“Everyone’s journey is completely different.” – Jeremy Piven

June 29, 2014 was the first day mushers could sign up for the 2015 race. Each year on the last Saturday of June the annual Musher Sign Up/Volunteer Picnic takes place in Wasilla, Alaska. A majority of mushers will join in the festivities and sign up for the race. Signing up at the picnic gives mushers the chance to earn their $3000 entry fee back. It’s safe to say that is a great reason to sign up on site. If mushers are unable to attend they are able to mail their entry in. Mushers have until December 1 to enter the 2015 race.

Use the Iditarod website to locate mushers who have signed up for the 2015 race. When you arrive at the site you will have some more searching to complete. Hover over the Race Center tab and then click on 2015 Musher Profiles.  There are two options to view this page; 1. Alphabetical order with a head-shot, or 2. Click View Musher Roster as a list. Viewing as a list displays more information about the musher; name, sex, city, state, country, and status (rookie or veteran).

Questions for the classroom:

1. How many mushers are signed up for the 2015 Iditarod?
2. How many mushers are from the state of Alaska?
3. What is the percentage someone from Alaska will win?
4. How many mushers are from the Lower 48?
5. What is the percentage someone from the Lower 48 will win?
6. How many mushers are from a country other than the U.S.?
7. What is the percentage that someone from out of the U.S. will win?
8. How many mushers are previous champions?  Use the website to help you. Hover over the Race Center tab then click on Race Archives.
9. How many rookies are signed up for the race?
10. Rookie of the Year is awarded to the first rookie to cross the finish line.  What is the percentage the Rookie of the Year will be male/female?
11. How many females versus males are signed up for the race?
12. What is the percentage a female will win?

Challenge

1. Who do you think will be the 2015 Iditarod Champion?
2. Choose your top ten finishers.
3. Who will be the first female finisher?
4. Who will be Rookie of the Year?

Click here for the answers.

Read more about this summer’s Musher Sign-up/Volunteer Picnic in The First Step and Eye on the Trail.