News and Information

Eye on the Trail: New Twist for an Old Tradition

Maggie Hamilton, 2025 Teacher on the Trail, met up with Kate Newmyer, 2024 Teacher on the Trail, at Space Center Houston.  Topping their list of things to do that day was passing the Teacher on the Trail sleeping bag.  With mock shuttle Independence and shuttle carrier aircraft, NASA 905 in the back ground, Kate launched …

Eye on the Trail: Chapter 53!

Officially the first paragraphs  of the 53rd chapter of Iditarod were penned on Saturday, June 29th at Iditarod Headquarters during the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic and Musher Signup event.  It was a sunny, blue-bird day in Wasilla – perfect for honoring the volunteers who make the race possible and welcoming the next field of racers. Jr. …

Eye on the Trail: They Thrive in Frigid Weather

Sled dogs thrive in frigid conditions!  These working dogs are well equipped for their purpose – running and pulling.  Think of it from the language of the automotive world.  Make, Model, Interior Features, Exterior Features and Accessories. Make is the Sled Dog.  Model is the Alaskan Husky or the Siberian Husky as they are the …

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: Telephoto Story in Koyuk

Gourmet Chef Ryan Redington is observed by school children as he prepares a meal for his dogs.   Checkpoint volunteer in Koyuk wears bunny boots and beaver mitts while working in Koyuk.            

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – Unalakleet

  No more than three (3) sleds can be used by a musher during the race after the re-start.  No more that two (2) sleds can be shipped beyond the restart. (Rule 15 of the Official Race Rules)   The wind chargers stand like sentinels near the village of Unalakleet.  The turbines suppliment diesel generated …

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – Talking to Kids

Talking with the village residents makes the tail experience for Iditarod personnel meaningful and memorable.

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – ICE = H2O

Eddie Burke, Jr. shipped ice out to checkpoints to melt for water instead of snow.  Ice is more dense than snow and quicker to convert to the quantity of water needed for feeding dogs.  

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – Jed Stephensen

Siri Raitto has captured another classic full team profile, this one is of Jed Stephensen Leaving McGrath.

Eye on the Trail: Telephoto Story – Thursday

Three sled dogs share an Island of Straw at McGrath Checkpoint.   Rookie Bridgett Watkins arrives in Takotna where she’ll take her 24-hour layover.   Snow depth in Takotna measured by the height of a vehicle of unknown make and model.