CopperDog 150 wraps up big weekend of racing

The final results for the 2014 CopperDog 150 have been announced.

After averaging speeds of 12.5 mph, Golton Kennels’ Jake Golton of L’Amable Ontario Canada took home first place and a cash prize of $6,300. Golton is no stranger to the winner’s circle. He won the 2014 Midnight Run in Marquette two weeks ago.

A second place purse of $4,800 went to Bath Racing Kennel’s Jerry Bath of Lander Wyoming.

Elevation Dogs’ Aaron Peck of Bezanson Alberta Canada finished in third place and received $3,600 for his efforts.

Ten Squared Racing’s Josh Compton of Two Harbors Minnesota rounded out the top four, winning a fourth place prize of $2,600.

Twenty-two mushers crossed the finish line out of the original pool of twenty-five. Each ten-dog team covered 150 miles in just three days.

ABC 10’s Keweenaw Bureau Reporter Sam Ali was at the finish line to talk this year’s winner.

The CopperDog 150 wrapped up yesterday and despite the temperatures dipping below zero, a great crowd showed up for the entire weekend.

Saturday featured a doghouse race where teams pulled their doghouse while one person rode on it. Needless to say, teamwork was a very important part of the competition. Many businesses were open and featured fun activities like face-painting. CopperWorld displayed all kinds of CopperDog gear from T-Shirts to Hoodies.

The crowd gathered around to watch the mushers cross the finish line. The winner was Jake Golton of L’Amable, Ontario, Canada, who said the conditions were great for the race.

“All in all, it was a fairly quick race. Hard, fast conditions. That’s what we like and what most mushers train for. It was perfect conditions for the race. It was a little cold but other than that,” Golton said.

Rounding out the top five were Josh Compton of Two Harbors, MN, Aaron Peck of Bezanson, Alberta, Cananda, last year’s winner Bruce Magnusson of Novi and JR Anderson from Cook, MN. Mushers from first place to tenth will split a $24,000 purse.

So when do plans begin for next year?

“Preparation for next year will start this spring. Training puppies and younger dogs for next year so they can have a shot at making this team,” said Golton.

And as for the dogs, it looks like some of them are relieved that it’s over.