Gabi Kautz, communications and marketing assistant, GINCC

Here Come the Dog Days of Fall!

Not “dog days” as in hottest of the season, we’re talking actual dogs here! Greater Ishpeming Negaunee Chamber of Commerce member U.P. Sled Dog Association is bringing the UP200 Dryland Dash to the Negaunee Township Hall on Oct. 13 and 14.

This is the second time the event will be held Negaunee, and the third time it will be held in Marquette County.

This is a fun and unique opportunity to see the sled dogs and drivers race without snow. There are 1- and 2-mile races, which begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You will see their equipment, dogs in training, and you can even bring your own dog to try! The featured classes include: six- and four-dog rig, one- and two-dog bikejor, and one- and two-dog canicross. There is a $2,000 purse and the winner will be determined by combining the times over the two days.

If you want to participate, but have limited or no experience, no worries! There will be an opportunity for you to try your own dog on a one-day, 1-mile, one-dog bikejor or canicross. This particular Fun Run will be offered at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13. There may be a limited number of harnesses, shock absorber lines and waist belts available for loan, however.

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter, another GINCC member, will receive a portion of the entry fees from both the UP200 Dryland Dash and the UP200 Fun Run! This money will assist in the ongoing fundraising for the construction of their beautiful new facility.

“The Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association’s purpose is to promote sled dog sports and educate the public about sled dog racing activities including care, training, recreational mushing, skijoring, canicross, and sled dog racing. UPSDA is incorporated as a non-profit under the laws of Michigan and has been promoting and organizing the UP200 for 30 years” — Tim Trowbridge, UP200 Dryland Dash and Fun Run Chairman.

They chose a beautiful area to hold this Dryland Dash and Fun Run, that’s for sure. Admissions and parking are free, so make a day of it! Enjoy a fall day of watching exciting sled dog races, and then hit up the town for some lunch or dinner.

For entry information and rules for these events, visit www.UP200.org.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Gabi Kautz is the communications & marketing assistant for GINCC. She currently resides in Ishpeming with her parents, Cathy and Claude Kautz. She enjoys traveling, yoga and photography.