Finishers Banquet

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Date: March 20, 2018 4:20 am

 

 

Hi Boys and Girls,

This years Iditarod wrapped up Sunday night at the Finishers Banquet.  After a yummy dinner, all the awards earned were given out.  Congratulations to the award winners.

This years awards:

PenAir Spirit of Alaska Award- presented to the first musher to reach the checkpoint of Mcgrath.  This years winner is Mitch Seavey.  Mitch received a framed print by Iditarod artist Jon Van Zyle and a $500 flight credit.

 

 

 

 

 

GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award- presented to the first musher to reach the checkpoint of Iditarod.  This years winner is Joar Leifseth Ulsom.  Joar received $3000 in gold nuggets, and a commemorative trophy.

 

 

 

 

 

The Lakefront Anchorage First Musher to the Yukon Award-presented to the first musher to the Yukon.  This year the award was given in the Anvik checkpoint.  This years winner is Nicholas Petit.  Nicholas received a 5 course gourmet dinner prepared at the checkpoint by the Lakefront Anchorage executive chef, $3500 in one dollar bills served on a commemorative gold pan.

 

 

 

 

Bristol Bay Native Corporation Fish First Award- presented to the first musher to reach the Kaltag checkpoint.  This years winner is Nicolas Petit.  Nicolas received a $2000 check and a certificate for 25 pounds of fresh-caught Bristol Bay salmon

 

 

 

 

 

Northtrim Bank Achieve More Award-presented to the first musher to reach the checkpoint of White Mountain.  The winner is Joar Leifseth Ulsom.  Joar received a check for $2500 and a one of a kind print by Anchorage artist Marianne Weiland.

 

Rookie of the Year Award-Is presented to the top placing rookie.  This years winner is Jessie Holmes.  Jessie received a $2000 check and a commemorative trophy.

 

Nome Kennel Club Fastest Time from Safety to Nome-presented to the musher with the fastest time from the checkpoint of Safety to the finish at Nome.  This years winner is Nicolas Petit.  Nicolas received a $500 check and a commemorative trophy.

 

Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Official Truck Award-present to the Iditarod Champion.  This years winner is Joar Leifseth Ulsom. Joar received a Dodge ram 1500 4X4, valued at $40,000.

 

Matson Most Improved Musher Award-presented to the musher who bettered his/her previous finish by the most places.  This years winner is Matthew Failer.  Matthew improved by 46 places.  He finished in 59th place in 2017 and in 13th place in 2018.  Matthew received $2000 in cash and a commemorative trophy.

 

 

 

 

Donlin Gold Sportsmanship Award-the winner of this award is chosen by their fellow mushers.  It is given to the musher for demonstrating good sportsmanship.  This is winners is Scott Janssen.  Scott received a $3000 check and a commemorative trophy.

 

 

 

 

 

Most Inspirational Musher Award-chosen by fellow mushers.  This years winner is Jessie Royer.  Jesse received her entry fee for the 2019 Iditarod.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Air Cargo Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award-presented to the musher who emulates “Herbie” in his/her attitude on the trail.  The winner is chosen by race staff and officials.  This years winner is Richie Diehl.  Richie received $1049 in “pocket change” inside a Northern Air Cargo jacket.

 

Golden Clipboard Award-presented to the most outstanding checkpoint and is chosen by the mushers.  This years winner is Shaktoolik.  They received a commemorative plaque.

 

Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award-presented to the musher that demonstrates outstanding dog care while remaining competitive throughout the race.  The winner is chosen by the veterinary team.  This years winner is Aily Zirkle.  Aily received her entry fee for the 2019 Iditarod, and a commemorative trophy.

 

 

 

 

City of Nome Lolly Medley Memorial Golden Harness Award-presented to the most outstanding lead dog.  The winner is chosen by mushers.  This years winner is Russeren, a 4 year old male who led Joar Leifseth Ulsoms team.

 

Red Lantern Award-presented to the final finisher of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.  This years winner is Magnus Kaltenborn.  He received a Red Lantern Trophy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all the winners and all the finishers of this years Iditarod.  Can’t wait till next year!!!!!

See you on the trail

Gypsy