The Jr. Iditarod concluded last night with a wonderful banquet celebrating the teenage mushers who competed in the race. It was also a time to recognize the Honorary Musher.  This was an emotional, heartbreaking moment; one that I feel lucky to have been in the room to witness.

Tuesday March 13, 2007 —- Lance Mackey, the 2007 Iditarod champion arrives in Nome pointing at his lucky number 13 bib. Photo Credit: Jeff Schultz

Honorary Musher? What’s that? The Honorary musher is a symbolic designation given to an individual who made a significant contribution to furthering the legacy of the race. Each year bib #1, in both the Jr. Iditarod and Iditarod, is reserved for the Honorary Musher, and the competitive field starts with bib #2.  The first sled out of the start at the Jr. Iditarod and the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod is the honorary musher, or their representative. This year both races are honoring legendary musher Lance Mackey, who passed away in September from cancer.

Dick Mackey at the start of the 2023 Jr. Iditarod, representing the Honorary Musher, his son Lance, by wearing bib #1. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

Lance was a Jr. Iditarod musher for four years, a 16 time Iditarod finisher, and 4 time champion – 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. His representative at the Jr. Iditarod start was his father, Dick Mackey an 8 time Iditarod veteran, including the inaugural 1973 race, and champion of the 1978 Iditarod. Earlier this week I posted about the past colliding with the future. This was evident at the start as Dick Mackey, 90, stood next to the teens at the start wearing bib #1.  He is a true legend of the sport, representing his son, another mushing legend, at an event that supports the youngest, brightest mushing stars of tomorrow.  

Barb Redington presenting Dick Mackey an original Jon Van Zyle artwork in honor of his son Lance. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

Thirty-six hours later I stood in the buffet line at the Jr. Iditarod banquet making small talk with the couple behind me, who just happened to be the daughter of Dick Mackey and her husband. Once I regained my composure we chatted about her brother Lance, and they shared humorous anecdotes and stories. They were lovely, generous, and kind. I was so grateful for their time. Later in the evening I heard my name called, and I was waved over to meet Dick Mackey – his daughter thought we should talk. I spent the next 10 minutes chatting with Dick Mackey!!! I was completely star-struck and in total awe of this absolute legend who turns out is one of the nicest, humblest people I’ve met.  Talk about a dream come true for an Iditarod fan like me!

Dick Mackey speaking to the crowd at the Jr. Iditarod banquet. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

Then came the awards. Barb Redington, host for the evening, gave a lovely speech about Lance and his long connection with the Jr. Iditarod and then asked Dick to speak. Within the first sentence or two, thanking the Jr. Iditarod for honoring Lance in this way, Dick began to get choked up. He needed to pause and collect himself before proceeding with his remarks. It was a display of emotion, genuine and deep; a bereaved father touched by the show of support from this community. Dick shared remarks about the Jr. mushers and their contribution to the legacy of dogsled mushing. He recalled that Lance had a special connection to his dogs, more than anyone he’s every known. His voice rang with the pride of a parent. It was a powerful reminder that Iditarod lost a legend this year, and an Iditarod legend lost his son.  I was so grateful to be at this event, to hear the crowd honor Lance, and Dick Mackey, with their applause and standing ovation, and to hear about Lance from those who knew him best.  

Library Learning: The IditarodEDU conference starts tomorrow!  I’m looking forward to hearing from guest speakers and meeting other like-minded educators who love teaching with Iditarod!

QUESTION: One of our presenters tomorrow is 2015 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail Erin Montgomery, who coordinates a podcast all about Iditarod. What is that podcast called? Click the link HERE to find out how to listen! 

ANSWER for Feb. 27: The 2023 Iditarod logo has a musher in the center wearing bib #13 –  the bib number that Dick Mackey wore in 1978 when he won the Iditarod on his 6th attempt.  It is the bib number that his oldest son Rick wore in 1983 when he won, on his 6th attempt.  And it is the bib number that Lance Mackey wore in 2007 when he won, on his 6th attempt.  Thirteen is definitely a lucky number for this family and the inclusion in this year’s logo is the perfect way to commemorate Honorary Musher Lance Mackey.