Mushers and sled dog teams from across the Midwest will race through Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula during the annual CopperDog sled dog races the first weekend in March. Hosted by CopperDog, Inc., a nonprofit based in Calumet, the event features three races: the CopperDog 150, CopperDog 80, and CopperDog 25.
Adam Johnson, a longtime volunteer and lead sponsor through his company Brockit Inc., describes the event with one word: sisu, a Finnish term meaning determination, grit, and perseverance. Sisu encapsulates the race’s spirit with over 15 years of tradition.
“This race brings together the spirit of the community and the beauty of the Keweenaw,” Johnson said. “It feels like a family reunion every time we get together. We come from all different backgrounds, all different cultures, and all have different jobs,” he described, but the Copperdog is what bonds them.
Johnson has been involved with the race since the very beginning, over 15 years now. The idea started with his musher friends. His company has played a major role in documenting the race through photography and videography. His documentary, “A CopperDog Film,” can be watched on Vimeo.
Since its founding in 2009, CopperDog has evolved from a single race to multiple categories, including an 80-mile and 25-mile race alongside the classic 150. The event continues to adapt, especially in response to climate change. Last year’s lower snowfall forced the race board to get creative with course adjustments, while other major Midwest races, like the UP200, have been canceled due to lack of snow for the past two years.
Another significant change is the increasing involvement of younger mushers and volunteers. While this shift brings fresh energy, Johnson noted the challenge of ensuring young people step into leadership roles to sustain the event long-term.
Through these changes, one thing remains constant: the passion for the sport and the dedication of the community. With Michigan Tech students encouraged to volunteer or attend, CopperDog remains a defining winter tradition in the Keweenaw.
For more information on volunteering or attending, visit www.copperdog.org or go to A CopperDog Film on Vimeo to watch Adam Jonson’s documentary on the event.
