We are sad to share the news that Tom Johnson, school teacher and co-founder of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® passed away last week. While many know Joe Redington Sr. as the ‘Father of the Iditarod,’ he had also been working with two of the race’s co-founders, Tom Johnson and Gleo Huyck. Johnson and Hyuk were both teachers in Wasilla, Alaska, and members of Aurora Dog Mushers Club along with Redington. Seattle Weekly interviewed Tom in 2018 and wrote great piece that retells the story on how these three brave men brought The Last Great Race® to fruition. Thank you to Joe, Gleo and Tom for everything you have done for the sport, and for being the reason The Iditarod exists. Our condolences to Tom’s friends, family and all who knew him on the trail.

Seattle Weekly Interview: seattleweekly.com/sports/how-a-vashion-islander-helped-launch-the-iditarod

Photo: Iditarod, the First Ten Years by the Old Iditarod Gang (from left to right: Joe, Gleo, Tom)