Next to the checker and vet team that would greet Zirkle stood PenAir Excutive, Danny Seybert holding the coveted Spirit Mask that’s presented to the first musher to McGrath. PenAir has presented the award since the mid 90’s. He confirmed that Aliy is the first woman to earn the award.

The spirit mask was created by Bristol Bay artist, Orville Lund. Seybert explained that every being has a spirit. In Iditarod, the spirit of the musher and the spirit of the dog is joined as one. The icon created by Lund for the mask depicts the blending of the spirits. It is a beautiful delicate piece of art that will be transported to Nome by Seybert and presented to Zirkle again at the Finisher’s Banquet.