For me Iditarod starts with the Junior Iditarod on the last weekend of February. The juniors are the future of The Last Great Race. Their starting banner is located on Knik Lake. It’s within shouting distance of the Redington Homestead. It’s a great way to annually remember Joe Redington, his work in founding the race and his desire to honor and remember the role of the Alaskan Husky in the history of the Last Frontier. Joe would agree with cyclist Lee Waldman, “The thrill is not just in the victory, but in having the courage, the tenacity and the risk-taking mentality to join the race.” It’s about ALL the contestants, not just the first one to cross the finish line. There’s only one champion but anyone who dares to plan and try is a winner.