Author: Terrie Hanke (854 posts)


Eye on the Trail: Siri Pics Ceremonial Start

One of the broadcast announcers said, “I’ve never had to dress this warm for the start of the race.”  Indeed, it was one of the chillier ceremonial starts in recent history – chilly for humans but the mid-teen temperatures suited the dogs just fine.  Enjoy a few of Siri Raitto’s photos from the start in …

Eye on the Trail: While you Slept..

While you slept, Fourth Avenue and Cordova Street in downtown Anchorage were transformed from blacktop roadway to snow covered trail.  Friday night is when the trail through downtown Anchorage literally materializes before your eyes.  The City of Anchorage has been stockpiling snow for the whole winter to build trail for the Fur Rondy and Iditarod.  …

Eye on the Trail: Rookie Review Pt. 4

Mushers drew from the mukluk held by Race Director, Mark Nordman, at the banquet to determine start order on Thursday evening at the musher banquet held at the Dena’ina Center in downtown Anchorage.   Anna Berington reached into the mukluk and pulled number 2.  She’ll lead the way for all into Iditarod 52.  Wally Robinson from …

Eye on the Trail: Rookie Review Pt. 3

Thursday night of race week is the Musher Meet and Greet  then Banquet and Bib Draw at the Dena’ina Center in downtown Anchorage.  Mushers, sponsors, family, friends and race fans will gather to chat with a favorite musher, collect autographs and celebrate the start of Iditarod LII.  It’s a gala event with a fine meal …

Eye on the Trail: Rookie Review Pt. 2

With only a few days before the race, mushers are ready and their teams are finely tuned for the 1,000 run to Nome.  On Wednesday of race week, mushers convene at Iditarod headquarters in Wasilla for Vet check unless their dogs have been certified by their own veterinarian.  Previously all dogs have had blood work …

Eye on the Trail: Rookie Review Pt. 1

There are 16 rookies entered in the 52nd Iditarod.  Fourteen are true rookies – first timers on the trail and two have attempted Iditarod in previous years but scratched short of the burled arch.  Ten of the rookies are from the state of Alaska, four are from the lower 48 and two are from foreign …

Eye on the Jr: Photos from the Trail

When the trail leaves the road, we are fortunate to have enthusiastic photographers to get on snowmachines and bring the Jr. Iditarod to fans, family and friends.  Sharing a few of the stellar images captured by Whitney McLaren and Julia Redington during the 2024 Jr Iditarod.  Take time to notice every detail, feel the early …

Eye on the Jr: Awards and More

Recognition, stories, prizes and honors are all a part of the Sunday evening Jr. Iditarod Awards Banquet. Family, friends, fans and supporters of the Jr Iditarod gathered at Redington High School to enjoy camaraderie and a meal catered by Fish On Camp Grill.  Salmon was on the menu. Each year the prize committee gathers amazing …

Eye on the Jr: 2024 Jr. Iditarod Has a Champion!

Emily Robinson, age 16 from Nenana, Alaska, has claimed her third consecutive Jr. Iditarod Championship! Call it hat trick or three-peat, it puts her in an elite class of Jr. Iditarod mushers as there is only one other musher to claim three consecutive victories.  Tim Osmar claimed his three-peat in 1982, 83 & 84.  In 2022, …

Eye on the Jr: 47th Jr. Iditarod Underway

The 47th Jr. Iditarod is underway.  Twenty-one mushers are on the trail heading to the half-way checkpoint at Yentna Station on the big bend of the Yentna River.  The checkpoint is hosted by the Gabryszaks at their wilderness roadhouse/lodge.  Mushers will camp with their dogs along the banks of the Yentna River, serving the required …