Chuck Schaeffer

He’s been a rookie three times but today, the third time proved to be a charm.  Chuck Schaeffer earned the title of Iditarod Veteran.  He’ll wear the coveted finisher’s belt buckle with pride.  Chuck was born and raised in Kotzebue.  Not long ago the Schaeffers decided to move to Willow, Alaska.  The family has been working on rebuilding their kennel to have enough dogs to run some races.  Check attempted Iditarod in 1985 and agin in1991.  He was confident when he signed up for the 2015 race that he was ready to finish.  Chuck claimed  51st place with a time of 12 days 4 hours and 24 minutes.  His time from Safety to Nome was 2 hour 49 minutes.

At the finish, Schaeffer was treated to an extra special celebration which I’m quite sure was a surprise.  The Nome – St. Lawrence Drummers were on hand at the Burled Arch, drumming, singing and dancing.  The appearance of the drum group was a very special cultural celebration for Schaeffer and race fans.

Nome – St Lawrence Drummers