UP200 Sled Dog Race Unites 800 Volunteers Across States

When Mari Vaydik fell in love with Michigan's UP200 sled dog race as a college student in the 1990s, she never imagined she'd one day help run it from 300 miles away.

Now living in Metro Detroit, Vaydik serves as the race's secretary, managing fundraising, social media, and communications remotely throughout the year. This week, she's back in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for the final preparations before Friday's race start.

"I love this so much, I travel up there every year, why am I not helping do it?" Vaydik said. Her commitment reflects a larger trend: the UP200 needs more than 800 volunteers annually to pull off the multi-day dog sledding event, and roughly 25% to 30% of them live outside the Upper Peninsula full-time.

UP200 Treasurer Darlene Walch says the out-of-region volunteers bring a valuable advantage. They return year after year to work the same positions, building expertise and reliability that makes the massive event run smoothly.

"They wouldn't come all the way up here if they didn't enjoy the work," Walch noted. Some volunteers travel from across Michigan and other states to staff remote road crossings along the M-28 highway, spending hours in isolated spots to ensure racer safety.

For Vaydik, the dogs initially drew her in, but something deeper keeps her connected. Working with the UP200 gives her a specific way to stay tied to Upper Peninsula culture and values, even while maintaining her downstate career and lifestyle.

The Ripple Effect

The UP200's volunteer network demonstrates how passion can transcend geography. What started as a regional sporting event has become a year-round community spanning state lines, connected by shared dedication to mushers, sled dogs, and winter tradition.

These volunteers don't just show up for race weekend. Many work remotely throughout the year, then take vacation time and drive hours to stand at frozen road crossings or manage logistics in small-town Michigan.

Their commitment creates something larger than a race. It builds bridges between urban and rural communities, introduces people nationwide to Upper Peninsula culture, and proves that meaningful connection doesn't require living in the same zip code.

While Vaydik jokes she can't call herself an honorary Yooper, being part of the UP200 team gives her the welcome she needs.