And they are off !!! Conditions could not have been nicer for the 52 Teams running 11 Miles from 4th Avenue to the Campbell River Airstrip. Unlike other years, where snow was sparse in Anchorage, this year trails are in great shape. Temperatures are kind on spectators and dogs alike. Not too warm, not too cold.

For Rookies like Richie Beattie from Two Rivers the Ceremonial Start is a first. Richie is not a real rookie, he has run the 1000 Mile Yukon Quest, but the Quest does not have a ceremonial start. His inlaws came up from the lower 48 and they all seemed to soak in the festive atmosphere. I have to admit that during my 1st race back in 2005 I did not care much about the “ false start “, and would have rather gone out on the trail right away. That changed over the years and my long term host family Bonnie and Jim even threw an open house each year. 

Starting in Anchorage and big parties are in stark contrast to the next 10 or so days of solitude on the trail. The Anchorage start is a good way to showcase out sport. Over the years technology has now allowed to have even more in depth coverage from the trail itself. Satelite Internet is commonplace from even the remotest place likes like the ghost town of Iditarod. You can look forward to some great coverage on the Iditarod Insider.

Many mushers were carrying bags with booties to hand out to spectators along the trail. Current Champion Joar Leifseth Ulsom had a big supply of toy Huskies in his tail dragger sled! Way to go! Big smiles all around! Another huge smile was on Lance Mackey’s face. After missing the last 2 years Lance was back on 4th Avenue, doing what he loves: Run dogs. And from the looks of it, the weather gods are playing in his favor, at least during the first part of the race, with temperatures being as warm as they are. Looking on the other side of the Alaska Range for mid next week, there is more snow in the forecast. Snow is already plentiful along the trails. The Farewell burn is looking better than most years. Trail conditions on the Yukon River are favorable. I overheard a conversations of the “ runway “ being put in near remote Eagle Island:” Snow is deep, but the machines are not leaving deep trenches with the snow being hard packed “. That sounds pretty good. The coast is being hammered with storm after storm. Lack of snow will not be a factor this year. Back in 2014 the Kaltag portage was just a ribbon of ice and the blueberry hills an incredible bumpy ride. Those stretches of trail should look much different this year! 

Tomorrow the real deal begins. Game time. Point of no return. Nome or bust! Come on out to Willow, or follow along on the Live-stream!

1. Start them you. Aaron Peck Team from Alberta Canada

   

   Lance Mackey and Family. Back after a 2 year break!

   

   Rookie Martin Apayauq Reitan. He finished the 2019 Yukon Quest as Rookie of the year. He is a polar bear photographer

   

   Jeff King with precious cargo. Senator Lisa Murkowski riding his tag sled.

   

   Nick Petit in his element. Dogman!

   

   Aliy Zirkle. With a spunky team!

   

   Joar’s sweet new ride. Who will get the Dodge Truck this year!

   

   Henry Van Duine, scored a puppy from Champion Joar Leifseth Ulsom!