Jr. Iditarod
The 40th Jr. Iditarod has its first entrants. The Jr. event began accepting registrations on the same day registration opened for Iditarod. At the end of the day, three junior mushers had indicated their intention to compete in the 150-mile race that begins on February 25, 2017. The first Jr. Musher to turn her registration in …
A wise but unknown person once said, “The thrill is not in winning but in the courage to join the race.” The Jr. Iditarod is the embodiment of that statement. The banquet is a celebration of success for these young mushers and it gives the community, race advocates, friends, fans and family an opportunity to …
There was less than two hours separating the first musher and the final musher coming into the half-way checkpoint at Yentna Station Roadhouse. Defending champion, Kevin Harper led the charge to Yentna arriving at 1641, five minutes ahead of Andrew Nolan. Rounding out the first trio of incoming mushers was Bailey Schaeffer. She arrived at …
Clear and cool, no wind, twenty-three degrees – it was absolutely perfect for the start of the Jr. Iditarod. The race start was moved from the traditional location on Knik Lake out to the Willow Community Center in search of snow. While not an abundance, it was certainly adequate. The ten top-notch teen mushers were …
The ever good natured and resourceful Stan Hecker has been named as the Jr. Iditarod Honorary Musher for the 39th running of the race. It was only by chance that Hecker came to Iditarod as a volunteer. He came to Alaska in March of 1999 to visit high school classmates. Those friends happened to live …
Ten Jr. Iditarod mushers drew their bib numbers on Friday evening at Iditarod Headquarters. The Juniors will take to the trail on February 27th from the Willow Community Center at 10:00. The teens, ages 14 – 17 will run 75 miles out to Yentna Station Roadhouse. The roadhouse, run by the Gabryszak family, has been …
Jr. Iditarod mushers brought their dogs to Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla for vet check on Friday morning. They were greeted by veterinarians Phil Meyer of Wasilla and Jayne Hempstead of Cantwell. Both vets have a long history with the Jr. Iditarod. Defending champion Kevin Harper arrived with a very healthy and energetic looking dog team. …
The Junior Iditarod mushers have all crossed the finish line at mile 132 of the Denali Highway. The race was moved north from Willow to Cantwell after conditions were deemed to icy to run the tradition round trip route to Yentna Station. The trail conditions were primo, temperatures comfortable and scenery was splendid including northern …
After landing in Anchorage early this week, the real deal of NO SNOW is staring me right in the face. There’s no snow! It’s been warm and it’s even rained so that lakes aren’t looking too solidly frozen either. Driving north to Wasilla doesn’t improve the situation. I even heard someone comment, “Our winter is …
Registration for the 2015 Junior Iditarod opened on the last Saturday of June at Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla. While adult mushers signed up for the 1,000 mile trip to Nome on one end of the table, teens between the ages of 14 and 17 signed up for the 150 mile round trip race on the …
