave your dog at home,” said Race Director Jeff Foss. “Granted the dogs generally play well together but it’s distracting. Obviously, don’t throw hot dogs at them and leave your laser pointers at home. We don’t need to use those on Friday night.”
The sled dog teams will be out on the trails over the next three days and groups of volunteers will be helping them cross the roads. So whether you’re out snowmobiling or driving in your car, keep an eye out for some extra company.
Kovachich says the race wouldn’t be possible without the roughly 500 volunteers that come out to help. “They do dog handling and road crossing safety, they assist the veterinarians with their vet checks, help set up the snow road, the fencing, do stuff with the banners—they’re all over the place,” she said.
Pre-race activities will start around 6:20, with the first musher leaving the gate at 7:00. Listen for coverage all weekend on 97.7 The Wolf and KBear 102.3.
While the CopperDog 25 will end in Gay Friday night, both the teams in the CopperDog 150 and 80 will leave Copper Harbor on Sunday and return to Calumet with the first musher expected in the early afternoon.
For a complete schedule of events, go to https://www.copperdog150.com/
