There is nothing quite like the feel of the chute on race day. The atmosphere at 4th and D Street in downtown Anchorage is that of pure excitement, promise and hope, especially this year. 

2022 is the 50th anniversary of the Last Great Race. It is honoring the history of the last half century of racing dogs down the Iditarod Trail to Nome. What makes it even more special this year, is that last year audiences were few and far between as we were in the throws of a global pandemic. There was not even a Ceremonial Start in Anchorage last year. This year, with the pandemic becoming more stable, people are looking for an excuse to celebrate. That is exactly what Saturday looked like; a long awaited celebration. 

The race was led by bib #1, which is reserved annually for the honorary musher for that year. In 2022, the honorary musher is none other than Joe Redington Sr., the “Father of the Iditarod” himself. In a beautiful display of friendship and symbolism, this year’s Junior Iditarod champion, Emily Robinson chose to ride with a fellow Junior Iditarod musher and the great granddaughter of Joe himself, Ellen Redington. Emily was driving the sled with Stanley Robinson in the basket, while Ellen rode on the runners of the trail sled dawning bib #1, just like Joe Sr. would have wanted it. It is a perfect illustration of the bond between mushers young and old, and of the next generation honoring and paying tribute to the past. Simply spectacular.

Redington & Robinson at the Ceremonial Start. Photo Credit: Walter Robinson

There were so many celebrations to be had today. Deke Naaktgeboren’s son Nolan was out supporting his dad and testing out the runners before the start. The Failor’s were both ready to start the run to Nome again this year with Matthew racing and Liz reporting. Both Katti Jo and Jeff Deeter were ready to hit the trail as a family with one final kiss before today’s start. And Martin Buser talked about the significance of drawing bib #38, saying he won the Iditarod at age 38, he has finished all 38 Iditarods he has participated in, and he has been married to his wife, Kathy, for a wonderful 38 years. The consistent thing that was seen throughout the day were big smiling faces. It was evident that everyone had been looking forward to this for some time.

A final milestone that was recognized during the Ceremonial Start belonged to the K9 Rangers of Denali National Park. This year marks the 100th anniversary of dog teams being used there. In 1922, the park obtained their first team of sled dogs to help patrol the park in winter. Now their duties have expanded to include hauling supplies, travel, and assisting in scientific endeavors. Today, the park has 31 working dogs in their kennel, and representing them here in Anchorage was an 8 dog team consisting of Jewel, Topo, Party, Cupcake, Venture, Happy, Clove, and Throne. This team was the first to leave the chute, just ahead of Bib #1.

In all, today was a great celebration for everyone. Dog mushing is the state sport of Alaska. And today these athletes and symbols of the 49th state were on full display in a quintessential example of this great state’s sport. 50 years of Iditarod, and 100 years of K9 Rangers; it doesn’t get much better than that.

Martin Buser’s team. Photo Credit: Erin Montgomery

Teachers: Have your class do some research to find out your state sport. What other things are out there that represent your state?