Jannelle Trowbridge – JR Iditarod Start – Denali Highway Cantwell in 2015

Only twice in the 39 year history of JR Iditarod has the start been moved from the traditional location of somewhere between Knik and Willow.  Like Iditarod, the JR race relocated in 2003 due to warm conditions and lack of snow.  That year the Iditarod started from Fairbanks and the JR Iditarod started in Glenallen.  In 2015, the Iditarod again started from Fairbanks while the JR Iditarod started on the Denali Highway just outside of Cantwell.  The JR mushers ran out to Alpine Lake Lodge at mile 65 of the Denali Highway then retraced the route to finish.  The distance was 130 miles.

Ready to head down the Denali Highway is 2015 is Jannelle Trowbridge from Nome.  Jannelle ran the race in 2014 and 2015.  Both times she was the highest placing female.  For that accomplishment she received a Libby Riddles hand crafted fur hat.  

This photo gives the viewer a unique perspective of the Denali Highway and the start of the 2015 JR Iditarod.   Behind Jannelle is volunteer Judy Johnson who was directing teams to the start line.

Watch for more Telephoto Story posts.  Having worked as a volunteer for the race for twelve years and having my camera handy every hour of every day, my Iditarod photo library contains roughly 20,000 pictures.  Seems like sharing photos periodically all year long with a brief description to tell a photo story is a great way to share favorite photos and unique pieces of Iditarod history with Iditarod fans, family and friends.  Enjoy and comeback soon for another Telephoto Story.