Nome, Alaska - Sunday, March 17, 2013 - Iditarod XLI Special Awards given at the Finisher’s Banquet: Pen Air Spirit of Alaska Award – Aaron Burmeister GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award – Lance Mackey Millennium Alaskan Hotel First Musher to the Yukon Award – Martin Buser Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Gold Coast Award - Mitch Seavey Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Winner’s Truck Award – Mitch Seavey Wells Fargo Bank Winner’s Purse – Mitch Seavey ExxonMobil Mushers Choice Award - Mike Williams, Sr. Alaska Airlines Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award – Jake Berkowitz Horizon Lines Most Improved Musher Award - Nicolas Petit Northern Air Cargo Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award – Mikhail Telpin Sportsmanship Award –Cim Smyth City of Nome Lolly Medley Golden Harness Award Winner – Tanner, Mitch Seavey Leader Nome Kennel Club Fastest Time from Safety to Nome Award - Ramey Smyth, 2 hours 19 minutes Jerry Austin Rookie of the Year – Joar Leifseth Ulsom Northern Air Cargo Four Wheeler Drawing Winner – Anna Berington Golden Clipboard Award – Ophir Golden Stethoscope Award - Dr. Sterling Thomas & Dr. Dirsko VonPfeil Red Lantern – Christine
Roalofs
2013 IDITAROD MUSHER START ORDER
Anchorage, Alaska - Thursday, February 28, 2013 - Iditarod mushers, sponsors, and race fans filled the Dena’ina Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska to celebrate the start of IDITAROD XLI. Alaskan balladeer Hobo Jim made an appearance, along with Adele Morgan and Earl Hughes entertaining a crowd of nearly 1300.
The 2013 Iditarod field has five champions trying to regain the title. Those include the current Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey who is joined by four time Iditarod Champions’ Lance Mackey, Martin Buser, Jeff King, and 2004 Champion Mitch Seavey.
The start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will begin on Saturday, March, and 10 am on 4th Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska. Statewide coverage of the start will be provided by GCI Channel 1. National and international live streaming coverage of the start will be broadcast to subscribers on the Iditarod Insider at www.iditarod.com.
The 2013 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Starting Position
1
Jan
Newton
2013 Honorary Musher
2
Martin
Buser
Big Lake
Alaska
3
Scott
Janssen
Anchorage
Alaska
4
Jodi
Bailey
Chatanika
Alaska
5
Lance
Mackey
Fairbanks
Alaska
6
Ken
Anderson
Fairbanks
Alaska
7
Michelle
Phillips
Tagish, YT
Canada
8
Newton
Marshall
St. Anne
Jamaica
9
Kelley
Griffin
Wasilla
Alaska
10
Peter
Kaiser
Bethel
Alaska
11
Paul
Gebhardt
Kailof
Alaska
12
Jason
Mackey, Sr.
Wasilla
Alaska
13
John
Baker
Kotzebue
Alaska
14
Paige
Drobny
Fairbanks
Alaska
15
Charley
Bejna
Addison
Illinois
16
Nicolas
Petit
Girdwood
Alaska
17
Cindy
Gallea
Wykoff
Minnesota
18
Jeff
King
Denali
Alaska
19
Dallas
Seavey
Willow
Alaska
20
Kristy
Berington
Kasilof
Alaska
21
Gerry
Willomitzer
Whitehorse, YT
Canada
22
Travis
Beals
Seward
Alaska
23
Robert
Bundtzen
Anchorage
Alaska
24
Aaron
Burmeister
Nome
Alaska
25
Kelly
Maixner
Big Lake
Alaska
26
Jan
Steves
Edmonds
Washington
27
Aily
Zirkle
Two Rivers
Alaska
28
DeeDee
Jonrowe
Willow
Alaska
29
Karin
Hendrickson
Wasilla
Alaska
30
Jessie
Royer
Darby
Montana
31
Anna
Berington
Kasilof
Alaska
32
Joar
Lleifseth Ulsom
Roros
Norway
33
Michael
Suprenant
Chugiak
Alaska
34
Justin
Savidis
Willow
Alaska
35
Mike
Williams, Sr.
Akiak
Alaska
36
Mitch
Seavey
Seward
Alaska
37
Christine
Roalofs
Anchorage
Alaska
38
Ramey
Smyth
Willow
Alaska
39
Rudy
Demoski, Sr.
Wasilla
Alaska
40
Angie
Taggart
Ketchikan
Alaska
41
Ed
Stielstra
McMillan
Michigan
42
Linwood
Fiedler
Willow
Alaska
43
Bob
Chlupach
Willow
Alaska
44
Jake
Berkowitz
Big Lake
Alaska
45
Curt
Perano
Queenstown
New Zealand
46
Michael
Williams, Jr.
Akiak
Alaska
47
Luan Ramos
Marques
Macae
Bra
48
Allen
Moore
Two Rivers
Alaska
49
Gerald
Sousa
Talkeetna
Alaska
50
Mike
Ellis
Two Rivers
Alaska
51
Cim
Smyth
Big Lake
Alaska
52
Ray
Redington, Jr.
Wasilla
Alaska
53
Louie
Ambrose
St. Michael
Alaska
54
Jessica
Hendricks
Two Rivers
Alaska
55
Josh
Cadzow
Fort Yukon
Alaska
56
David
Sawatzky
Healy
Alaska
57
Wade
Marrs
Wasilla
Alaska
58
Aaron
Peck
Bezanson, AB
Canada
59
Jim
Lanier
Chugiak
Alaska
60
Cindy
Abbott
Irvine
California
61
Matt
Failor
Big Lake
Alaska
62
Brent
Sass
Manley Hot Springs
Alaska
63
Mikhail
Telpin
Yanrakkynot, Chukotka
Russia
64
Matt
Giblin
Big Lake
Alaska
65 Richie Diehl Aniak Alaska
66 James Volek Big Lake Alaska
67 Sonny Lindner Two Rivers Alaska
2013 JUNIOR IDITAROD WINNER – NOAH PEREIRA
2013 JUNIOR IDITAROD WINNER – NOAH PEREIRA Willow, Alaska – Sunday, February 24, 2013 – JR IDITAROD XXXVI Rookie Musher Noah Pereira (Bib #7) of Clarkson, NY arrived at Willow Lake, Willow, Alaska at 11:32:00 am Alaska Time with 10 dogs on his team claiming his first Jr. Iditarod Championship. Noah edged out last year’s champion, Conway Seavey of Sterling, Alaska by four minutes. Conway had won the Willow Jr. 100 and Tustumena 100 earlier this month. As of 12:15 PM AK Time, only two teams had crossed the finish line. Check for more recent standings by going to: http://www.jriditarod.com/racecurrent.php Noah Pereira, 16, says he started mushing in 2007 when he met a few local mushers and then wanted a team of his own. His team in New York is a sprint team. He’s been working with Dallas Seavey for two years in anticipation of running the Jr. Iditarod. He is in the 11th grade at Brockport High School and participates in Environmental Club and Varsity Soccer. He also enjoys hunting and fishing. He plans to go to college after high school and says, “yes”, he will continue mushing.
2013 Junior Iditarod starts Saturday, February 23rd
Jr. Iditarod will be taking place this Saturday, February 23rd at 10 AM AK Time leaving from Knik Lake, Mile 13, Knik Goose Bay Road, Wasilla and ending on Sunday, February 24th at Willow Lake, Willow Community Center, Willow Wasilla, Alaska – Wednesday, February 19, 2013 – the thirty-sixth running of the Jr. Iditarod is set to get underway this Saturday, February 23rd at 10 AM AK Time from Knik Lake, Mile 13, Knik Goose Bay Road, Wasilla. Lynden is the major sponsor of this event. The thirteen Jr. Iditarod competitors, listed below will race to Yentna Station where they will overnight. Then on Sunday, February 24th, teams will leave in the order they arrived and race to the finish line on Willow Lake. The race course is approximately 150-miles. The winner of this race will have the honor of leaving 4th Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska on March 2nd wearing the 2013 Iditarod Honorary Musher Bib #1. The winner will also be honored at Iditarod Awards Banquet in Nome, Alaska at the conclusion of the 2013 Iditarod.
2013 Junior Iditarod Musher Listing: Jonathan Biggerstaff Talkeetna AK USA Veteran , Abigail Brooks Fairbanks AK USA Rookie, Jenny Greger Bozeman MT USA Veteran, Benjamin Harper Wasilla AK USA Veteran, Joshua Klejka Bethel AK USA Rookie, Jimmy Lanier Chugiak AK USA Rookie, Caleb Miller Bethel AK USA Rookie, Annika Olesen Yellowknife NWT CANADA Veteran, Noah Pereira Clarkson NY USA Rookie, Alea Robinson Eagle River AK USA Veteran, Conway Seavey Sterling AK USA Veteran, Taylor Steele Hopewell PA USA Rookie, Malinda Tjelta Sheyenne ND USA Rookie
Moore wins 30th Running of Yukon Quest
February 11, 2013 (Fairbanks, Alaska) – Allen Moore crossed the finish line in Fairbanks at 6:54 am, winning the 2013 Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race. Moore was an hour and 16 minutes ahead of second-place musher Hugh Neff, last year’s Yukon Quest champion. He finished with 11 dogs in a time of eight days, 18 hours and 57 minutes. “I trained my team to run 26 seconds faster,” joked Moore, referencing his loss to Neff last year by a hair. Moore says the pivotal moment of the race was in Circle, where he rested for two additional hours while Hugh took off from the checkpoint. He thinks he made up time in the end, because of that two-hour rest. “If it wasn’t for my handlers or my team, I never would have won. We’ve got a good group of dogs and a good group of people helping us,” he said, adding it’s pretty likely he will be back to run the Yukon Quest in 2014. Moore and his wife, Aliy Zirkle, become the first husband and wife to each win the Yukon Quest. Zirkle took the title in 2000. Hugh Neff was greeted by fans and media when he crossed the line. He asked them to be sure to get a photo of Walter, who has run nine 1000 mile races on Hugh’s line but would be retiring. “I knew in 101 that it was over,” said Neff. “His dogs were jumping in the harness. I tried to lure him in to eat breakfast with me.” Neff said none of them do it for the money. It’s for the love of the dogs, climbing the mountains and just being out there. He said while there are always things you can change about your race he was proud of his run. This was Neff’s thirteenth running of the Yukon Quest.
Paul Johnson Norton Sound 450
Posted Wednesday Feb6th, 2013 Unalakleet, Alaska - The Paul Johnson Norton Sound 450 gets under way today. The race is named after Paul Johnson. In late 2011 Unalakleet lost one of the villages great men. Though only 54 years old Paul Johnson was a man of many talents and gifts, all of which he shared with anyone and everyone. He was one of the mainstays of the Norton Sound Sled Dog Club for almost 30 years. He'd run in many many races and competed twice in the Iditarod…25 years apart. His support work for other mushers and any race in, or around, Unalakleet was unsurpassed. The NSSDC decided in November 2011 to hold a race in his memory as well as to offer a world class mid-distance race over the final 300 miles of the Iditarod. Amazingly, and with the work and support of many people and organizations, this race came to fruition in only 3 months. The inaugural race was started on February 8, 2012 with veteran mushers Dee Dee Jonrowe, Aaron Burmeister, John Schandelmeir, Pete Kaiser, Gerald Sousa and others. The race course ran from Unalakleet to Kaltag and back before heading up the coast through the communities of Shaktoolik, Koyuk, Elim, Golovin, White Mountain and on to Nome. The race had a mix of weather challenges and in the end Pete Kaiser edged John Schandelmeir by only 2 minutes to grab the crown. There were no scratches and all mushers finished within 14 hours top to bottom.
2013 Mushers Bib Numbers: #1 Honorary: Paul Johnson, #2 Aaron Burmeister; #3 Chuck Schaeffer, #4 Elliot Anderson, #5 Alex Otton, #6 Martin Buser, #7 Peter Kaiser, #8 Dee Dee Jonrowe, #9 Gerry Willomitzer. Start time will be noon tomorrow with mushers leaving on 2 minute intervals.
February 3, 2013 (Whitehorse, Yukon) – He wasn’t flashy, and he managed to avoid the media spotlight, but Allen Moore ran a solid race on Day 2 of the Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race. Moore took his mandatory four-hour layover and made up his differential in Braeburn to start the day, and then rested his dogs again for nearly five hours in Carmacks. The strategy seems to be paying off, as he passed defending champion Hugh Neff at McCabe Creek and was in the lead heading into Pelly late Sunday night. Moore dropped one dog in Carmacks and is now running with 13. Neff took his mandatory layover at Carmacks, and stopped to rest and feed his dogs again in McCabe. Neff has yet to drop a dog. Both Moore and Neff are expected in Pelly early Monday morning. Meanwhile, Jake Berkowitz chose not to stop at Carmacks in the early evening and was racing to catch the leaders with all 14 dogs. Scott Smith and Brent Sass rounded out the top five as they left Carmacks headed for Pelly. Smith has not dropped any dogs and Sass just one. The next pack is being led by Kelly Griffin, David Dalton, Cody Strathe and Normand Casavant. All three of them headed out of Carmacks late in the evening. Heading up the middle pack is rookie Markus Ingebretsen, followed by Lance Mackey and Crispin Studer. Mackey, the four-time Quest champion, dropped four dogs in Carmacks so is now running with 10. Five mushers remained in Carmacks late Sunday night. Susie Rogan, Abbie West, Denis Tremblay, Dan Kaduce, and Ed Hopkins were all resting their dogs for the big journey ahead. Nine mushers were between Braeburn and Carmacks, with Yellowknife rookie Dyan Bergen at the back of the pack. For the latest times and standings, click here: http://yukonquest.com/site/race-updates/
Yukon Quest trail will be re-routed between Dawson and Eagle
February 2, 2013 (Whitehorse, Yukon & Fairbanks, AK) – Today Yukon Quest Race Marshal Doug Grilliot announced that the race will be re-routed between Dawson City and Eagle, AK. The mushers will not be travelling over American Summit. The decision was made based on reports from trailbreakers that the trail over American Summit is impassable in several locations. The trail will instead proceed directly down the Yukon River from Dawson to Eagle. The estimated reduction of distance is 50 miles. The Yukon Quest organization will release any further details as they become available.
Peck Posts Fastest Time on Day Seven, Moves into Overall Lead
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – February 1, 2013 – Aaron Peck from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, posted the fastest time on Day Seven of the 2013 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with at time of 4:00:07 on the 40-mile trail from Lake Viva Naughton near Kemmerer. It was Peck’s fifth day in a row with the fastest time for the stage, today averaging 10 MPH with 10 dogs. With today’s times, Peck moves into the overall lead with an overall time of 21:35:57. For Day Seven, Blayne “Bud” Streeper from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, was second for the day with a time of 4:15:02; Lars Lindh from Kiruna, Sweden, was third with 4:17:06; in fourth, Dave Turner from Sandy, Ore., posted a time of 4:17:29; and William Kornmuller from Willow, Alaska, came in fifth with a time of 4:25:25. In overall times; Streeper is second with a time of 21:48:59; Lindh is third with 22:09:12; Turner is fourth with 22:27:21; and Kornmuller is fifth with 22:48:08. For more information, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org
Mushers hit the trail for 30th running of Yukon Quest
Follow Wes Schafer as he travels with the
Mackey Kennel on the Yukon Quest - Click Here
February 2, 2013 (Whitehorse, Yukon) – The 2013 Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race is underway! Twenty-six mushers took off from the start line at Shipyards Park in Whitehorse today. Hundreds of fans lined both sides of the chute, cheering on their favourite mushers. Dawson City’s Brian Wilmshurst drew bib #1 at the banquet Thursday, so he was first out of the chute. Defending champion Hugh Neff took off in fourth position, while four-time champion Lance Mackey was number six. Another four-time champion, Hans Gatt, was handler for Susie Rogan and offered her some last minute advice as she arrived at the start. Normand Casavant hammed it up for the crowd as his team got ready to go, but in his excitement forgot to say goodbye to one very important person – his wife. “He forgets me,” she laughed, after chasing him down the chute in an effort to get a kiss and hug. Normand is sure to make up for that missed affection at the next checkpoint in Braeburn. Perhaps the most excited musher to leave the chute was veteran Abbie West, who stood on the back of her sled antsy for the final countdown. “Whooooo! Get me out there!” she yelled as she took off. For all the latest results, news and live tracking of the race go to www.yukonquest.com
KUAC invites you to join us as we kick off our 2013 Yukon Quest coverage with a very special Yukon Quest Update, start morning at 8:30. You’ll hear interviews with previous KUAC Yukon Quest reporters and producers Theresa Bakker, Dan Bross, Libby Casey and John McWhorter. Then we’ll check in LIVE with KUAC’s Emily Schwing from the starting line of The 2013 Yukon Quest in Whitehorse, Canada. It’s a special kickoff of KUAC’s Yukon Quest coverage Saturday, Feb. 2nd at 8:30am.
Tune in for daily reports throughout the Yukon Quest: WEEKDAYS at 7:30am and 8:30am, with an update at 12:30pm, and SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS at 8:30am — running Feb 2nd to the wrap-up report on Feb. 18th..
Peck Posts Fastest Time on Day Seven, Moves into Overall Lead
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – February 1, 2013 – Aaron Peck from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, posted the fastest time on Day Seven of the 2013 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with at time of 4:00:07 on the 40-mile trail from Lake Viva Naughton near Kemmerer. It was Peck’s fifth day in a row with the fastest time for the stage, today averaging 10 MPH with 10 dogs. With today’s times, Peck moves into the overall lead with an overall time of 21:35:57. For Day Seven, Blayne “Bud” Streeper from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, was second for the day with a time of 4:15:02; Lars Lindh from Kiruna, Sweden, was third with 4:17:06; in fourth, Dave Turner from Sandy, Ore., posted a time of 4:17:29; and William Kornmuller from Willow, Alaska, came in fifth with a time of 4:25:25.
In overall times; Streeper is second with a time of 21:48:59; Lindh is third with 22:09:12; Turner is fourth with 22:27:21; and Kornmuller is fifth with 22:48:08. Following today’s Lake Viva Naughton stage, teams left for Mountain View for Musher Mania. On Saturday, Lyman will host the Flapjack Frenzy at 7-9 a.m. for mushers before they depart on the final day of the race. Stage Eight of the IPSSSDR will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Deadhorse Trail South of Mountain View and will finish at North Slope Road 30 miles south of Evanston.
T200 is February 2, 2013 at 11AM at mile 112 in Kasilof, Alaska
35 mushers are set to start the 2013 Tustemena 200 this weekend in Kasilof, Alaska.The purse for the T200 will be $25,000, cash payouts for the top 10 finishers and $100 Tesoro Gas cards for the next 10 finishers. So top 20 get paid! Click here for race stats.
Wilmshurst will be first out for 30th running of the Yukon Quest
January 31, 2013 (Whitehorse, Yukon) – It was a capacity crowd at the Yukon Convention Centre for the Yukon Quest Start & Draw Banquet Thursday. Mushers, handlers, officials, and fans enjoyed local entertainment, dinner and a silent auction before the main event – the bib draw.Dawson City's Brian Wilmshurst was the 11th musher on stage and he drew bib #1 much to the delight of the crowd. That means Wilmshurst will be the first musher to leave the start line Saturday. Carcross musher Crispin Studer was the 26th and last musher to draw a bib, and ended up with bib #26 – sponsored by the Yukon Quest Facebook fans. Four-time champion Lance Mackey drew bib #6 and said, "I'll take it. Number six has been good to me before." Mackey said six is the number he wore in 2006, when he won his second Yukon Quest.
Here is the complete starting order, with bib sponsor:
1. Brian Wilmshurst – Arctic Tulip Bookkeeping
2. Markus Ingebretsen – Braeburn Lodge
3. Rob Cooke – Jerry Van Dyke's Tours
4. Hugh Neff – Canadas Best Value Inn
5. Cody Strathe – Canada Flooring Enterprises
6. Lance Mackey – Duffy's Pets & Tanzilla Harness
7. Normand Casavant – Nature Tours of Yukon
8. Kelley Griffin – Summit Customs Brokers
9. Randy MacKenzie – Candy's Fruit Stand
10. Susan Rogan – Bear's Paw Quilts
11. Allen Moore – Eldorado Hotel
12. Christina Traverse – Northern Tales Travel Services
13. Denis Tremblay – Icy Waters Ltd.
14. Matthew Failor – Yukon Pump
15. Dan Kaduce – Irving Collision Repairs
16. Misha Pedersen –Klondike Rib & Salmon
17. Abbie West – Liberty Tax Services
18. Brent Sass – Builders Supplyland
19. Dyan Bergen – All-West Glass Whitehorse Ltd.
20. Jake Berkowitz – Super Save Propane & Fencing
21. Dave Dalton – Yukon Denture Clinic
22. Ed Abrahamson – Canadian Tire
23. Scott Smith – EBA Engineering
24. Darrin Lee – AFA Forest Products
25. Ed Hopkins – Airport Chalet Hotel
26. Crispin Studer – Fabulous Facebook Fans
The 2013 Yukon Quest starts at 11 am on Saturday, February 2nd in Whitehorse, Yukon.
For all the latest news and information on the event, visit www.yukonquest.com.
Reynolds will be first out of the chute in YQ300
January 30, 2013 (Whitehorse, Yukon) – The starting positions for the YQ300 were chosen Wednesday night in Whitehorse, at the annual Meet the Mushers event.Fans packed Mount McIntyre for the event. Yukon Quest mushers were on hand to sign autographs, pose for photos, and chat with the public.Rookie 300 musher Tamra Reynolds stepped up first and drew #1, meaning she will head out of the chute first on Saturday.
Here is the complete starting order:
1. Tamra Reynolds
2. Colin Morrison
3. Yuka Honda
4. Marcelle Fressineau
5. Jerry Joinson
6. Aliy Zirkle
7. John King
8. Michelle Phillips
9. Olaf Thurau
10. Gaetan Pierrard
11. Debbie Knight
12. Jonathan Lucas
13. Jennifer Levy
14. David Mason
15. Paige Drobny
16. Ryne Olson
17. Kyia Bouchard
18. Lucy Tyrrell
A total of 18 mushers will compete in this year's YQ300, which starts at 3pm on February 2nd in Whitehorse, Yukon.
For all the latest news and information on the event, visit www.yukonquest.com.
Another Winning Day for Peck, Posts Fastest Time on Day Five
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – January 30, 2013 –Aaron Peck from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, posted the fastest time on Day Five of the 2013 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with a time of 3:03:06 on the 42-mile trail from Louis Lake Parking Lot on South Pass near Lander. It was Peck's third day in a row with the fastest time for the stage, today averaging 13.8 MPH with 10 dogs.
Blayne "Bud" Streeper from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, was second for the day with a time of 3:04:58; Lars Lindh from Kiruna, Sweden, was third with 3:06:20; in fourth, William Kornmuller from Willow, Alaska, had a time of 3:09:00; and in fifth Dave Turner from Sandy, Ore., posted a time of 3:11:56.
Streeper – defending his 2012 IPSSSDR win – maintains the 2013 overall lead so far with a total time of 15:04:38; Peck is closing in on that time in second place overall with 15:09:30; and Lindh is third with 15:20:42. Complete times are available on the IPSSSDR website athttp://www.wyomingstagestop.org/daily.php.
Following today's Lander stage, teams left for Big Piney/Marbleton where a Welcome Mushers reception will be held at the Marbleton Senior Center. On Thursday, at 9 a.m., the sixth stage of the race will leave the starting line from the Middle Piney Parking lot. The race will travel to Kemmerer, Mountain View and Evanston, Wyo., through Saturday. In addition to Montana and Wyoming, the new 2013 race route crosses into Idaho and Utah, making the IPSSSDR the first sled dog race to span four states, according to Race Director Teasley. The IPSSSDR concludes on Saturday, February 2 in Uinta County outside of Evanston, Wyo. After the big finish, mushers will partner with select students from participating race communities for the Jr. Stage Stop fun race. The kids' race will be held at 2 p.m. at the IPSSSDR's North Slope Road Trailhead finish line, 30 miles south of Evanston. The IPSSSDR awards banquet will take place that night at 6 p.m. in Evanston at the Machine Shop. The banquet is open to the public; adult tickets are $17, children $10. The race's "stage stop" racing format allows the IPSSSDR to stop in a different community along the race route each night, allowing Wyoming's host towns to show their hospitality: Festivities for mushers and spectators alike include pancake feeds, dog parades, banquets, carnivals, and snowshoe softball. With its unique stage stop format, the IPSSSDR has become a popular mushing event attracting the world's top competitors. Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR. The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the contributions dogs make to society. The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. In addition, the race works to spread the word in support of the need for childhood immunizations—and each year the race makes a contribution to communities on the race route with many communities using the funds for childhood immunization programs. For more information, visit the race website atwww.wyomingstagestop.org or contact the race at 307.734.1163. Media Contact: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com,307.734.5335
Food Drops for the 2012 Quest
Peck Posts Fastest Day 4 in IPSSSDR Pinedale; Streeper in Overall Lead
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – January 29, 2013 – Aaron Peck from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, posted the fastest time on Day Four of the 2013 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with 3:17:06 on the 47-mile trail from Green River Parking area near Cora, Wyoming. It was Peck's second day in a row with the fastest time for the stage, today averaging 13.1 MPH with 10 dogs. Blayne "Bud" Streeper from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, was second for the day with a time of 3:20:02; Bruce Magnusson from Manchester, Mich., was third with 3:22:48; in fourth, Dave Turner from Sandy, Ore., posted a time of 3:25:02; and in fifth, Brent Beck from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, had a time of 3:28:32. Streeper – defending his 2012 IPSSSDR win – maintains the 2013 overall lead so far with a total time of 11:59:40; Peck is in second with 12:06:24; and Lars Lindh is third with 12:14:22. Complete times are available on the IPSSSDR website at http://www.wyomingstagestop.org/daily.php.
Following today's Pinedale stage, teams left for Lander where a Welcome Mushers reception will be held at the Gannett Grill. On Wednesday, January 30 at 9 a.m., the fifth stage of the race will leave the starting line from Louis Lake Parking Lot up Southpass on a 50-mile course. The race will travel to Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, Mountain View and Evanston, Wyo., over the next week. In addition to Montana and Wyoming , the new 2013 race route crosses into Idaho and Utah, making the IPSSSDR the first sled dog race to span four states, according to Race Director Teasley. For more information, visit the race website atwww.wyomingstagestop.org or contact the race at 307.734.1163. Media Contact: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com,307.734.5335
Follow Wes and the Comeback Chronicles as they head out on the 2013 Yukon Quest - Click Here
Peck Posts Fastest Day Three Time in IPSSSDR Alpine Stage
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – January 28, 2013 – Aaron Peck from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, posted the fastest time on Day Three of the 2013 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with a time of 4:28:21 on the 52-mile trail from Alpine, Wyo. Peck averaged 11.8 MPH running 11 dogs.
Blayne "Bud" Streeper from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, was second with a time of 4:30:18; Lars Lindh from Kiruna, Sweden, was third with 4:32:41; in fourth, Dave Turner from Sandy, Ore., posted a time of 4:40:25; and in fifth, Bruce Magnusson from Manchester, Mich., had a time of 4:40:46. Complete times for Day Three are available athttp://www.wyomingstagestop.org/daily.php?stage=3 . Overall race times will be available online later this evening.
Following today's Alpine stage, teams left for Pinedale, Wyo., where a Welcome Mushers dinner at the Sublette County Library awaits them. On Tuesday, January 29 at 10 a.m. the fourth stage of the race will leave the starting line at the Upper Green Parking Area near Cora, Wyo., for a 47-mile course.
The race will travel to Lander, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, Mountain View and Evanston, Wyo., over the next week. The race trail's Montana and Wyoming stages cross into Idaho and Utah with the new 2013 route, making the IPSSSDR the first sled dog race to span four states, according to Race Director Teasley.
The IPSSSDR concludes on Saturday, February 2 in Uinta County outside of Evanston, Wyo. After the big finish, mushers will partner with select students from participating race communities for the Jr. Stage Stop fun race. The kids' race will be held at 2 p.m. at the IPSSSDR's North Slope Road Trailhead finish line, 30 miles south of Evanston. The IPSSSDR awards banquet will take place that night at 6 p.m. in Evanston at the Machine Shop. The banquet is open to the public; adult tickets are $17, children $10.
The race's "stage stop" racing format allows the IPSSSDR to stop in a different community along the race route each night, allowing Wyoming's host towns to show their hospitality: Festivities for mushers and spectators alike include pancake feeds, dog parades, banquets, carnivals, and snowshoe softball.
With its unique stage stop format, the IPSSSDR has become a popular mushing event attracting the world's top competitors. Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR. The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the contributions dogs make to society.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. In addition, the race works to spread the word in support of the need for childhood immunizations—and each year the race makes a contribution to communities on the race route with many communities using the funds for childhood immunization programs. For more information, visit the race website atwww.wyomingstagestop.org or contact the race at 307.734.1163.
Streeper Posts Fastest Time in Day Two of International Pedigree Stage Stop
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – January 27, 2013 – Blayne "Bud" Streeper from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, posted the fastest time on Day Two of the 2013 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) with a time of 4:09:20 on the 56-mile-trail from West Yellowstone, Mont. Running 10 dogs, Streeper averaged 13.5 miles per hour on the trail – the first time the IPSSSDR has raced on this particular trail that finished at the Bear Gulch Trailhead 10 miles outside Ashton, Idaho.
Lars Lindh from Kiruna, Sweden, was second with a time of 4:12:24; Ryan Redington from Wasilla, Alaska, was third with a time of 4:13:31; William Kornmuller from Willow, Alaska, was fourth with a time of 4:17:44; and in fifth, Dave Turner from Sandy, Ore., posted a time of 4:19:08. Complete times are available at
Following the West Yellowstone, Mont., stage, teams left for Alpine, Wyo., where a community dinner awaits them. On Monday, January 28 at 9 a.m. the race will leave the starting line in Alpine on a 56-mile course.
The race will travel to Pinedale, Lander, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, Mountain View and Evanston, Wyo., over the next week. The race trail's Montana and Wyoming stages cross into Idaho and Utah with the new 2013 route, making the IPSSSDR the first sled dog race to span four states, according to Race Director Teasley.
The IPSSSDR concludes on Saturday, February 2 in Uinta County outside of Evanston, Wyo. After the big finish, mushers will partner with select students from participating race communities for the Jr. Stage Stop fun race. The kids' race will be held at 2 p.m. at the IPSSSDR's North Slope Road Trailhead finish line, 30 miles south of Evanston. The IPSSSDR awards banquet will take place that night at 6 p.m. in Evanston at the Machine Shop. The banquet is open to the public; adult tickets are $17, children $10.
The race's "stage stop" racing format allows the IPSSSDR to stop in a different community along the race route each night, allowing Wyoming's host towns to show their hospitality: Festivities for mushers and spectators alike include pancake feeds, dog parades, banquets, carnivals, and snowshoe softball.
With its unique stage stop format, the IPSSSDR has become a popular mushing event attracting the world's top competitors.
Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR. The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the contributions dogs make to society.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. In addition, the race works to spread the word in support of the need for childhood immunizations—and each year the race makes a contribution to communities on the race route with many communities using the funds for childhood immunization programs. For more information, visit the race website atwww.wyomingstagestop.org or contact the race at 307.734.1163.
Sheep Mountain Sle Dog Race Re-thinks Going the Distance
Posted 01/24/13 - Sheep Mt. Alaska - The Sheep Mountain Sled Dog race organizers are rethinking their popular race. Setting up a 200 and a 300 mile race. Making it a spring sled dog race emphasizing race practice, dog care and fun! The race starts 6am Tuesday, March 26.
There will be a 200-mile race which will run from Sheep Mtn Lodge to Eureka to Lake Louise to Tolsona to Crosswind and back. The 300-mile race will add a 100-mile loop on the Susitna River from Lake Louise on the return trip. There will be a 14-dog limit for all races and a 40 team limit.
There will not be a purse for the race, emphasis will be placed on learning to race and having fun!
UPCOMING IDITAROD EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2 – MARCH 20, 2013
Wasilla, Alaska – January 24, 2013 - All events below are open to the media to cover. These are great opportunities to see mushers and volunteers preparing for the 2013 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Dog Handler Training – Saturday, February 2, 9 AM, Iditarod Headquarters, Wasilla, Mile 2.1 Knik-Goose Bay Road, Wasilla
Straw Packaging - Thursday, February 7, 9 AM – 3 PM, Airland Transport, Anchorage
Bloodwork, ECG, & Micro-chipping of Iditarod Teams in Soldotna – Friday, February 8 – Sunday, February 10, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Various Kennels – Contact Erin for schedule
Bloodwork, ECG, & Micro-chipping of Iditarod Teams in Wasilla – February 11-13, 15 22-26, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Iditarod Headquarters & Wasilla Vet Clinic, Wasilla – Contact Erin for schedule
Bloodwork, ECG, & Micro-chipping of Iditarod Teams in Fairbanks – February 17 – 20, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Various Kennels – Contact Erin for schedule
Anchorage Musher Food Drops – Wednesday,February 13, 10:30 AM – 3 PM AND Thursday, February 14, 9 AM – 3 PM, Airland Transport, Anchorage
People Food Sorting – Friday, February 15, 9 AM – 3 PM, Airland Transport, Anchorage
Jr. Iditarod Race Start – Saturday, February 23, 10 AM, Knik Lake, Mile 13 Knik Goose Bay Road, Wasilla
Jr. Iditarod Race Finish – Sunday, February 24, approx. 10-11 AM, Willow Lake, Willow Community Center, Willow
Jr. Iditarod Banquet – Sunday, February 26, 6 PM, Willow Community Center, Willow
2013 Iditarod Winter Conference for Educators – begins Tuesday, February 26 – contact Diane Johnson atdjohnson@iditarod.com for more information
Media Briefing – Wednesday, February 27, 3 PM, Millennium Alaskan Hotel, Anchorage
2013 Kuskokwim 300 Race Start Times and Schedule of Events:
K300 Race Start: Friday, January 18, 2013; 6:30 PM
Bogus Creek 150 Race Start: Friday, January 18, 2013; 5:00 PM
Akiak Dash Race Start: Saturday, January 19, 2013; 2:00 PM
Click here for tracking the Kusko mushers click here
Copper Basin 300 has a full field
Posted
01/10/13 Glennallen, Alaska USA - The Copper Basin 300 race starts January 12th, 2013 at 10 am in Glennallen, Alaska in front of the KCAM Radio Station.
A total of 37 mushers have signed up for the annual "Toughest Little Sled Dog Race in Alaska". There are 18 veterans, 3 are past champions and 19 rookies set to challenge the back country of Copper Valley.
Snow conditions are marginal in many areas throughout Alaska, including the trails of the Copper Basin 300. Race officials have been working hard to set up a good trail and reports are it's good to go.
2013 CB300 Mushers:
Cody Strathe, Matt Hall, Becca Moore, Jim Lanier, Allen Moore, Tony Angelo, Zoya DeNure, Christian Turner, Lev Shvarts, Clint Warnke, Robert Bundtzen, Nicolas Petit, Rob Cooke, Christine Roalofs, Misha Pedersen, Luan Marques, Vern Halter, Marylin Storey, Tom Schonberger, Brent Sass, Jake Berkowitz., Curt Perno, Markus Ingebretsen, Cindy Abbott, Travis Beals, Mark Walker, Ed Hopkins, Nicholas Guy, Hugh, Neff, Robert Bear, Gerry Willomitzer, Laura Allaway, Dan Kaduce, John Schandelmeier, Michael Suprenant, Jesse Brattrud, Michelle Phillips.
To read more about the race and follow the mushers click here
Wasilla, Alaska – Wednesday, January 9, 2013 - The annual IditaRider Musher Auction, conducted online by the Iditarod TrailCommittee, is set to close next Friday, January 18th starting at noon AST. Mushers with the highest bids to the lowest bids will close in 5 minute intervals. To place your winning bid to go: www.iditarodauction.com.
Knik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial Sled Dog Race
Posted 01/01/13 - Due to the most recent weather conditions and the current forecast, we’ve come to the sad conclusion that the risk factors for the dogs, mushers, checkers, fans and all concerned are too high for us to proceed with the 2013 Knik 100 and Knik 200 races.
The Knik races are entirely volunteer driven, and many, many hours have already been invested by those behind the scenes as well as the mushers and dog teams and so this decision is a hard one to make. We’d like to thank everyone involved and will be offering a full refund to teams that have paid their entry fee.
We’re already working toward next year’s Knik races and hope that weather conditions will be favorable and 2014 will be an exciting year.
Thank you, from the Knik Race Committee.
22 Mushers head for Eagle Village in the Top of the World 350
Mushers, Cindy Abbot, Heidi Sutter and Lance Mackey are
signed up to run the Top of the World 350 Chief Isaac Juneby
Memorial Race
Posted 12/27/12- Twenty two mushers arrived in Tok to honor Chief Isaac Juneby. The Top of the World 350 is a challenging sled dog race in memory of the late Chief Isaac Juneby of Eagle Village, Alaska.
The Top of the World 350, is a three hundred fifty mile sled dog race from Tok, Alaska to Eagle Village, Alaska and back. The race will start December 27th, 2012 out of Tok, Alaska with a mass start. Teams will travel together in sort of a fun run style into Eagle Village.
On December 28th, there will be a potlatch and traditional dance at the Eagle Village Hall, a ceremony will take place memorializing the late Chief Isaac Juneby. Teams and mushers will overnight in Eagle Village.
The race will re- start December 29th, 2012 from Eagle Village to Tok in two minute intervals with a 4 hour mandatory layover, with time adjustments in Chicken. Race finish will be in Tok. 14 dog maximum. Mushers banquet will take place on December 31st in Tok.
The 2012 Sheep Mountain 150 Sled Dog Race Cancelled
Posted 12/10/12 - It is with regret that the organizing committee for the Sheep Mountain 150 Sled Dog Race announces that the 2012 race will be cancelled due to insufficient snow. At this time there is not enough snow to safely allow passage of racing sled dog teams. The snowfall that arrived in Southcentral Alaska over the past weekend left less than 1 inch of new snow in the Sheep Mountain area. With only minor snow predicted in the coming week, the decision was made to cancel so that the mushers and race volunteers would have time to make alternate plans.
This is the third time in 9 years of running that the race has been cancelled due to lack of snow, the others being 2007 and 2009. Race director Zack Steer states, “It is unfortunate that mother nature has not cooperated this year. We had a great group of volunteers lined up to put on the race and the local Glacier View community really looks forward to seeing this event happen. There were 60 teams ready to race. Veteran mushers use this race to see how their teams are doing mid-season and rookies use the race to gain experience and possibly qualify for Iditarod. It’s just a really fun event and I hate to have to cancel it, but there really was no other choice. I’m looking into re-scheduling for this spring, possibly after Iditarod in March or April.”
For more information please contact Zack Steer at the numbers below. Zack Steer Race Director Sheep Mountain 150 http://sheepmountain.com/SheepMtn150.php https://www.facebook.com/events/393400700731114/
Yes, the 2013 Copper Basin 300 Sled Dog Race is on!
Photo courtesy
of Helen Hegener
UPDATE: 11/28/12
Officially a Qualifier for the Iditarod
Posted 11/07/12 - The Copper Basin 300 sled dog race is scheduled to start on January 12th 2013. The race will start and finish in Glennallen, Alaska.
Inspite of a rocky start this year, race officials have come together as well as the community to make this great event happen.
The 300 mile race is in need of volunteers to help out in all aspects. Judges, veternarians, race organizers, trail breakers, staff at headquarters answering phone calls, trail guards merchandise sales and sponsor opportuntities to name a few.
If you would like to help please email the Copper Basin Race officials and let them know what you are interested in doing. Contact email is copperbasin300@gmail.com
2013 Wyoming Stage Stop Sled Dog Rae Expects a Full Roster
Posted 10/25/12 Jackson, Wyoming –- 2013 The roster for the 2013 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR), January 25-February 2, 2013, has been filling up briskly, announced Race Director Frank Teasley. Registration deadline for the 18th annual competition is November 15, 2012, with late registration fees applied after that date. Up to 25 international sled dog teams compete for significant purses in the dog-friendly event, which starts out of the Jackson, Wyo., town center each year.
“When news of the new race course spread through the mushing community, my phone started ringing.” said Teasley. “I fully expect to have a full roster.”
Currently 13 teams from Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon and Alberta, Canada, are registered for the 2013 race, which begins in Jackson Hole, then will continue through parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho and dip down into Utah before finishing in Wyoming. A complete route is available on the IPSSSDR website at www.wyomingstagestop.org.
Small towns in the states along the race route will host the various stages, celebrating with community activities from meet-the-musher dinners to ice carving and pet parades. Community outreach by the sled dog race as it passes through the participating towns includes food donations to local animal shelters, contributions to health facilities for childhood immunization, and a Jr. Stage Stop for area students with selected kid mushers performing community service to become eligible to race
The IPSSSDR, the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states, is the only sled dog race with a course traveling through four states. With its unique stage stop format, the IPSSSDR has become a popular mushing event attracting the world’s top competitors. Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR. The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the contributions dogs make to society.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For more information, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org; contact the race at 307.734.1163. Media Contact: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335 ### 2013 IPSSSDR Race Roster as of October 22, 2012 1. Jerry Bath, Wyoming 2. Ryan Redington, Alaska 3. Erin Redington, Alaska 4. Jeff Conn, Alaska 5. Dennis Laboda, Minnesota 6. James Wheeler, Alaska 7. Dave Turner, Colorado, Oregon 8. Tom Thurston, Colorado 9. Ariane Jasmin, Alaska 10. Charlotte Mooney, Montana 11. Aaron Peck, Alberta, Canada 12. Stacey Teasley, Wyoming 13. Alix Pearson, Wyoming
2012 Sheep Mountain 150
Entries for the 2012 Sheep Mountain 150 Sled Dog Race opened October 1. As of October 5 there are 45 teams signed up to compete. Current musher list is attached. This year’s race will be held the weekend of December 15-16. The race starts and finishes at Sheep Mountain Lodge. There are 2, 5-hour layovers at Eureka Lodge.
RACING FOR LIFE A Documentary to Raise Rare Disease Awareness Cindy Abbott is reaching for the unreachable: To become the first woman (and second person) to summit Mt. Everest and complete the 1150-mile Alaskan Iditarod Sled Dog Race: two of the world’s most extreme adventure sports. After 14 years of experiencing the frightening symptoms of a mysterious illness, at the age of 48, and with almost no mountaineering experience, Cindy Abbott decides to climb Mt. Everest. A few months after that fateful decision, she becomes functionally blind in one eye and is subsequently diagnosed with Wegener’s granulomatosis, a rare, incurable and life-threatening disease, but her unrelenting will and amazing courage keep her on course as she battled a disease that had turned her own body against her.
Thirty million Americans have rare diseases and on international level there is no scale to measure to numbers affected. Before her climb Cindy became an advocate to raise rare disease awareness for the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) and the Vasculitis Foundation. After fifty-four days of working her way up the mountain, on May 23, 2010, she stood at the top of the world holding a NORD Banner and became the 40th America female to summit Mt. Everest. At age 52 and with no previous dog mushing experience, Cindy decided to take on an even bigger challenge: The Last Great Race on Earth. On November 17, 2011, Cindy stepped onto her first dog-racing sled. She is training with 4-time Iditarod winner and cancer survivor, Lance Mackey to run the 2013 Iditarod Race. Her racing motto is VASCULITIS: Racing for Life. It will be woman and dogs against some of Alaskan’s most extreme conditions as she races toward her next dream. And to make what seems to be an almost impossible goal even more difficult, Cindy lives and works in California and must fly back and forth to Alaska to train and race! Read more...
Iditarod Mushers Meet & Greet at the Alaska State Fair Wasilla, Alaska
Monday, August 27, 2012 - The Iditarod Trail Committee is proud to be a part of the Alaska State Fair’s Meet & Greet Alaska’s Iditarod Legends on Saturday September 1st, 2012. The event will take place at the Borealis Plaza Tent (next to the Borealis Theater) from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
2004 Iditarod Champion Mitch Seavey will be joined by 1978 Iditarod Champion Dick Mackey along with DeeDee Jonrowe, Dan Seavey, Ramey Smyth, Kelley Griffin, Newton Marshall, Scott Janssen, and 2012 Jr Iditarod Champion Conway Seavey to meet race fans attending the fair. The Iditarod Trail Committee will also have some very special Iditarod artifacts on hand from Iditarod’s past that will help visitors get a glimpse of how “The Last Great Race on Earth” has evolved since its early years. This is a great opportunity for race fans of all ages to get up close and personal with these athletes as they share their stories of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. There will also be puppies at this event!
A challenging 300 mile race in memory of the late Chief Isaac Juneby
Posted Aug 23, 2012 - The Top of the World 300, starts December 27th, 2012 out of Tok with a mass start, where teams will travel together in sort of a fun run style into Eagle Village.
On December 28th, with a potlatch and dance at the Eagle Village Hall, a ceremony will take place memorializing the late Chief Isaac Juneby.
Teams and mushers will overnight in Eagle. The official race will start December 29th, 2012 from Eagle Village to Tok in two minute intervals with a 4 hour mandatory layover, with time adjustments in Chicken.
Race finish will be in Tok. 14 dog maximum. $200 entry fee. Mushers banquet will take place on December 31st in Tok. More info and race rules to come.
The Copper Basin 300 sled dog race is scheduled to start on January 12th 2013. The 300 mile race is in need of volunteers to help out in all aspects. Judges,veternarians, race organizers, trail breakers, staff at headquarters answering phone calls, trail guards merchandise sales and sponsor opportuntities to name a few. If you would like to help please email the Copper Basin Race officials and let them know what you are interested in doing. Contactemail is copperbasin300@gmail.com
Yukon Quest Organization Announces Minimum Purse of $100,000
August 3, 2012 (Fairbanks, Alaska & Whitehorse, Yukon) – The Boards of Directors of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race today announced a minimum purse of $100,000 USD for the 2013 race. The announcement comes in time for 2013 race sign up day scheduled for this Saturday August 4, 2012. Entry packages for mushers interested in the 1000 mile race are available at yukonquest.com or at either Yukon Quest office. “We were hopeful that we could announce a larger minimum purse but it is important to the organization that we are transparent and upfront with mushers and stakeholders,” stated Becky Alexander President of the Alaska Board. “This is an amazing race but costs increase each year and last year we did not meet our sponsorship and fundraising targets. It is also expensive for mushers to run the race and we have committed each year to letting them know by sign up day the minimum purse. Ensuring all expenses from last year are paid and covering the purse are our priorities. If we see an increase in corporate sponsorship and fundraising we will certainly revisit the purse amount.” With the support of funding partners and loyal sponsors the organization and boards are reassessing all costs, expenditures and revenues. While grants make up part of the funds required to operate the race the vast majority of expenses must be raised through corporate sponsorship and fundraising. “This race and its purse rely on support of the business community and the many individuals who give time and money to the race,” said Joost Van Der Putten, President of the Yukon Board. “The economic impact that the event creates in remote communities on both sides of the border as well as in Whitehorse and Fairbanks in winter is significant. I really want to encourage more corporations to support this iconic event. With a fan base that includes people from the around the world and increasing media coverage, race sponsors can benefit even more from the international exposure.” Opening day sign ups this Saturday, August 4th will still be a celebration on both sides of the border with the Alaska team hosting a Fancy Ice Cream Social from 2 - 4 pm and the Yukon team hosting the third annual Volunteer Appreciation Party and BBQ from 3-5 pm. Everyone is invited to these events which give fans, volunteers and mushers a chance to meet and talk about the Yukon Quest. Mushers can sign up in person either at Race Headquarters in Fairbanks from 2 - 4 pm or at the White Pass Depot in Whitehorse from 3 -5 pm. An incentive draw will be held on August 10th for all mushers officially entered on or before Opening Day. The draw winner will receive a prize of $1,000 USD.
2013 IDITAROD DRAWS 54 MUSHERS ON FIRST DAY
Wasilla, Alaska - Saturday, June 30, 2012 – The 2013 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race sign-ups began at 9:00 AM AK Time at the Iditarod Trail Committee Headquarters in Wasilla. By the end of the first draw deadline at 3:00 PM, 54 mushers had signed up, which included 9 rookies.
Current Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey, four-time Iditarod Champions Lance Mackey, Martin Buser, Jeff King, 2011 Champion John Baker, and 2004 Champion Mitch Seavey joined a number of 2012 top ten finishers at Iditarod Headquarters for today’s sign-ups.
Hundreds of volunteers joined the mushers at the Iditarod Headquarters for the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. Lunch was provided by the Golden Corral.
Cim Smyth and Jeff King won their $3,000 entry fees back in a final drawing that marked the end of the 2012 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic.
Below is a list of mushers in order of their draw to be held during the Mushers’ Drawing Banquet, Dena’ina Center, in Anchorage on February 28, 2013
1. Christine Roalofs (Rookie) Anchorage, AK United States 2. Newton Marshall (Veteran) St. Ann Jamaica 3. Ken Anderson (Veteran) Fairbanks, AK United States 4. Michelle Phillips (Veteran) Tagish Yukon Territory 5. DeeDee Jonrowe (Veteran) Willow, AK United States 6. Gerry Wilomitzer (Veteran) Whitehorse Yukon Territory 7. Scott Janssen (Veteran) Anchorage AK United States 8. Pete Kaiser Veteran Bethel AK United States 9. Gerald Sousa Veteran Talkeetna AK United States 10. Jesse Royer ( Veteran) Darby MT United States 11. Michael Suprenant (Veteran ) Chugiak AK United States 12. Kelly Maixner (Veteran) Big Lake AK United States 13. Robert Bundtzen (Veteran) Anchorage AK United States 14 Luan Ramos Marques (Rookie) Willow AK United States 15. Paul Gebhardt (Veteran) Kasilof AK United States 16. Mike Williams Sr. (Veteran) Akiak AK United States 17. Mitch Seavey (Veteran) Sterling Ak United States 18. Bob Chlupach (Veteran) Willow Ak United States 19. Ray Redington Jr. (Veteran) Wasilla AK United States 20. Martin Buser (Veteran) Big Lake AK United States 21. Rudolph Demoski Sr. (Veteran) Wasilla
AK United States 22. Jason Mackey (Veteran) Wasilla AK United States 23. Cim Smyth Veteran Big Lake AK United States 24. Susie Rogan (Rookie) Whitehorse Yukon Territory 25. Paige Drobny (Rookie) Fairbanks AK United States 26. Joar Leifseth Ulsom (Rookie) Roros Norway 27. Curt Perano (Veteran) Christchurch New Zealand 28. Angie Taggart (Veteran) Anchorage AK United States 29. Ed Stielstra (Veteran) McMillan MI United States 30. Jan Steves (Veteran) Edmonds WA United States 31. Kristy Berington (Veteran) Kasilof AK United States 32. Jodi Bailey (Veteran) Chatanika
AK United States 33. Jerry Joinson (Rookie) Ft. St. James
B.C. Canada 34. Cindy Gallea (Veteran) Wykoff MN United States 35. Jeff King (Veteran) Denali Park AK United States 36. Aliy Zirkle (Veteran) Two Rivers AK United States 37. Travis Beals (Rookie) Seward AK United States 38. Allen Moore (Veteran) Two Rivers AK United States 39. Karin Hendrickson (Veteran) Wasilla AK
United States 40. Mike Ellis (Rookie) Two Rivers AK United States 41. Nicolas Petit (Veteran) Girdwood AK United States 42. Linwood Fiedler (Veteran) Willow AK United States 43. Mike Williams Jr. (Veteran) Akiak AK United States 44. Rohn Buser (Veteran) Big Lake AK United States 45. Ramey Smyth (Veteran) Willow AK United States 46. Lance Mackey (Veteran) Fox AK United States 47. Aaron Burmeister ( Veteran) Nome AK United States 48. Jake Berkowitz (Veteran) Big Lake AK United States. 49. Charley Bejna (Rookie) Addison IL United States 50. Justin Savidis (Veteran) Willow AK United States 51. Dallas Seavey (Veteran) Willow AK United States 52. Anna Berington (Veteran) Kasilof AK United States 53. Kelley Griffin (Veteran0 Wasilla AK United States 54. John Baker (Veteran) Kotzebue AK United States
The Iditarod Trail Committee membership also elected John Handeland (Nome, Alaska), Stan Foo (Anchorage, Alaska) and Rick Swenson (Two Rivers, Alaska) to the Iditarod Trail Committee Board of Directors at the Annual Membership Meeting. All will serve a three year term.
STORY OF JAMAICA DOGSLED TEAM ANNOUNCED AS AN IBA FINALIST
J
une 20, 2012 (Ocho Rios, Jamaica) – One Mush: Jamaica’s Dogsled Team, was announced as a finalist in the category of Sports: General by JPX Media Group at The 2012 International Book Awards (IBA) on May 23, 2012. The story of the team and their journey from Jamaica to the world of international dogsled racing was recognized at BookExpo America in New York this past week, and will also be one of the featured titles in USA Book News.
Chukka Chairman and founder, Danny Melville with the backing of music legend Jimmy Buffett, started the Jamaica Dogsled Team seven years ago and since then the team’s adventures have been a real testament to the human spirit and a life changing experience for the mushers. These young men became role models in their community and garnered awards, trophies, two films (with one more in the works), and now an internationally recognized book.
“This is a great story and we are so pleased that is has been recognized by the IBA,” says team founder Danny Melville. “John Firth, the author, has become a close friend to all of us at the team. Only someone with his experience in the Far North and with dog sledding could have understood the challenges these mushers faced and told their tale so well.”
Firth was born in Edmonton, Alberta and grew up in Dawson City and Whitehorse, Yukon. He attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C., where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. He now makes his home in Whitehorse, Yukon, which is also the finish line for the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race.
One Mush: Jamaica’s Dogsled team, a story of true determination despite the odds, can be purchased on amazon.com or through the Team’s website at www.jamaicadogsled.com
2013 Yukon Quest Celebrates 30th Year
Just because in the north it's light 24 hours each day and the trees have turned an unfamiliar green doesn't mean that we're not already thinking about sle dog races. Here's some of what's onthe Yukon Quests calendar over the next few months:
June 24: It's the Dawg Gone Canoe Race, in Fairbanks! All teams consist of a "driver”, a “handler”, and a dog. All breeds are welcome in this race, from huskies to setters and poodles to toy stuffed animals. It's on the lower Chena River, so you do not need to be an expert paddler. You can find more information and an entry form here.
August 4: Don't miss your chance to win $10,000 cash!!! The Yukon Quest Whitehorse office and many local businesses are selling $20 tickets that could pay your next trip to Hawaii or get your two return Air North tickets from Whitehorse to Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary! The draw will take place on the Yukon Quest Sign-up Day - August 4th at the Whitehorse Yukon Quest office. Get your chance to win BIG while supporting our 30th race!
August 4: The first day of Yukon Quest 2013 sign-ups in Whitehorse and Fairbanks. Come on down and join the Quest to see who signs up! The Whitehorse sign-ups will be held at the Yukon Quest office at the White Pass Depot on First Avenue, and the Fairbanks sign-up location will be announced next month.
August 15: Don't miss your chance to win a round trip for two by air across the Arctic Circle in the heart of Alaska’s Northland donated by Northern Alaska Tour Company! The Fairbanks office is selling $5 tickets (or 5 for $20!) that could take you to the Arctic Circle. You can also win one of 17 other prizes including a dogsled ride with 2012 Champion Hugh Neff! The raffle will be on August 15th and you need not be present to win. For a full list of prizes go to their website.
You can now become a virtual "Trail Breaker". In return, we will list you on our GoMush Trail Breaker page for the entire race season. Your money will go to cover race expenses and mushing news throughout the year.
ONE MUSH...
Ever dreamed of the North- the cold, the challenges of survival...then you need to get the book "One Mush- the story of the Jamaica Dogsled Team".
