This is a word that I include in all of my presentations to classes throughout the country. It is an integral part of this great race, sport, and Alaskan lifestyle in general. It’s interesting though, when I talk to classes of all ages, it is very difficult for them to read this word. Some …
The dogs have long been considered the “real athletes” of the Iditarod and the focus of my students year in and year out. Every year my class asks me “Where can I find out more about the Dogs?” The first place I direct them is each of the mushers websites listed on the bio page …
After the news of yesterday, I received an outpouring of messages, well wishes, videos and support from teachers, students, mushers and fans across the country. I cannot tell you how much that all means to me. I continue to be asymptomatic this morning, and after another full day in isolation yesterday, I was again …
I think it’s safe to say that we all have experienced disappointment at some point in our lives, whether it was something that didn’t turn out the way we had planned, or even a missed opportunity. For me, disappointment is unfortunately an experience I have lived with this past week. You may have noticed that …
This year, being the 50th running of the Iditarod in itself has a very special meaning. It honors the dream Joe Redington Sr. had of saving the Alaskan sled dogs, and preserving the historic Iditarod Trail by getting it added to the National Registry of Historic Trails. So for the entire Redington family, and all …
The 50th running of the Iditarod is finally upon us. The mushers have all left the chute on Willow Lake, heading 1000 miles across the breathtaking landscape of Alaska. The teams this year will follow the Northern route going through the checkpoints of Cripple, Ruby, Galena and Nulato on their way to the Bering …
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 …
Friday started with a talk from some important people in the Iditarod organization. Rob Urbach, CEO of the Iditarod, started things off and spoke about the direction and future of Iditarod. He also talked about the Iditaread program and its importance, especially here in Alaska. Mark Nordman, long time Race Marshal, followed. He shared …
Today is a day that I will not soon forget. I got to meet the 2022 Winter Education Conference attendees, I spent a lot of time with former Teachers on the Trail™, and then I attended a special banquet for the “Old Iditarod Gang”. This event was geared to those who were involved in the …
Spencer Pape has been volunteering with Iditarod for 13 years now. As the lead member of the Iditarod Trail breaker team, he has the first eyes on the trail every year. He and the 5 other trail breakers head out on the trail weeks before the race comes through to make sure there is a …
