Preps underway for 4th annual CopperDog 150

Calumet, Michigan (October 31, 2012) — As winter winds sweep the Keweenaw Peninsula, mushers and their sled dogs are preparing for the 4th annual CopperDog 150 sled dog race, March 1-3, 2013. Registration for the 2013 race opened at 8 a.m. on September 17, and by 11:30 all race slots were taken, with nine teams on the waiting list. That the CopperDog 150 slots filled so rapidly in only its 4th year of operation is a testament to the race’s growing popularity with mushing enthusiasts.

As musher Ian MacKenzie of Ontario states, “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and this is the best-supported race I’ve ever been to, and that includes the Iditarod.”

Mushers from Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, Wyoming, Alaska and Canada are registered for the 2013 race. Besides professional mushers such as Bruce Magnusson and Maggie Heilmann, who have run the CopperDog 150 in previous years, and local favorites like Roy Bauer, Alaskan musher Ryan Redington has also registered for the race. Ryan’s grandfather, Joe Redington, is credited with starting the Iditarod, and the Redington family is known for their professional mushing.

The CopperDog event success is directly attributable to the strong support of sponsors and volunteers. Over 105 sponsors and 400 volunteers come together each winter to put on the “Super Bowl Weekend of the Keweenaw.” The CopperDog is a community labor of love, and it shows.

CopperDog has been successful by any measure, and organizers work hard to stay ahead of the curve. In August, CopperDog became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, CopperDog, Inc. As a non-profit, CopperDog, Inc. will continue to run both the CopperDog 150 and CopperDog 40 races, as well as focus on the enrichment, development, and vitality of local communities, natural resources and trails, educational opportunities, and activities that encourage national recognition for our region. CopperDog, Inc. remains an entirely volunteer organization with no paid staff, directors or board members.

“The future for CopperDog looks bright!” says Todd Brassard, Executive Director. “With organizational changes, the 150 filling to capacity in less than four hours, and the Redington name on the roster, we are heading into the 2013 race with unmatched enthusiasm.”

For more information about CopperDog, please visit www.copperdog150.com or facebook.com/copperdog150.