HAVE YOU HEARD _ The Ceremonial Start is a festive event that kicks off the race in downtown Anchorage. While the official re-start is two days later in Fairbanks, the Ceremonial Start gives spectators the chance to enjoy the excitement of seeing mushers and their dogs run through the streets of Anchorage. The atmosphere of the Ceremonial Start is fun and relaxed. Some mushers dress in costumes or decorate their sleds, but the vibe will be different at the re-start on Monday.
In the streets leading up to the starting line, mushers and their teams are parked along the streets in the order of their bib numbers. Mushers and their friends, family, or dog handlers will work together to get the sleds and the dogs ready. A fence separates the road and the sidewalk, but many of the mushers will make a point to talk with spectators. The dogs understand that they are getting ready for a race given the surroundings. Some dogs are quiet, some barking with excitement, but then once the dogs get into their harness and hooked up to the gang line they are ALL barking with excitement. In fact, the dogs are so excited that the musher uses the help of dog handlers who hold the dogs back by using leashes attached to the gang line.
At 10:30 am Dean Osmar (1984 Iditarod Champion) and a Seahawk mascot cut the ribbon at the start line, followed by the introduction to the race and a tribute to the 2025 honorary musher, DVM Stuart Nelson. As Junior Iditarod Champion, Emily Robinson was the first team to leave the chute, followed by bib number 2, Jason Mackey. The Ceremonial Start has become a beloved tradition and a key part of the Iditarod experience.
PUPDATES _ As the 2025 Teacher on the Trail, I was able to see the Ceremonial Start from the perspective of an Iditarider. Each musher has an Iditarider who sits on the dogsled, right behind the dogs for the length of the route. I rode with Bib #20, Gabe Dunham, who decorated her sled and gave me some fun things to wear! Gabe asked if I would throw dog booties out to the kids along the route to the Sullivan Arena. I loved getting to focus on the kids!! I also loved hearing everyone cheer for Gabe as we passed by. Her fans had the nicest things to say to her and she definitely has a lot of people rooting for her this year!! The trail narrows down once it turns off of 4th Street, so spectators can get closer for a high-five as the teams pass. The experience took my breath away!
Teachers- reach out! I’d love to hear from you! emailtheteacher@iditarod.com
