![](https://iditarod.com/wp-content/themes/iditarod/images/icon-instagram.png"){kind=icon}
Libby here!
I don’t know if you know this, but the Iditarod just wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for all of the volunteers who help with the race.
Each year, lots and lots and lots of people sign up to be volunteers and help with the race. There are all kinds of jobs that people can pick to do. Each job is important. Some jobs are done before the race starts. Some jobs are done just as the race begins. Some jobs are done during the race. There are even jobs to do after the race, like cleaning up and putting things away!
Before the race starts, people are busy helping out. Some people help pack supplies that are sent to the trail. Some people make special ointment that goes on the dog’s feet. Some volunteers answer phone calls. The list of jobs before the race go on and on, just like I like to spin, spin, spin in circles.
When the race starts, there are people taking tickets, helping park cars, helping take dogs to the starting line, and even people out on snow machines (snow mobiles) who are making a trail for the teams to follow.
During the race, there are even more jobs! Some people get supplies and people out to checkpoints. These volunteers are special pilots who fly planes and drivers who take people and supplies to the airport. Some volunteers work in the checkpoints, helping to take care of dogs, setting up supplies, or sending information to Anchorage so you and I know where the mushers are during the race. There are people who volunteer to cook and even people who volunteer to clean up after other people.
I’ve only told you about some of the jobs because there are so many jobs that people help with it makes my head spin faster than I do when I spin in circles! The only thing left for me to say is, I’m so happy about all of the people who sign up to help each year. Aren’t you? Now think about it. If you could volunteer, what would you do to help out?
Just spinning some De’tails’!
Libby