Copper Dog 150’s 15th run is about a month away. Organizers have several plans for this year’s race including additional events and a return to Calumet for the finish of the 150. Race Director Kelly Probst says that so far more than 80 teams have registered for the Copper Dog’s four races.
“So for our 15th year, we are returning to Calumet for the first time since COVID, which is a big deal because we have our Saturday event. We have four races in three days, 83 mushers, so it’s our biggest event yet.” – Kelly Probst, Race Director, 2024 CopperDog 150
Each year Copper Dog sees the return of many familiar faces in groups of spectators, and volunteers. But the big focus on returners is on the teams on the trails. Year after year the race attracts new teams hoping to claim the Copper Dog crown. But there are plenty of tough returning teams to move past first.
“So we have a lot of returning teams every single year. We have 83 teams registered right now. I believe there are only two spaces left in the CopperDog 80. So hopefully that’s going to fill, and we’re going to have a full race docket, which will be the first time, I think.” – Kelly Probst, Race Director, 2024 CopperDog 150
This winter has been hard on the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog circuit. January’s snow didn’t come in time for the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog race to run. And the recent warm-up deteriorated trails too much for the UP 200 to go. So Copper Dog’s organizers will have to do a few Heikki Lunta dances ahead of March 1-3rd. Volunteers, teams, or sponsors interested in getting involved with the Copper Dog 150 can find more race details and information online. Check out the Copper Dog 150 Facebook to stay up to date on race details.