Hi Boys and Girls,

Last night was the awards banquet in Nome.  It was held at the Nome Recreation Center. The banquet is to congratulate all the finishers of this years race.  There are also awards given out.  This years awards are:

PenAir Spirit of Alaska Award– Presented to the first musher to Ruby. The award is usual given to the first musher to McGrath but due to the change in race route it was changed to Ruby for this race. This years winner is: Wade Marrs. He received a framed print by Iditarod artist Joh Van Zyle, and a $500 flight credit.

GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award– Presented to the first musher to reach the halfway checkpoint which this year was Huslia. This years winner is Mitch Seavey. He received $3,000 in gold nuggets and a commemorative trophy.

The Lakefront Anchorage First Musher to the Yukon Award: Presented to the first musher to reach the Yukon. For the 2017 race this was given at the Tanana Checkpoint. This years winner was Nicolas Petit. He received a 5 course gourmet dinner prepared at the checkpoint and $3500 in one dollar bills served on a commemorative gold pan.

Bristol Bay Native Corporation First Fish Award Presented to the first musher to reach Kaltag. This years winners is Mitch Seavey. He received a $2000 check and a certificate for 25 pounds of fresh Bristol Bay Salmon.

Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Gold Coast Award– Present to the first musher to reach the “Gold Coast” community of Unalakleet.  This years winner is Wade Marrs. He received $3500 in gold nuggets and a commemorative trophy.

Nome Kennel Club Fastest Time from Safety to Nome Award– Presented to the musher who has the fastest time from Safety to Nome. The winner of this award had to finish in the top 20. This years winner is Nicolas Petit with a time of 2 hours and 27 minutes. He received a $500 check and a commemorative trophy.

Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Official Truck Award This award is presented to the Iditarod Chammpion. This year winner is Mitch Seavey. He received a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4 valued at $40,000

Matson Most Improved Musher Award– Presented to the musher who has bettered his/her most recent finish by the most number of places. This years winner is Ryan Redington who improved by 22 places. He received a $2,000 check and a commemorative trophy.

Jerry Austin Rookie of the Year Award– Presented to the top place rookie.  This rookie could not of ever started the race before this year.  This years winner is Sebastian Vergnaud. He received a $2,000 check and a commemorative trophy.

Sportsmanship Award– Presented to the musher demonstrating sportsmanship. Mushers vote on this award.  This years winner is Allen Moore. He received a $3,000 check and a commemorative trophy.

Most Inspirational Musher Award– Presented to the musher chosen by his or her peers who was the most inspirational on the trail.  This years winner is Jessie Royer. She receives her entry fee for the 2018 Iditarod

Northern Air Cargo Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award– Presented to the musher chosen by staff and officials as the person who most closely mimics Herbie  in his/her attitude on the trail. This years winner is Michelle Phillips. She Received $1049 in “pocket change” inside a Northern Air Cargo jacket.

Golden Clipboard Award– Presented by race officials to the most outstanding checkpoint. The award is chosen by the competing mushers. This years winner is the community of Manley. The checkpoint receives a commemorative plaque

Alaska Airlines Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award– Presented to a musher that demonstrates outstanding dog carewhile remaining competitive throughout the race. The winner is choses by the veterinary team. This years winner is Jessie Royer. She received two round trip tickets and a commemorative trophy.

City of Nome Lolly Medley Golden Harness Award Winner– Presented to an outstanding lead dog, chosen by the mushers.  This years winner is Pilot, Mitch Seaveys lead dog. He received an embroidered gold-colored harness

Wells Fargo Red Lantern– Presented to the last musher to finish the race.  This years winner is: Cindy Abbott. She received the Red Lantern Trophy.

Wow, that’s impressive.  Congratulations again to all the finishers and to all the winners.  Hope to see everyone back next year.

Watch for posts from Zuma, Libby, Sanka and myself throughout the year.

Until our trails meet,

Gypsy