A sled dog team takes off at the starting line of the UP200 Friday night in downtown Marquette. (Photo courtesy of Isaac Ludke)

MARQUETTE — People lined Washington Street in droves Friday night to spectate the start line of the UP200 and Midnight Run races.

“I’ve wanted to come to this for 100 years,” said Kristina Nestead of North Manistique Lake. “Now we’re finally here, and it’s so exciting.” Her brother, Thom Freeman, traveled all the way from Mexico for the event.

Many of the spectators were families with children, who arrived early to meet the dogs and their mushers.

Georgia of Pataskala Ohio travelled with her siblings and parents to see the race. She’s most excited “to see the dogs,” she said. She has two dogs at home.

Alongside the spectators were hundreds of volunteers, who worked together to make sure the event could run successfully.

“This is a really fun event,” said Carley Maankia of Marquette, who was volunteering as a bag checker. “It’s beautiful weather, the dogs are able to run and have fun, and the community really comes out and supports it. You’ve gotta find something that keeps you warm and happy in the winter. This is definitely that for me.”

Several familiar faces spoke at the start line, including state Rep. Karl Bohnak, U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman and Northern Michigan University President Chris Olsen. Several representatives from the UP200 also spoke.

“We have the sled dog mushers, we have our volunteers, and then we have our sponsors, and all of those people work in unison to make this all happen,” said Ross Anthony, president of the board of the UP200. “You guys drive that, so thank you.”

As usual, the mushers left the gate to the sound of thousands of people counting down from ten, as well as to the sound of many happy dogs.

The Midnight Run mushers should arrive at the Ojibwa Casino finish line this morning to early afternoon. The UP200 mushers should arrive there Sunday morning to early afternoon. Those interested in viewing the finish line can keep track of their favorite mushers at up200.org/live-tracking.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.