• Wednesday-What'sUP February 23 - 09:01 pm

The Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30 were part of the UP 200 Dog Sled races held in the Marquette/Gwinn/Munising areas over the weekend. Aladino Mandoli was on hand at the starting line for the Midnight Run and snapped some photos to share with us, here today. I love how he captured the excitement of the teams and their mushers taking off at the beginning of the race, but my absolute favorite is the dog greeting his newest fan with a great big, sloppy, puppy kiss. Priceless photo op, for sure. For more information about the races, see: TV-6 or the Mining Journal.

Who says there's nothing to do in the winter, here UP North?

Those pics of the fan being greeting with that big sloppy kiss....how awesome! LOL Great shots!

Those sled dogs are powerful! Love those dog kisses!

Hi
That team that's mostly all-white is striking. Are they a particular breed?

I have watched sled dog races a few times, and I'm struck by how excited the dogs are. I've seen them bounce up and own in the traces while waiting for the start of the race, vocalizing at full tilt the whole time.

Wonderful pictures!

John Dee's weekly journal talked about a race coming to the Keweenaw early next month. I'm sure we'll see some pics of that soon as well.

Hmmm, Midnight Run--------looks like it is day
there at the starting line. Do they end up about
midnight?

What beautiful animals those dogs are! They are having a blast! Someone once told me "Dogs are good people" and I totally agree.

Yes, I love dogs, 2.

Beyond the action and obvious canine enthusiasm in the third picture, there was something else about it that really got my attention, and I finally figured it out. Those dogs aren't just jumping, they're taking off! #104's big white beard is pretty well hidden by the flaps on his musher's hat, but he's got the List in his pocket. And that red thing on the sled is a bag of iPads. Has everyone been good boys and girls lately?

Great shots, Aladino! Those dogs look like they're having a riot.

Great Pictures!

The UP 200 is a once in an awesome experience. I was there a couple of years ago and it was amazing. Midnight run takes off during the day, and the UP 200 starts in the evening around 7:00pm. They leave from downtown Marquette. EVERYONE is downtown to watch the race which increases the excitement. I plan on being there next year for sure.