Canine stars of the UP200 dog sled race undergo veterinary checks Friday morning at Riverside Auto in Marquette. (Journal photo by Jessica Potila)

MARQUETTE — The stars of the UP200 made a public appearance on the red carpet, or in the case of sled dogs, on the white carpet that was the snow covered parking lot at Riverside Auto in Marquette Friday morning for veterinarian checks.

An audience of mushing enthusiasts, dog adorers and curious area residents watched as a team of volunteer veterinary medical specialists examined the canine athletes for their fitness to run in the 228-mile race.

Meanwhile, human members of the dog teams looked on with the pride and anticipation of new parents at a pediatrician’s office.

“I don’t have kids, so these are my surrogate kids,” UP200 musher Mary Manning said of her Alaskan huskies.

The Minnesota musher explained why she enjoys the cold-weather sport of dog sled racing.

“I like spending time outside with the dogs and watching them learn and achieve, and once we get on the trail it’s quiet and peaceful.

“It’s fun,” she said, before adding jokingly, “and a good way to blow all my money.”

UP200 veterinarian Dr. Jean Wilcox of Gwinn Sawyer Veterinary Clinic said the first team of dogs she examined Friday morning were in tip-top racing shape.

“Their heart rates were wonderful. Their body conditions were perfect, right where we want them to be,” she said.

Wilcox said temperatures in the mid-teens forecast for the event seemed to be just right as well.

“It’s beautiful for the dogs especially when they start running, because they work hard,” she said. “The dogs thrive on cold weather.”

Eighteen UP200 dog teams were registered to take off from Washington Street in downtown Marquette Friday evening.

“It’s a safe number. They’re probably not going to have lots of conflicts on the trails trying to pass each other and stuff. It’s a nice number,” Wilcox said.