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Dryland Dash offers sled dog fun in Negaunee Township this weekend

Savannah Schallock, of Straford, Wis., and her dogs make their way through the shoot at the start of the Adult Rig 4-dog race at a past U.P. 200 Dryland Dash at the Marquette County Fairgrounds. This year’s event will be Saturday and Sunday at the Negaunee Township Park. (Journal file photo by Elizabeth Bailey)

MARQUETTE — Have you ever wondered when and how sled dogs practice when there is no snow?

Most people have heard of the U.P. 200 Sled Dog Races that take place every February in downtown Marquette. This Saturday and Sunday there is an opportunity to learn a little more about sled dog racing.

“We are looking forward to a beautiful trail. We use the ski trails at the Negaunee Township Park which means there are lots of nice turns and ups and downs. The trail is not boring at all for the drivers and dogs. It’s a fun trail,” said Tim Trowbridge U.P. 200 Dryland Dash chairman.

The 2019 U.P. 200 Dryland Dash and Fun Run is a family-friendly event that will be held at the Negaunee Township Park. This is the third year the U.P. 200 Dryland Dash has been held in Negaunee Township.

“This year there are a few more entries than last year with 47 total entries,” said Trowbridge.

The park will be filled with equipment, sled dogs and races starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout the two-day event there are different classes to race in such as 6- and 4-dog rig, 2-dog scooter, 1- and 2-dog bikejor, and 1- and 2-dog canicross.

“The canicross is when the driver or musher is attached to the dog and runs behind the dog on foot. It gives the dog and driver some good exercise experience as they run over the 1- or 2-mile course. The bikejor is when the dog pulls the driver behind on a bike,” explained Trowbridge. Over the two days racers times will be combined with the winner taking home $2,000.

The event also raises money for the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter as a portion of the entry fees will be donated to UPAWS. Around 2 p.m. on Saturday people who want to run or bikejor with their dog can participate in the Fun Run which is a 1-mile loop around the Negaunee Township Park. 50% of the $10 entry fee for the Fun Run will be donated to UPAWS.

For people with little to no experience, a limited number of harnesses, shock absorber lines, and waist belts may be available on a first-come, first-served basis for the Fun Run.

“The U.P. 200 Dryland Dash and Fun Run is a much faster race and more interesting for spectators than the winter races are,” Trowbridge said.

During the U.P. 200 there are bigger time gaps between the teams but with the Dryland Dash the teams are closer and faster.

“This is a great family activity and you can meet the mushers themselves and the dogs. People are free to roam around in the holding area and out on the trail and watch the teams go past,” Trowbridge said.

For more information about the 2019 U.P. 200 Dryland Dash and Fun Run check out their website http://www.up200.org/2019/09/coming-soon-up200-dryland-dash-fun-run/.

People may also contact Tim Trowbridge by phone at 920-323-7256 or email at tctrowbridge@charter.net for more information or to volunteer.

Amy Grigas can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243.

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