Communication is key when UP200 mushers race along a 228-mile track through the Upper Peninsula’s winter wilderness.

Their safety is in the hands of volunteers managing HAM radios to create a greater network for this weekend’s sledge dog races. About 60 operators, such as Steve Gingras, monitor about 15 road crossings across the rural U.P. He says a HAM radio hitting a repeater works best when dealing with poor cell service.

“That is a big radio, much more powerful than my handheld radio and rebroadcasts to a larger area, so you can still hear what’s going on and stay up-to-date with the race and what’s happening”

— Steve Gingras

Gingras’ information travelled from Saturday morning’s Midnight Run finish in Chocolay Township to the UP200 logistics centre based in Marquette. Centre and HAM Operators Coordinator Paul Racine says timing and location accuracy are key for such a competitive race.

“Calculate and forecast where the teams are going to be along the trail, so that we can get volunteers in position in time before the teams arrive”

— Paul Racine

Dependable communication also matters in case a musher is lost or needs emergency aid.

“In the past, teams have come up to me and thanked us for being out there by providing that communication, so that they can remain safe on the trail”

— Paul Racine

Both operators have spent decades developing their HAM radio hobby, and many volunteers brought their own equipment to use for the UP200. Using their passion for the community is another way to strengthen personal ties.

In a world of smartphones, Gingras says this radio provides an even more intimate connection with others.”

“I’ve met HAM radio operators that are hams, and they just like being hams,. Like, well, ‘We can talk through the radio some night,’ or why don’t I just call you on the phone or see you at work? So, for me, being a HAM radio operator, though, is being able to come to events and see people and help out.”

— Steve Gingras

They say when their radios buzz, you can count on them to answer.

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More Information - https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2026/02/14/ham-radio-operators-bridge-up200-communications/