Eye on the Trail: Off and Running

Posted by Terrie Hanke in Iditarod
Date: March 3, 2019 8:35 pm

Aliy and the SP Kennel Team Make their Way to the Start Banner

Monster snowflakes were falling as the dog trucks arrived at the Willow Community Center. Soon though, the clouds thinned and partly cloudy would describe the start of Iditarod XLVII. Things were rearranged this year from previous starts. Officials decided to park the dog trucks on land rather than on Willow Lake. The start banner was located at the top of the boat ramp. The teams ran down the ramp then across the lake before climbing the bank on the far side then disappeared into the woods. They are on their way to Yentna Station Checkpoint, then Skwentna…

Anja Radano Leads the Teams Across Willow Lake

Lots of interesting stories running through the race. Cindy Gallea came out of retirement to race one more time. Jeremy Keller last ran in 2007 and is back in 2019. Allen Moore isn’t running the “B” from SP Kennel, Aliy is running the only SP team. Four Quest finishers are also running Iditarod and they say “routine” is everything for themselves and the dogs. Lance Mackey is back with some sled innovations for greater warmth. Jeff King has a newly designed sled. Will Joar Leifseth Ulsom defend? Will Martin Apayauq Reitan complete Quest and Iditarod rookie runs in the same year? Martin was Quest rookie of the year, can he repeat in Iditarod? Will anyone claim a fifth win to join ranks with Rick Swenson? The next two weeks will be filled with drama and excitement. Keep track of all that goes on with Insider, GPS Tracker and Eye on the Trail.