Racers will tell you that the spirit of competition is always high on Ore to Shore weekend. In fact, there’s not a lot of things you can truly call “epic.”

The 23rd annual mountain bike endurance race, no doubt, is prepared to deliver on that promise on Saturday.

With six races, the event offers something for just about everyone. For the seasoned athletes, there’s the 48-Mile “Hard Rock.” For the youngest athletes, there’s the Littlest Rock and everywhere in between.

The Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic brings more than 2,500 racers to Marquette County every year.

But it also brings a spirit of cooperation.

This year, the city of Negaunee is allowing up to 200 race participants to camp at its new-and-improved Jackson Mine Park.

The temporary campground may not offer all the amenities of a hotel or short-term-rental with its 45 tent-only and five hammock camp sites, but its proximity to the starting line all but makes up for it.

Racers can get a two-night Ore to Shore Campground pass for $90 at oretoshore.com/campground.

Putting on an “epic” event like the Ore to Shore also requires a little help from everyone in Ishpeming, Negaunee and Marquette.

Race organizers are still looking for volunteers for all facets of the event.

There are opportunities for volunteers with all sorts of skill-sets to continue the race’s reputation for having outstanding community involvement year over year.

We join race organizers in thanking Northern Michigan University for being the 2022 Ore to Shore Race volunteer sponsor. It’s in that spirit of cooperation that we encourage residents to get involved in this one-of-a-kind event.

And we would be remiss if we did not extend some gratitude for the new volunteer database “Yoopers United,” provided by the United Way of Marquette County.

Anyone able to volunteer is asked to contact the Ore to Shore at oretoshore@gmail.com or call 906-869-4054. All race volunteers will receive a volunteer T-shirt.

Race weekend calls on Marquette County drivers to be a little extra vigilant and patient to keep everyone safe. Road closures, detours and even some traffic back-ups can be expected.

Whether you choose watch the race, volunteer or simply show a little extra patience during your weekend drive, we hope we can all be part of that spirit of cooperation that Yoopers have become known for across the state.