The 2026 sled dog race season has generated excitement across the northern Great Lakes, with several races already underway.
This weekend, Marquette prepares for UP 200 teams traveling to town. In a couple more weeks, Calumet, Laurium and the Keweenaw Peninsula will welcome the sled dog community to the Copper Country.
The Copper Dog race relies heavily on volunteers who develop strong bonds while standing in the cold at road crossings or handling teams as they race into town. Krissy Tepsa with the Copper Dog board of directors said the event needs individuals and groups to register quickly, with less than 20 days remaining before race day and even less time until volunteer training begins. The Copper Dog needs close to 700 volunteers for the three-day race and other events. Volunteers can register as crossing guards, dog handlers, video camera operators and other positions.
Those interested in volunteering can find more information online. Contact Krissy Tepsa to learn more about becoming a crossing coordinator and other positions for the 2026 Copper Dog sled dog race.
The annual Copper Dog race will begin on February 27th with the race start and block party in Calumet. This year’s race ends in Laurium near the George Gipp Arena on March 1st. Throughout the weekend the race will host additional events such as the kids Copper Dash and the competition sanctioned CopperPull in Laurium.
