CopperDog Sled Dog Race Approaches

The CopperDog 150 is the Keweenaw’s signature dogsled race, and one of the premiere events in the Midwest.

With the start of the race only a few days away, final preparations are being made.

Race Director Jeff Foss says the CopperDog really sets itself apart from other races, partly because of their format.  “We are a stage race,” said Foss.  “Most of the other races around—Tahquamenon’s a day race, the UP 200 is more of a distance race, the Beargrease is a distance race—but we’re a three day stage race and that’s very unique. I think we’re the only stage race in the Midwest and it kind of mimics the StageSstop out of Wyoming.”

The race begins Friday in Calumet with the downtown start on 5th street, which has become a favorite of the fans.  Foss said, “It’s a great show! 5th Street is lined full of speakers and we turn it up and make it loud. Each musher has their own theme music, basically, they start with and you get all geared up and they crank it up and the mushers go. Thousands of people are lining that street. It’s amazing!”

Both the 3-stage CopperDog 150 and the 2-stage CopperDog 80 begin in Calumet on Friday night and return to the starting point on Sunday.