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Citing unsafe trail conditions caused by warm weather and lack of snow, organizers of the CopperDog 150 have canceled the four races planned for this year’s event.
The CopperDog 150, CopperDog 80, CopperDog 30 and CopperDog 15 were to have been held the first weekend in March.
Weather-related trail conditions have forced route modifications in the past, but this is the first time in the event’s 15-year history that races have been called off.
Poor conditions also forced cancellation of the Upper Peninsula’s other two major sled dog races – the Tahquamenon Country Race, and the U.P. 200.
Organizers say other events planned for this year’s CopperDog weekend will continue. They include a street party and fireworks in downtown Calumet Friday, March 1st; the new CopperPull events on Saturday; and other festivities.
Here is the full statement from the CopperDog 150 Committee:
Because of how this Winter has played out, and because of current (and forecasted) trail conditions, and because ‘healthy happy dogs’ runs through our blood, the 2024 CopperDog will have some major modifications to the weekend of March 1st, 2nd, & 3rd.
While the CopperPull and CopperDash are still a go, the CopperDog 150, CopperDog 80, CopperDog 30, and CopperDog 15 have been cancelled.
It is not the kind of news we wanted to share but right decisions in regard to safety will always be our number one priority. And of all the factors there were in the balance, the dogs were what made us make this decision at this time. In the simplest of words; we will not ever put any of these super athletes in a position where there is great chance of injury. No ifs, ends, or buts.
Fear not however, the weekend will still have lots going on!
We are having a street party with music, food, and fireworks. We are having kids’ sled dog rides. We are having a mushing-related movie at the Calumet Theatre. We are having the Crafty Dog Vendor Fair at the Copper Country #404 Elks Lodge. And we are even having a fundraiser dinner at the Keweenaw Heritage Center! A detailed schedule will be made available by the end of the week.
Mushers, sponsors, and volunteers will all be contacted in the next few days in regard to what’s next.
Join us, and let’s make some lemonade!! And thanks for understanding; we tried. We really did…
