Over the past 36 hours I have had the great privilege of watching some exceptional athletes perform at the top of their sport. I’m talking about the Jr. Iditarod mushers. Dogs are the key athletes in a race like this, but the mushers have to be physically conditioned and in peak shape to be able to manage this sport. They train with the dogs, cross train in the gym, and participate in other athletics. Like any sport there is a huge mental aspect to pushing through discomfort and pain – like a marathon runner, cyclist, or swimmer.

A Jr. Iditarod team arriving off the river at Yentna Roadhouse checkpoint – the halfway stop! Photo Credit: J. Westrich

As the mushers pulled into Yentna Roadhouse last night, anywhere from 8 to 13 hours after they left the start at Knik Lake, I could see the excitement in their faces at having reached the midway point. I could also see the toll; hours on a sled in the cold had physically and mentally drained them. Unlike a game that ends with the buzzer, this grueling test of athletic skill wasn’t even close to conclusion. They finished running for the day but now came the other very physical aspect of this sport – the dog care. They lugged straw and drop bags, built a bonfire, lit cookers to boil water, and prepped and distributed dog food. No rest for the weary, at least not until the dogs are taken care of. Of course then it was time to care for themselves as they camped outdoors overnight –  just to get up and mush another 75 miles back to the start. It was a feat that took both determination and true athleticism.

The four Jr. Mushers from Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, Alaska. Photo Credit: Gwen Holdmann

Many students are involved in athletic endeavors that aren’t recognized by their school.  The dancers, martial arts experts, and other alternative athletes never get that varsity letter or recognition from peers. They work hard at their sport, just like the school sponsored teams, but it goes unnoticed and unrecognized. It was gratifying to hear at the Start that four of the Jr. Iditarod mushers attend the same high school in Fairbanks, Alaska – and that their yearbook is planning to include a spread highlighting the achievement of running the Jr. Iditarod. It is exciting to see this challenging physical accomplishment recognized. Last fall I was gifted a varsity letter from my school district to wear on my coat here at the Iditarod. It is great branding, you can’t miss me in a crowd, and it’s clear what school I represent. It also honors this event as a sport and athletic contest worthy of respect.  As the Jr. Iditarod mushers grow-up I hope they will continue to be recognized for their ability to take risks, tackle challenging tasks, and persevere through hardships both on and off the trail.

Library Learnings: Ready to “sport” some cool Iditarod Gear?  Check out the online shop HERE to get swag that will let everyone know you are an Iditarod fan.

QUESTION: What is the significance of the musher bib number on the official 2023 Iditarod Logo? (Get it on a t-shirt, sweatshirt, hat, patch, pin, and sticker!)

ANSWER for Feb 25: IditaREAD!  It is a great way for students to track their reading progress, read more, and move down the Iditarod Trail just like the mushers – only with book power instead of dog power.