Top dogs: UP 200 nearing 40 years of mushing

Musher Erin Aili at finish line, courtesy of Chuck Marshall.

Iditarod qualifier is a Michigan tradition

March 4, 2026

The energy pulsated throughout the area as thousands braved the cold and filled the streets of downtown Marquette for one of Michigan’s premier wintertime traditions.

The Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association’s UP200 is one of the top 12-dog, mid-distance races in the Midwest and a qualifier for Alaska’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race held each March.

In its 36th year, the UP200 covers a trail that encompasses 228 miles of hills, wilderness and forested terrain.

Nearly 20 teams—some of which traveled more than 1,000 miles—navigated deep snow and often remote trails to compete in the Feb. 12-16 event.

Musher Erin Aili, 2nd place UP200 finisher, courtesy of Madison Acker (left). The Enbridge team: Paul Meneghini, Anna Mooney and Lauren Brown at the event (right).

Erin Aili, from Minnesota, carried an Enbridge banner on her sled and placed second in the race. Her team was led by Bubba, Drobo, Duker and Yoshi.

“Every time out on the trail is a new adventure,” said Aili. “It's great to be able to share time on the trails with the dogs.”

Aili has more than 25 years of racing experience, competing in races in Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

“The UP200 delivers winter tradition and powerful engagement to downtown Marquette,” said Lauren Brown, Enbridge senior community engagement advisor.

“Enbridge is proud to be among the sponsors of this event, which draws thousands of spectators from Michigan and elsewhere.”

 

“This gathering provides opportunity for us to embrace UP culture at a unique winter event.”

—Lauren Brown, Enbridge community engagement advisor

In addition to greeting mushers and their dog teams, race spectators could enjoy a variety of pre-race activities—ice skating, sledding, raffles, food, and music.

“The UP200 provides a fun, wonderful opportunity to connect,” said Brown, a Michigan native and resident.

“We extend appreciation to the race organizers, the other sponsors and Marquette-area organizations.”

More than 20 organizations joined Enbridge in sponsoring the UP200. Northern Michigan University was the lead sponsor.