by Terrie Hanke in Nome

Siberian Huskies driven by Hank DeBruin and Karen Ramstead rounded out the four teams that finished the race on St. Patrick’s Day. Temperatures in Nome were in the single digits above zero, the winds were light and only a few scattered clouds floated across the intensely blue sky. What a perfect day to make the final push to the burled arch.

DeBruin earned his belt buckle, the coveted rookie award at 13:13.50 on March 17th. He crossed the finish line in 49th place with ten strong happy Sibes pulling the sled. Hank’s huskies covered the distance from Willow to Nome in 12d 22h 13m 50s. The team averaged 3.11 miles per hour. DeBruin has been running dogs for fifteen years. It was Libby Riddles who planted the seed to see the Last Frontier for Hank. After he read Race Across Alaska, by Riddles written after her experience in the 1985 storm run, DeBruin knew this was a journey he wanted to make. DeBruin and his wife Tonya McCready – DeBruin operate Winterdance Dog Sled Tours. Visitors to their kennel in Hurliburton, Ontario will meet 140 handsome Siberians. Hank says, “Mushing is a way of life around here and we are thrilled that dog sledding is the type of sport that our whole family can participate in. While you can go faster with an Alaskan Husky our commitment has stayed with the beautiful, head strong Siberian and working on how to best showcase the true distance potential of this amazing breed.” Looking at the beautiful faces of his dog team, a dog with a blunt ear stood out. Zeus is a serious three-year-old that demonstrates the strengths of his parents. “The ear,” he said, “is genetic.” DeBruin is also a Yukon Quest Finisher.

Karen Ramstead, another Canadian, completed the run in from Safety at twenty-one minutes past three in the afternoon. The sun warmed the chute as her purebred Siberians trotted up Front Street with their tails waving and heads high. Ramstead’s Sibes have done well on the trail as well as in show rings in conformation and obedience. Her love for the Siberian breed was well established before she attempted her first race in 1994. Karen says she had the time of her life not to mention they won the 54-mile event. Since then she’s run in 10 Iditarod races, completing five and she holds the third fastest time for a Siberian team, 12d 6h 52m 58s. Since attempting her first Iditarod in 2000, she calls herself inspired and passionate about the event as well as the amazing canine athletes. Finishing in 50th position in Iditarod XL is Karen’s best rank. Karen also claims to have been inspired to run Iditarod after reading Libby Riddles’ book, Race Across Alaska.  Ramstead’s North Wapiti Kennel website features a Robert Service quote, “Have you broken trail on snowshoes? Mushed your huskies up the river, dared the unknown, led the way and clutched the prize?” Karen can answer yes to all of that.