2011 Old News- If you haven't read it - it's news to you!
Northern Lights 300 Fundraiser
The Northern Lights 300 Sled Dog Race is hosting a prime rib dinner Saturday, November 19th at the Menard Sports Center. Dinner starts at 6pm with a silent auction and live auction at 7. Tickets are $15 and can be bought at the door. MARTIN BUSER AND DEEDEE JONROWE will be there to chat and sign autographs.
If you can't join us for dinner, but want to support the race by making a donation, please contact Sue Allen at sue@nosnowkennels.com
Schedule for Future Alaska Animal Care Standards Workshops
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of the State Veterinarian will be hosting a series of public workshops regarding proposed animal care standards. The workshops will be divided into five separate animal categories.
All interested persons are invited to attend by telephone at 1-800-315-6338 (use pass code 8213 when prompted) or in person at the State Environmental Health Laboratory at 5251 Dr. MLK, Jr. Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99507. All meetings will be from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. If you are unable to attend meetings, feel free to submit your comments to us in writing via mail or email.
General Livestock (bovine, swine, sheep, goats): Dec 12, 2011
Domestic pets (working/sled dogs, performance animals, mice, pocket pets): Jan 5, 2011 A working draft of the proposed animal care standards and minutes from the first organizational meeting are available at:http://dec.alaska.gov/eh/vet/index.htm. Follow the “Animal Care Standards Workshops” link under “Animal Health”. An agenda will be published on the website approximately two weeks in advance of each meeting.
This proposed regulation is part of a comprehensive revision of the state animal health regulations. A formal public comment period will be held for the entire regulation package later in 2012. If you have questions regarding these workshops, please contact:
Jay Fuller, DVM
Assistant State Veterinarian
907-375-8213
jay.fuller@alaska.gov
Robert Gerlach, VMD
State Veterinarian
907-375-8214
bob.gerlach@alaska.gov
High Country Inn returns as Official Hotel of the Yukon Quest
November 9, 2011 (Whitehorse, YT) –The High Country Inn is returning as the Official Hotel Sponsor – Yukon for the 2012 Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race. Located in downtown Whitehorse, the High Country Inn is owned and operated by Northern Vision Developments LP. This is the third year they have supported the Yukon Quest as an Official Hotel Sponsor.
“With High Country Inn backing the Yukon Quest, we know race visitors and participants will again rest easy in fine style,” said Sue Thomas, Executive Director of the Yukon Quest International Association (Canada). “High Country’s staff are going above & beyond with their help planning the Finish & Awards Banquet on February 18. Mushers & their support teams, volunteers, fans and sponsors are already looking forward to the crowning of the 29th Quest champion at the Yukon Convention Centre!”
“We are excited at the opportunity to renew our partnership with the Yukon Quest,” said Adam Gerle, VP of Marketing for Northern Vision. “The experience for Yukon Quest visitors will start with incredible accommodations and outstanding Yukon hospitality here at the High Country Inn and Yukon Convention Centre. Our staff can’t wait to welcome everyone next February.”
Northern Vision Development LP also owns and operates the Best Western Gold Rush Inn. For Finish Week & QuestFest in Whitehorse, both the Gold Rush Inn and the High Country Inn will offer a reduced rate of $89 CAD per night including airport shuttle and free Internet access. Yukon Quest mushers, support teams, volunteers and fans can request the Yukon Quest special rate when booking accommodation.
The 29th annual Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race starts February 4, 2012 in Fairbanks, Alaska. Quest Fest will start in Whitehorse on February 13th and run until February 18th.
For up-to-date information and news about the race, visit www.yukonquest.com.
Sheep Mountain 150 sled dog race field full at 50 teams
A full-field of 50 teams has signed up for the 2011 Sheep Mountain 150 sled dog race. A waitlist has been started for additional teams beyond the 50-team limit. The Sheep Mountain 150 is a 150-mile sled dog race to be held December 17-18, 2011. The race starts and finishes at Sheep Mountain Lodge at mile 113 of the Glenn Highway and has two, five-hour layovers at Eureka Lodge. Some of the race can be viewed directly from the highway and fans can watch and meet the mushers at the Eureka lodge checkpoint that Saturday night.This year’s race features top distance mushers such as Aliy Zirkle, Jeff King, Mitch Seavey and Ray Redington, Jr.. The race kicks off the beginning of the distance sled dog racing season in Alaska. Recent snowfall in the Sheep Mountain area should lead to a challenging course for all. Race director Zack Steer said, “There is more snow on the ground now than at any time in recent memory.” Mushers competing in the Sheep Mountain 150 hail from Alaska, Canada and around the world. Bush Alaska will be well represented with teams from Aniak, St. Michael and Big Lake planning to race. 2010 Sheep Mountain race champion Lance Mackey has not signed up to compete. 2010 runner-up Jake Berkowitz hopes to take his place at the top of the race field. Race updates will be posted to: http://www.sheepmountain.com and the Sheep Mountain 150 Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/SheepMountain
These will be the best sources for current race updates and final results. For more detailed information about the race please go to www.sheepmountain.com or contact Zack Steer, race director, at 907-745-5121.
2012 Idita-Rider Musher Auction Now Open!
Wasilla, Alaska - Wednesday, November 2, 2011 - The annual Idita-Rider Musher Auction, conducted online by the Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC), is now open for bidding at www.iditarodauction.com. Winning bidders will travel the first 11 miles of IDITAROD 2012 from the very best vantage point; in the sled of their favorite musher, powered by a team of 4 legged Iditarod athletes!
Minimum bids start at $500. However, bidders can guarantee their sled of choice by choosing the ‘Buy Now” feature for $7,500. The closing date for the 2012 Idita-Rider Auction is January 20, 2012.
This year’s auction will again include the exclusive Ultimate Adventure package which can be had for $25,000. Only one of which will be sold. The adventure includes an Idita-Rider sled of choice, a flight to and an overnight stay at Rainy Pass Lodge, and the truly unique opportunity to serve as the checkpoint “Checker,” officially welcoming and “signing in” the race leaders into the checkpoint. The Rainy Pass Checkpoint is located in the heart of the Alaska Range, approximately 272 trail miles from Anchorage. The purchaser of the Ultimate Adventure will also have the honor of cutting the ribbon at the starting line in Anchorage as well as having their picture taken with the entire field of Iditarod 2012 mushers.
Iditarod "40" gets underway at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012 in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
Dog Mushing in Alaska Project Jukebox
The Alaska and Polar Regions Collections at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska is pleased to announce completion of our latest multi-media oral history website: Dog Mushing in Alaska Project Jukebox
The story of dog mushing is an integral part of Alaskan history. Dog traction dates back to the prehistoric record when dogs were first used to pull loads. Dog teams were a vital part of the subsistence and trapping economy in rural Alaska until the advent of snowmachines in the 1960s. Dog teams were key to the gold rush and broad settlement of Alaska, including as haulers of mail and supplies. Today sled dog races and recreational mushing are reminders of those early days when dog teams were essential to life in Alaska.
The Project Jukebox website features oral histories, historic film clips, and still photographs to highlight various aspects of dog mushing in Alaska. Topics include: dog racing, dog breeding, village use of dogs, traveling and camping with dogs, dog teams and tourism, dog team mail carriers, old trails, and building sleds. You can access the site at www.jukebox.uaf.edu/akmushing.
For further information, contact Project Jukebox at (907) 474-6672. This project is supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Alaska State Library.
Sheep Mountain 150 sled dog race date is set for December 17-18, 2011
The first long distance race of the season for Alaska has been schedule with some rule changes and entry fee hikes.
Two changes of note for 2011:
Entry procedure for first draw:
The start order will be assigned based on the order of official sign-ups. Entry order priority is given in the following order: All entries received on or by October 1 will be put into a random drawing on October 2 for the “first draw” start order positions. All entries received on or after October 2 will be entered and receive start positions in the order received.
What this means - You no longer have to send in your entry at midnight to get an early start position. Just send it in anytime on Oct 1 to be in the "first draw".
The other change is a slight increase in entry fee to $225.
(Wasilla, AK. September 1, 2011) The Iditarod Trail Committee is proud to be a part of the Alaska State Fair’s “Iditarod Legends” meet and greet on Sunday September 4th, 2011. The event will take place at the Donlin Gold Ravens People Tent (next to the Red Gate Entrance) from 12 pm to 4 pm. 2011 Iditarod Champion John Baker will join Four-time Iditarod Champions Martin Buser and Jeff King along with 1978 Iditarod Champion Dick Mackey, 2004 Iditarod Champion Mitch Seavey, Dee Dee Jonrowe, Ramey Smyth, and Dallas Seavey to meet and greet race fans attending the fair. Join the Iditarod Trail Committee in a special presentation at the Iditarod Legends event.
2011 Iditarod Champion John Baker will receive his Iditarod Championship Ring at noon. The Iditarod Trail Committee will also have some very special artifacts on hand from Iditarod’s past races 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 Iditarod athletes as they share their stories of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Paxon , Alaska Mushing Clinic Set for Sep 23-25
Crazy Dog Kennels, located in Paxson, Alaska, will hold a 3-day Mushing Clinic, September 23-25th. The Clinic will be for the intermediate dog driver. We will be covering comprehensive long distance regimes. Training schedules, feeding programs, veterinary care, and equipment options will be discussed in detail. There will be major emphasis on working with and training the dogs you have; getting the most from your dog yard.
Housing will be provided. Participating mushers should bring a ATV and six-eight dogs. Cost is $750 per team, there is a 4 team maximum. For more information and detailed schedule--- contact John Schandelmeier at; schandelmeier@yahoo.com
Organization Announces Purse of $150,000 in time for Sign Up Day
August 1, 2011 (Fairbanks, AK & Whitehorse, YT) - The Boards of Directors of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race today announced a minimum $150,000 USD purse for the 2012 race. The announcement comes in time for sign up day on August 6, 2011. Entry packages for mushers interested in the 1,000 mile race are available at www.yukonquest.com or at either Yukon Quest offices.
“We are pleased to be able to once again guarantee the minimum purse for the 2012 race. That being said the staff and sponsorship team are working hard to secure as many return and new sponsors as possible,” stated Julie Estey, President of the Alaska Board. “With the revitalized economy in Yukon and the hard work we are doing in Alaska to secure additional sponsors we are very hopeful that the race will be in a solid financial position.”
The purse as well as operational costs of running the race are raised through sponsor support and fundraising. There are many sponsorship opportunities including the trail, the vet program, checkpoint sponsorships and official suppliers. Those wishing to sponsor or donate funds or materials can contact either Yukon Quest office.
“This race and its purse rely on the 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. “Our fan base includes people from the around the world. I really want to encourage more corporations to support this iconic event. With the increasing media coverage, race sponsors benefit even more from the international exposure.”
Opening day sign up this Saturday, August 6th will be a party 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 second 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. The Starter Program bidding will also be launched online at www.yukonquest.com, giving fans the opportunity to purchase an exclusive package to ride with their favourite musher to the start line and other perks.
Mushers can sign up in person either at Race Headquarters in Fairbanks from 2 - 4 pm or at the Race Headquarters in the White Pass Depot in Whitehorse from 3 - 5 pm. An incentive draw will be held on August 13th for all mushers officially entered on or before Opening Day. The draw winner will receive a prize of $1,000 USD.
“Champion of Alaskan Huskies” Book Signing Thursday July 28th
Wasilla, Alaska – (July 26, 2011
The Iditarod Trail Committee is proud to welcome Alaskan author Katie Manglesdorf for a very special book signing on Thursday, July 28th from 4 to 7 pm at the Iditarod Trail Headquarters in Wasilla.
Katie’s book titled “Champion of Alaskan Huskies” is all about the life of “The Father of the Iditarod” Joe Redington Sr. This book is a labor of love that took fifteen years to complete.
Join Katie and the Redington family at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska this Thursday, July 28th from 4 to 7pm. Learn more about the Father of “The Last Great Race on Earth”…. Joe Redington Sr.
The 3rd Annual Midwest Sled Dog Symposium will again be held in Curtis, Michigan (in the Easter Upper Peninsula) on October 1st. Our keynote speaker is Jodi Bailey, also speaking will be Iditarod mushers Hank DeBruin, Pat Moon, Jake Berkowitz, and Blake/Jennifer Freking. This is certainly not only an event for all levels of mushers, but also for mushing fans! The 2nd annual Midwest Iditarod Teacher's Conference will be held on Friday, September 30th, and it's open to both teachers and fans! Cost for each event is $30 for each day. There is also a meet-the-mushers dinner on Friday, September 30th, which is limited to 20 guests, cost is $50 for a fabulous meal and the chance to chat with Jodi Bailey and Ed Stielstra on a personal level. More information and registraion is available at www.midwestsleddog.com
International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Slated for Jan 27 – Feb 4, 2012
25 teams to race from Wyoming to Utah in largest competition in lower 48
Jackson, Wyoming – July 20, 2011 – The 2012 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) is slated for January 27 – February 4, 2012, announced Race Director Frank Teasley. The race is currently accepting applications for its roster limited to 25 teams. The largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states begins in Jackson, Wyo., and travels through small Wyoming communities before finishing in Park City, Utah.
“The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race has received interest from teams all over the world,” Teasley says. “Each year it’s a new event and I’m looking forward to what 2012 will bring.” Ten teams are already registered for the 17th running of the annual Wyoming-to-Utah event (see listing below), including 2011 champion Blayne Streeper.
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 via e-mail at bark@wyomingstagestop.org; or telephone at (307) 734-1163.
Media Contact: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335
Teams registered for the 2012 IPSSSDR
1. Bruce Magnusson , MI
2. Ryan Redington, AK
3. Blayne Streeper, BC
4. Streeper 2
5. Jerry Bath, WY
6. Kate St. Onge, UT
7. Erin Redington, AK
8. Dennis Laboda, MN
9. Dave Turner, OR
10. Stacey Teasley, WY
11. Bailey Cross Vitello, MA
Taco Bell, DeeDee & Ophelia help support the Providence Cancer Center!
July 17, 2011 - Anchorage, Alaska.
All the Alaska Taco Bell stores participted in the 5th annual DeeDee Jonrowe fundraiser to support the Providence Cancer Center.
This year, the campaign featured "Ophelia", one of Iditarod musher, DeeDee Jonrowe's sled dogs. Special "Ophelia" cards were for sale at Taco Bell stores for $1.00 or more and proceeds benefited the Providence Cancer Center.
DeeDee was honored to be at the check presentation at the start of the All Star baseball game in Anchorage, Alaska this weekend. There was plenty of cheering from the stands during the presentation, with a check from Taco Bell to Providence Cancer Center for $50,000.
Great team work!
2012 IDITAROD MUSHER SIGN UPS DRAW 47 MUSHERS ON FIRST DAY
(Wasilla, AK. June 25, 2011) The 2012 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race first day sign ups began at 9 am Alaska time at the Iditarod Trail Committee Headquarters. By the end of the first draw deadline (3:30 pm Alaska Time) 47 mushers had signed up.
Four Time Iditarod Champions Lance Mackey and Martin Buser were joined by another four time champion Jeff King, 2004 Iditarod Champion Mitch Seavey and 2011 Iditarod Champion John Baker, along with a number of 2011 top ten finishers at Iditarod Headquarters for today’s sign ups. 9 rookie mushers also signed up for the 40th running of “The Last Great Race on Earth.
Hundreds of Iditarod volunteers joined mushers at the Iditarod Trail Committee Headquarters for the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. They were served a barbeque luncheon by the Millennium Alaska Hotel (The Official Hotel of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race).
Kelley Griffin (Wasilla Alaska) and Martin Buser (Big Lake Alaska) won their $3,000 entry fees back in a final drawing that marked the end of the 2011 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic.
Below is a listing of mushers (in order of their draw):
(1) Kelley Griffin - Wasilla, AK USA; (2) Martin Buser - Big Lake, AK USA (3) Anjanette Steer - Sheep Mtn, AK USA (4) Scott Janssen Anchorage, AK USA (5) Aaron Burmeister - Nenana, AK USA (6) Nick Petit - Chugiak, AK USA (7) Trent Herbst - Anchorage, AK USA
(8) Travis Cooper - Big Lake, AK USA (9) Bruce Linton - Kasilof, AK USA (10) Jodi Bailey - Fairbanks, AK USA (11) Mike Santos - Cantwell, AK
USA (12) Brennan Norden - Kasilof, AK USA (13) Lance Mackey - Fairbanks, AK USA (14) Hugh Neff - Tok, AK USA (15) Dallas Seavey Willow, AK USA (16) Mitch Seavey - Sterling, AK USA (17) Peter Kaiser - Bethel, AK USA (18) DeeDee Jonrowe - Willow, AK USA (19) Anna Berington - Kasilof, AK USA (20) Sigrid Ekran - Sparbu, NORWAY (21) Ramey Smyth - Willow, AK USA (22) Michael Suprenant - Chugiak , AK USA (23) Tom Thurston - Oak Creek, CO USA (24) Pat Moon - Park Ridge, IL USA (25) Jake Berkowitz - Big Lake, AK USA
(26) Kristy Berington - Kasilof, AK USA (27) Wattie McDonald - Clam Gulch, AK USA (28) Karin Hendrickson - Wasilla, AK USA (29) Jaimee
Kinzer - Wasilla, AK USA (30) Paul F Gebhardt - Kasilof, AK USA (31) Cim Smyth - Big Lake, AK USA (32) Michelle Phillips - Tagish, YT CANADA (33) Gerry Willomitzer - Whitehorse, YT CANADA (34) Kelly Maixner - Big Lake, AK USA (35) Colleen Robertia - Kasilof, AK USA
(36) Jessie Royer - Fairbanks, AK USA (37) Ken Anderson - Fairbanks, AK USA (38) William Pinkham - Glenwood Springs, CO USA (39)
Jan Steves - Edmonds, WA USA (40) Jeff King - Denali, AK USA (41) Ray Redington, Jr. - Wasilla, AK USA (42) Kevin Neher - Wasilla, AK USA (43) John Baker - Kotzebue, AK USA (44) Aliy Zirkle - Two Rivers, AK USA (45) Justin Savidis - Willow,AK USA (46) Justin High - Willow, AK USA (47) Jim Lanier - Chugiak, AK USA
WILLOW DOG MUSHERS K9 ATHLETE SYMPOSIUM
The Willow Dog Mushers are pleased to announce our keynote speaker for the K9 Athlete Symposium this year is 2011 Iditarod Champion, John Baker. Mr. Baker will open the afternoon sessions with his observations and comments on winning the 2011 Iditarod. A question and answer period will follow. Mr. Baker will also appear in panel discussions the rest of the day. Plans are in progress for a fun day of activities and informative panels. The symposium salutes all athletic dogs and their humans. Join us for an exciting day in Willow on Sept. 24 at the Willow Community Center, MP 69 on the Parks Highway. Activities kick off at 9:30 am with registration and continue to early evening. More information to come as we finalize details or visit: www.willowdogmushers.com
Yukon Quest welcomes two new Alaska board members
May 6, 2011 (Fairbanks, Alaska) – The Yukon Quest’s Alaska Annual General Membership meeting (AGM) was recently held in Fairbanks.
Two current board members were voted back in and two new members will join the team. Voted back in for the Alaska board were Becky Alexander and Jodi Blakley (Bonacci). Becky is a 15-year Yukon Quest volunteer and held the position of Angel Creek Checkpoint Manager for five years. She is also a co-founder of the Two Rivers 200. Jodi was appointed to the board in 2010 and has been involved with the Yukon Quest as a sponsor for many years. New board members joining the team are Sue Sprinkle and Jim Gibertoni. As a volunteer and graphic designer, Sue has been involved with the Yukon Quest for over a decade. She works with both the Alaska and Yukon boards to create world-class race posters and race annuals. Jim has been a Yukon Quest race pilot for the past four years. He also brings more than 35 years of experience as a Commercial Pilot, and is certified as a Multi Engine Land & Sea Flight Instructor. Meanwhile, a new Musher’s Representative for the Alaska board was also chosen. Doug Grilliot agreed to take on the position. Grilliot, a former Race Marshall for the Yukon Quest, ran the race in both 2001 and 2002, and has sat on the Alaska board in the past. To learn more about the Yukon Quest, visit www.yukonquest.com. For more information, contact. - Dee Enright - Outside the Cube - 867-456-7483 dee@outsidethecube.ca
2011 Kobuk 440
KOTZ Radio in Kotzebue, Alaska. The start of the race will be covered LIVE! Tune in at 4pm to make sure you don't miss anything.
KOTZ Radio | Listen Live
www.publicbroadcasting.net
Mushers sign up to run the Kobuk 440 starting April 14th, 2011
The Kobuk 440 Sled Dog Race is a middle distance sled dog race that is held annually during the second weekend in April. It has been in existence for the past 25 years. While the Iditarod is an epic journey, the Kobuk 440 is the ultimate challenge for a dog musher. It is also a qualifying race for both the Iditarod sled dog race and the Yukon Quest. The Kobuk 440 goes through 7 of the NANA Region villages and involves bringing a lot of people together throughout the region during its course. The race startsthe afternoon of April 14th and is usually over by Sunday morning with lots of excitement in between. Mushers already signed up are: Mark Childers, Lance Mackey, Jessie Beebe, Brent Sass, Paul Gephardt
2011 Iditarod Awards
PenAir Spirit of Alaska Award: Martin Buser receives the award from PenAir’s Missy Andersen. Wells Fargo 1st to the Gold Coast Award: John Baker receives the award from Wells Fargo’s Loren Prosser and Scotty Watkins. GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award: Trent Herbst receives the award from GCI’s Gary Samuelson. Northern Air Cargo Herbie Nayukpuk Memorial Award: Paul Johnson from Unalakleet Alaska. Iditarod Trail Committee Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award: Aliy Zirkle is presented the prestigious award from Dr. Stu Nelson, D.V.M. (Iditarod Chief Veterinarian). Golden Stethoscope Award: Martin Buser presents the award to Dr. Samantha Yeltatzie, D.V.M. Jerry Austin Rookie of the year Award: Nicolas Petit. Horizon Lines Most improved Musher Award: Trent receives the award from Horizon’s Marion Davis. ExxonMobil’s Musher’s Choice Award: Rick Swenson is presented the award from ExxonMobil’s Bill Brackin. Nome Kennel Club’s Fastest from Safety to Nome: Lance Mackey receives the award from Nome Kennel Club’s Kirsten Bey Golden Clipboard Award: Presented to Unalakleet, Mayor Middy Johnson accepts the award from Iditarod Race Marshall Mark Nordman Wells Fargo Red Lantern Award: Ellen Halverson proudly holds her 2011 Red Lantern award under the burled arch in Nome. City of Nome Lolly Medley Golden Harness Award: Velvet and Snickers, John Baker’s Lead Dogs at the finish of Iditarod 2011. Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Official Truck: Awarded by Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep’s Chief Financial Officer Steve Erickson
2011 Iditarod Wraps up
Sunday, March 20th, 2011) The 2011 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially ended at 10:45 this morning (Alaska Time) when Wasilla Alaska musher, Ellen Halverson (Bib #26), made her way under the Burled Arch on Front Street in Nome Alaska with 9 dogs on her team. The 50 year old musher made the trek to Nome in 13 days, 19 hours, 45 minutes and 45 seconds. Halverson was awarded the coveted Wells FargoRed Lantern, presented byScotty Watkins, Wells Fargo’s Nome Community Banking Manager. This is Halverson’s second Red Lantern Award. She was the last musher to arrive in Nome in 2007, her rookie year. She is the only Iditarod musher in race history to win the Red Lantern twice. After the ceremony under the Burled Arch concluded, the 2011 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ended with Halverson extinguishing the flame in the Widow’s Lamp, signifying that all mushers and their teams were safely off the Iditarod Trail. All 2010 Iditarod Official Finishers will be present at the Finishers Banquet in Nome Alaska, later today, (Sunday) March 20th. The banquet gets underway at 3:30 pm at the Nome Recreation Center.
Kotzebue Alaska’s John Baker - Nome Alaska - (Tuesday, March 15th, 2011) IDITAROD XXXXIX Musher John Baker (Bib # 53) arrived in Nome Alaska at 9:46 am Alaska Time with 11 dogs on his team claiming his first Iditarod Championship. The Kotzebue Alaska native was greeted by a huge crowd of race fans, many from along the Bering coast who have not seen a native Alaskan cross the finish line in first place since 1976. Baker’s run from Willow to Nome was accentuated by a race time that shattered the previous record held by 4 time Iditarod Champion, Martin Buser. Baker’s team traveled up the Iditarod Trail in 8 days, 18 hours, 46 minutes, 39 seconds bettering Buser’s previous record by more than four hours. Baker’s record breaking pace was challenged by second place veteran musher Ramey Smyth from Willow Alaska. Smyth (Bib # 50) clocked a tremendous run into White Mountain yesterday to get within striking distance, but was unable to keep up with Baker’s consistent pace in to Nome. Smyth arrived in Nome at 10:50 am with 8 dogs on his team finishing the race in 8 Days 19 Hours 50 Minutes 59 Seconds. Mushers expected to arrive in Nome Alaska today are Hans Gatt, Dallas Seavey, Hugh Neff, Sebastian Schnuelle, and Ray Redington Jr.
HUGH NEFF IS THE FIRST TO REACH THE YUKON
Anchorage Alaska - (Friday, March 11th, 2011) IDITAROD XXXIX Musher Hugh Neff (Bib # 34) just arrived in Anvik Alaska at 5:26 am Alaska Time with 12 dogs, and is officially the first musher to reach the banks of the Yukon. The 43 year old musher from Tok Alaska was greeted by volunteers, race fans and a seven course meal courtesy of the Millennium Alaskan Hotel, “Lead Dog” Partner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This marks the 25th year in a row that the Millennium has been on the banks of the Yukon serving up its special culinary cuisine.
As the recipient of the “First Musher to the Yukon Award”, Neff was treated to an eight course meal prepared on camp stoves in the Anvik Community Center. One course, the after dinner mint of $3,500 cash, was presented to Neff on an Alaskan Gold Pan. The Millennium Alaskan Hotel “1st to the Yukon” Award will be re-presented Neff in Nome on Sunday, March 20th, during the Iditarod Awards Banquet at the Nome Recreation Center.
TRENT HERBST IS THE FIRST TO REACH IDITAROD GOLD
Anchorage Alaska - (Wednesday, March 10th, 2011) XXXIX Musher Trent Herbst (Bib #4) is the first to arrive in the Ghost town of Iditarod, on the banks of Iditarod Creek. The Ketchum Idaho musher reached Iditarod at 5:29 am Alaska Time with 14 dogs.
The Iditarod Checkpoint signifies the halfway point in the 2011 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Herbst completed the trek from Takotna to Iditarod in a little over 14 hours. When he arrived in Iditarod he was greeted by Emily Jones, product analyst for GCI, and was awarded the GCI Dorothy Page Halfway Award as well as $3,000 in gold nuggets, courtesy of Iditarod Principal Partner GCI.
Herbst said the trail from Ophir was in good condition, and the northern lights show, compliments of Mother Nature, was a big bonus. The GCI Dorothy Page Halfway Award will be re-presented to Herbst in Nome on Sunday, March 20th, during the Iditarod Awards Banquet at the Nome Recreation Center.
MARTIN BUSER FIRST TO MCGRATH WINS PENAIR SPIRIT OF ALASKA AWARD
03/08/11 - Anchorage Alaska - (Tuesday, March 8th, 2011) IDITAROD XXXIX Musher Martin Buser (Bib # 11) was the first to arrive in McGrath along the banks of the Kuskokwim River at 5:55 pm Alaska Time. The 4 time Iditarod Champion arrived with 16 dogs. He was greeted by PENAIR’s Vice President of sales and marketing Missy Anderson. Anderson presented the prestigious PENAIR SPIRIT OF ALASKA AWARD to Buser at a very brief award ceremony at the McGrath Checkpoint. The award is a beautiful original “spirit mask” especially created for this event by Bristol Bay artist Orville Lind. In addition Buser received a $500 credit toward travel or freight shipment. The PENAIR SPIRIT OF ALASKA AWARD will be presented to Buser again on March 20th in Nome Alaska at the Mushers Awards Banquet. Buser didn’t waste any time at all in McGrath. The Big Lake Alaska musher headed for Takotna shortly after the presentation with 15 Dogs.
THE 2011 IDITAROD RESTART SET FOR 2 PM ALASKA TIME IN WILLOW ALASKA
(ANCHORAGE AK) The IDITAROD XXXVIII Restart is now a matter of hours away. At 2 pm Alaska time (6 pm Eastern Time), Willow Musher Dee Dee Jonrowe’s team will be the first team to leave the chute on Willow Lake. From there the migration of 61 other teams will follow Jonrowe’s lead and head out toward the Big Susitna River toward Yentna on their through North America’s largest mountain range, the Alaska Range.
GCI Channel 1 will provide live coverage of the restart along with the Alaska Rural Communication Service reaching out to Alaskans around the state beginning at 1:45 pm Alaska time. The Iditarod Insider will also stream the broadcast live around the world beginning at 1:45.
In addition, Spirit of Alaska Radio, the Official Radio Partner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, will provide live coverage of the race on both KBYR AM and KMBQ FM beginning at 1:30 pm Alaska Time. The Iditarod Insider Tracker will begin deploying From Willow Alaska as the teams leave the starting line. To find out how to become an Insider log on to www.iditarod.com and click on the Iditarod Insider tab.
Click here for 2011 Iditarod Ceremonial start photos
THE 2011 IDITAROD FIELD IS SET!
Anchorage Alaska - (Thursday, March 3rd, 2011) Iditarod mushers, sponsors, and race fans filled the Dena’ina Convention Center in Anchorage Alaska to celebrate the start of IDITAROD XXXIX. Alaskan balladeer Hobo Jim was on hand, along with the wit and wisdom of Mr. Whitekeys entertaining a crowd of nearly 1800.
The 2011 Iditarod field is one of the deepest in race history. Four time (and current) Iditarod Champion Lance Mackey is joined by five time Iditarod Champion Rick Swenson, four time Iditarod Champ Martin Buser, 2004 Champion Mitch Seavey and a pack of very talented teams.
The start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will begin on Saturday, March 5th, at 10 am on 4th Avenue in Anchorage Alaska. State wide coverage of the start will be provided by GCI Channel 1 and simulcast on the Alaskan Rural Communication Service. National and international live streaming coverage of the start will be broadcast on the Iditarod Insider at www.iditarod.com.
JR IDITAROD CHAMPION IS JEREMIAH KLEJKA
Seventeen year old Jeremiah Klejka knew that he just needed to keep his focus on the trail and on his team. When Jeremiah encountered what looked like the trail veering off to the right, his team wanted to head in that direction, but he saw a marker that designated the Jr Iditarod Trail and stayed on it. What his team probably noticed was the scent of two other teams that had veered in that direction. He stayed on the trail. The other two teams did not. 2010 Champion Merissa Osmar and Jr. Iditarod rookie Conway Seavey were locked in a race to the finish and somehow veered to the right and away from the Jr Iditarod Trail. By the time they realized their mistake they were 30 miles off the trail. In the meantime, Klejka and Anitra Winkler were now in the lead and neck and neck. Jeremiah later took the lead and kept it. Click here to see complete results
Fur Rondy Open World Championship Race results - Click here
2011 Jr Iditarod gets underway
The 34th Jr. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will begin on Saturday, February 26, at 10 a.m. on Knik Lake, about 12.5 miles out of Wasilla on Knik Goose Bay Road. Fourteen mushers are entered, including six rookies and eight veterans. This year, the Jr. Iditarod has two mushers from out of the state of Alaska, one from Yellowknife, NWT and the other from Bozemn, MT. The mushers drew for starting position at the musher meeting on Friday night. The starting numbers are:
Honorary Musher, Michelle Pearson, Past President of Jr. Iditarod
Meredith Mapes
Kaye Berg
Anitra Winkler
Jesse Klejka (r)
Zackary Sky (r)
Annika Oleson (r)
Seija Takagi (r)
Jenny Gregor (r)
Merissa Osmar
Conway Seavey (r)
Jerimiah Klejka
Shameka Nelson
Alea Robinson
Emily Krol
The mushers will race from Knik Lake out to the Yentna Station Roadhouse and after a mandatory layover of 10 hours, they will race back to the Willow Community Center for the finish. Their Awards Banquet will be at the Willow Community Center that evening at 6 p.m.
The mushers will be carrying the Insider GPS Tracker with them in this year’s race. The Iditarod Trail Committee is offering a free preview of this state of the art technology on www.iditarod.com. Just click on the 2011 Iditarod Mapping window on the home page and take a look at the Jr. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in real time beginning tomorrow at 10 a.m. Alaska time. The Insider Tracker displays distance traveled, time traveled, coordinates and ambient temperature. It’s a great way to watch the future of long distance racing compete against each other and the elements over a 150 mile loop. The GPS Tracker is part of the Ultimate Insider coverage that will be launched at the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, March 5th, 2011.
The top five Jr. Iditarod finishers will receive scholarships of $5,500, $3,500, $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000 and the winners of the Humanitarian Award and the Sportsmanship Award will each receive $1000.
For coverage of the race statistics, check out the Jr. Iditarod website, www.jriditarod.com.
The winner of this race will have the honor of leaving 4th Avenue in Anchorage on March 6th with the 2011 Iditarod Honorary Musher wearing bib #1. The same musher will also be honored in Nome, Alaska, at the 2011 Iditarod Finisher’s Banquet on March 20.
Lynden, the major sponsor of the Jr. Iditarod, provids both operating and scholarship funding for the Race.
Celebrate Canadian Heritage at the Cannington Dog Sled Races
CANNINGTON, ON, Feb. 22 /CNW/ - The 7th Annual Cannington Dog Sled Races & Winter Festival Feb. 26 & 27 celebrates Canadian Heritage. Some seventy of the top mushers from all over Ontario, Quebec and the northern States are coming to Cannington this weekend for a two day celebration of Canadian heritage with a definite four-legged twist. Adding a dash of international flavor to the Festival, Damion Robb of the Jamaican Dog Sled Team, will once again be joining the competition for the $10,000 in prize money in this multi-length, multi-format event. Heritage celebrations will be front and centre, starting with the Métis Village, an authentic winter encampment, where the following traditional elders will be featured: Joseph Paquette - traditional artisan and storyteller Archie Martin - teepee keeper & traditional demonstrations, Andre Bosse - hands-on tools, furs & artifact displays, Bob Stevenson - conservationist & cultural facilitator, On the Outdoor Stage, those in attendance will be entertained by: JJ Lavalee - fiddle player extraordinaire, The Olivine Bousquet Métis Dancers - youthful Métis dance troupe, Brenda MacIntyre - Medicine Song Woman, Charlie Fife - well known musician, storyteller & keeper of the Métis culture, The British Native Allies - War of 1812 re-enactors
Learn about flint napping, trapping, crafting tools, carving and fishing from the elders; munch on a bison burger, sit in a teepee and hear a story while imagining Canadian life in an earlier time. Round out the experience with a tour of the Cannington Historical Society Buildings, go for a horse and wagon or a dog sled ride, hike on the snowshoe trail or watch as the ice sculptures magically appear out of the ice blocks.
Entertainment and family winter fun will continue to dominate the event with a number of terrific bands and entertainers performing in the other two stages in the park. The crowd favourites like the toilet seat toss, kick sledding, tater toss, and big foot races rides will remain as popular activities for the younger set. Also returning popular attractions are the Crayola Activity Center and the exotic animals in the Zoo-To-You display.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast or chow down on some of the wide array of offerings from one of the many vendors in the Outdoor Market. And for those looking for more fun, Comedy Night Saturday evening features champion beatboxer Scott Jackson, comedian Brian Hope, and Canadian Comedy Award winner Elvira Kurt.
Whether it's a full dog team or a single dog and skier in the Ski-Joring competition, the starting gate is always a riot of excitement as Jim Cunningham begins his countdown and the dogs begin to howl! It's an all-bark, no frostbite weekend that you won't want to miss.
Weekend passes for adults are $8 at the gate and children 13 and under are just $2 (or free with a button from participating elementary schools). For more information and to check snow conditions, go to http://www.canningtondogsledraces.com or call 705-432-2892.
Yukon Quest Wraps up
On February 18th after 14 days, the 28th running of the Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race concludes with the Finish & Awards Banquet and the arrival of the last of the 13 finishing teams. The Finish & Awards Banquet was held Friday evening with hundreds of Yukon Quest supporters, volunteers and fans coming together to see the musher awards and hear stories from the 2011 Yukon Quest trail. Representatives from Coca-Cola and Canada Goose, Official Sponsors of the Finish & Awards Banquet, were on-hand to help recognize the sheer perseverance of the mushers and their teams.
The Awards:
A New Award was given this year to honour the dogs that exhibit strong character and perseverance out on the trail. The new award was named after its first recipient. Silver, from Brent Sass’ team, was honoured for his dependability and perseverance on multiple occasions. In 2006, during a storm on Eagle Summit, Silver was instrumental in assisting a musher in trouble and another team to get over the summit. Again, this year, Silver was key for Brent in getting his team and Hans Gatt’s over the summit. The Silver Legacy Award will be given to honour future canines for their incredible deeds and feats of bravery and honour.
The Dawson City Award goes to the first musher to arrive in Dawson City and goes on to finish the race. Ken Anderson was the recipient and received 4 ounces of Klondike Placer gold.
The Golden Harness Award is presented to two dogs selected by the Champion in honor of their loyalty, endurance and perseverance. Dallas Seavey’s dogs Diesel and Chung came onto the stage to accept the award and a steak dinner, although Dallas gave a hats off to lead dog Guiness, a great lead dog too shy for the crowds. He said also that Diesel was his big surprise on this race, and is “one to watch.”
The crowd gave a cheer for Hank DeBruin who was still on the trail but expected to arrive shortly after the banner to earn 13th position and the Red Lantern Award given to the last team to finish the race.
There was certainly no question that the Rookie of the Year went to the 2011 Yukon Quest Champion Dallas Seavey. Dallas told the audience that he has an eye on the Rookie of the Year award when he entered the race. He knew he had tough rookie competition, so there was no way it was a given, but in the end, he got it and more.
A humbled Kelley Griffin took home the Challenge of the North award that is presented to the musher who most exemplified the Spirit of the Yukon Quest as selected by the race officials.
The Veterinarian’s Choice Award went to Mike (and wife Sue) Ellis presented to the musher that best demonstrated outstanding dog care while remaining competitive in the race. Mike called this the highest honour in racing and said it’s all about respecting the dogs.
The Sportsmanship Award is presented to the musher who demonstrates sportsmanship along the trail as selected by their fellow mushers. This year, there was a three-way tie in the musher voting which race officials chose not to break. Instead, they issued the Award to all three mushers: Mike Ellis, Allen Moore and Brent Sass. The three mushers each conveyed the same message – that this year, the award could have gone to each and every musher, because everyone was out there helping each other.
That wrapped up the 2011 Finish & Awards Banquet.
Approximately 15 minutes after the conclusion of the Finish & Awards Banquet, at 10:09 p.m. AKST, the Red Lantern team of Hank DeBruin and his 9 Siberian huskies arrived at the finish line under a full moon. It was a real celebration, not only for Hank and his team, but for the wrap-up to the 28th running of the Yukon Quest in 2011.
The final 2011 Race Results
Position/ Musher/ Total Elapsed Time
1 Dallas Seavey 10d 11h 53m
2 Sebastian Schnuelle 10d 12h 26m
3 Ken Anderson 10d 14h 24m
4 Brent Sass 10d 19h 2m
5 Kelley Griffin 11d 3h 2m
6 Allen Moore 11d 7h 32m
7 Jodi Bailey 12d 6h 51m
8 Mike Ellis 12d 9h 59m
9 David Dalton 12d 10h 7m
10 Tamara Rose 13d 0h 58m
11 Kyla Durham 13d 1h 53m
12 Jerry Joinson 13d 3h 22m
13 Hank DeBruin 13d 10h 54m
Scratched Mushers:
Didier Moggia
Joshua Cadzow
Wade Marrs
Allen Dennis
Denis Trembley
Dan Kaduce
Hans Gatt
Michelle Phillips
Clint Warnke
Withdrawn Mushers:
Johannes Rygh
Hugh Neff
Christine Roalofs
Yukon Quest - Rookie Becomes New Champion
February 16, 2011 (Fairbanks, Alaska) - On February 15th, eleven days after the race start in Whitehorse, Yukon, teams arrived at the Yukon Quest Finish Line in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Yukon Quest has a new Champion - Rookie Dallas Seavey arrived that the Finish Line in Fairbanks at 11:05 p.m. AKST. It was certainly a race to the finish. 2009 Yukon Quest Champion Sebastian Schnuelle arrived with a very energetic team only 33 minutes behind to take second position. Ken Anderson arrived in third position at 1:36 a.m. Wednesday. Anderson takes home the four ounces of gold, given to the first team to make it into Dawson City and to cross the finish line. In fourth position, Brent Sass arrived at 6:14 a.m. Mushers Kelley Griffin and Allen Moore left Two Rivers this morning and are en route to the Finish Line. Jodi Bailey, Dave Dalton and Mike Ellis are preparing to depart Central for their push over Eagle Summit. And the Fab-Five back-of-the-pack have all arrived in Circle. Tamara Rose, Jerry Joinson, and Kyla Durham have rested and departed Circle and are making their way to the Central Checkpoint. For more information go the the Yukon Quest official web site - www.yukonquest.com
Race to the Sky - Celebrating 26 years of sled dog racing!
Each February since1989, the Montana Sled Dog club has been hosting the "Race to the Sky" distance race. Mushers in the 26th running are: Chris Adkins, Terry Adkins, Allan Berge, Laura Daugereau, Bino Fowler, Joe Gutowski, Al Hardman, Mark Isben, Steve Madsen, Bill Smith, Curt Perano, & Steve Riggs.
The race has gone through several distance changes, including adding a 250 mile race, a 300 mile race and changing the 500 mile race to a 350 mile continuous format race. The Race is also an Iditarod qualifier and has been since 1986. Race to the Sky commemorates the Camp Rimini War Dog Reception and Training Center just outside Helena and has been since 1989. Dogs were used during World War II at Camp Rimini. The mission was to set up a training camp (one of only two such camps in the United States) so the soldiers could invade Norway. “They needed sled dogs that could navigate the snowy parts of Norway with equipment and to aid the soldiers. They also needed soldiers that knew how to train dogs and some that could speak fluent Norwegian.” In 1943, Camp Rimini became the training ground for 800 sled dogs, 100 pack dogs, and about 125 men to become dog mushers. It was a perfect place nestled near the Continental Divide just a few miles from the capital city of Helena, Montana. The operation existed for about a year anda half and was an excellent place to train sled dogs, perform training maneuvers, and witness the harsh winters. The invasion to Norway was cancelled but the efforts of the dogs and soldiers were used in search and rescue operations. They were sent to Newfoundland, Baffinland, Labrador, Greenland, and even Alaska to retrieve equipment and supplies from downed airplanes in remote areas. All tolled, they retrieved thousands of dollars worth of equipment for the U.S. Government and were a legend in dog mushing history. They also brought back soldiers, some alive and others were brought by for a proper burial by their families.This unusual training camp is an important part of the Race to the Sky’s history. Each February we commem-orate the soldiers and sled dogs who served during World War II in a remote area of Montana. Click here to learn more...
2011 Willow Tug 300 is Wraps Up!
Robert Bundtzen has won the first Willow-Tug 300 Sled Dog Race.Robert was running dogs from Jake Berkowitz' kennel. Jake won the Copper Basin 300 a couple weeks ago. Robert finished in 50:50:00. Second place went to Ray Redington with Sven Haltmann taking third.
Full stats:http://wt300.nellahcir.com/standings
Streeper Wins 2011 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race
Park City, Utah – February 5, 2011 – Blayne Streeper from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, won the 2011 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSDR) with an overall time of 19:38:27. Streeper also won the IPSSSDR in 2004 and 2010.
Streeper and his father, Terry, are the owner/operators of Streeper Kennels. In 2010, they won their fourth straight Fur Rendezvous World Sled Dog Championship title. Since 1991 the Streeper team has combined for 12 world titles. “Although winning is nice,” said Blayne, “our greatest pleasure comes from watching these outstanding sled dogs excel in their natural environment.”
Aaron Burmeister from Nome, Alaska, was second in the 2011 IPSSSDR with 20:21:52. Aaron Peck from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada came in third with 20:31:34.
Winning mushers will be honored and prizes awarded in a private event in Park City, Utah, this evening; the public can view photos on the IPSSSDR website photo gallery at www.wyomingstagestop.org.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, the largest dog sled race in the lower 48 states, was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For a complete schedule, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at bark@wyomingstagestop.org, or telephone at 307.734.1163.
The organizers of the Kobuk 440 will be holding a fundraising event in early February. They are currently looking for donations of items to be auctioned off at this time. Here is a great opportunity for you to support mushing and get your business items out there.
Contact kobuk440@gmail.com or call 907 442-6028
Jr Iditarod Featured on "North To Alaska " Series
The Premier for this years' Larry Czonka’s North to Alaska series will air on Versus and will have a snipit on the 2010 Jr. Iditarod. The full 2010 Jr. Iditarod show will air on June 5, 2011.
2011 Jr Iditarod Set for Feb 26th - 9 Girls & 4 boys
01/25/11 Wasilla, Alaska - To date, thirteen mushers are signed up for the 2011 Jr. Iditarod. They are: Jonathan Biggerstaff,
Jenny Greger, Joanna Jagow, JeremiahKlejka, Jesse Klejka, Emily Krol, MeredithMapes, Shameka Nelson, Annika Olesen, Merissa Osmar, Alea
Robinson, Conway Seavey, Seiji Takagi ,and Anitra Winkler.It's not to late to sign up says race officials. Entries will continue to be accepted through 2 p.m., February 12. The deadline for the early entry fee of $150 was December 15. The late entry fee is $250. The entry fee covers the cost of a membership in the Iditarod. All the paperwork for entering as well as the 2011 Race Rules and Policy can be found on the Jr Iditarod website. The 2011 Race will begin on Saturday, February 26, in Wasilla, Alaska. Scholarships will be awarded by the Jr. Iditarod sponsor, Lynden, to each of the top five finishers as well as to the winners of the Humanitarian and Sportsmanship awards.Please take the time to thank Lynden in funding the scholarships as well as the cost of putting on theJr Iditarod Race. Starting in 2012, The Iditarod Race will require 750 miles of approved qualifying races. The Jr. Iditarod is now a 150 mile qualifier for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Set to Open January 28
2011 mushing event bigger with more teams, enhanced Jackson Hole start - Jackson, Wyoming – 01/24/11 – Preparation has begun for the 2011 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, January 28 – February 5, 2011, with plans to make visibility even better at the Jackson, Wyo., starting line, announced Race Director Frank Teasley “Spectators will be surprised by what they see on Jackson’s Town Square,” says Teasley. “We’ve ordered a screen twice the size of last year’s so everyone will have a good view of the mushers coming into the starting line.” The 2011 event begins in Jackson on Friday, January 28, and continues to Lander, Wyo. on January 30; Pinedale, January 31; Big Piney/Marbleton, February 1; Alpine, February 2; Kemmerer, February 3, Uinta County, February 4; and finishes in Park City, Utah, February 5. Teasley expects large crowds at all the stage stops as the race hosts 25 mushers—an expanded roster from recent years. Four-time Iditarod winner Lance Mackey and Blayne “Bud” Streeper, winner of the IPSSSDR in 2004 and 2010, will be two of the teams competing for the IPSSSDR title “It’s a mushing dream come true,” says Teasley. “It’s like the Super Bowl of mushing.” 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 showcase the state of Wyoming and to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. Each year the race makes a contribution to communities on the race route for childhood immunizations. For more information, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org; contact the race via e-mail at bark@wyomingstagestop.org or telephone at 307.734.1163. Media Contact: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335
SPOT tracking again joins up with the dog mushers and offers SPOT GPS tracking devices to each musher signed up for the 2011 Kuskokwim 300. Thank SPOT & Mathew for this generous partnership. Follow their progress - click here.
Live coverage of K300 Musher’s Drawing- 6 pm Thursday, Jan. 20th
Find out who’s running the Bogus Creek 150 and hear what K300 mushers have to say heading into the races this weekend. Thanks to KYUK AM/FM/TV .:::: Public Media for Alaska's YukonKuskokwim Delta.
Listen to the Musher’s Drawing broadcast live from the Longhouse Inn in Bethel where mushers select their race positions and answer questions from reporters. Tune in to KYUK’s 640 am or stream from our website at 6 pm Thursday, January 20th.
20 Mushers set to run the Kusko 300
January 16, 2011 - Nineteen mushers are currently signed up for the 2011 Kuskokwim 300 scheduled for Friday, January 21, 2011 at 6:30 PM. In order of sign up they are: Nathan Underwood, Jake Berkowitz, Mike Williams Jr., Mike Williams Sr., Paul Gebhardt, Sebastian Schnuelle, Martin Buser, Chuck Schaeffer, Joshua Cadzow, Hugh Neff, Matthew Failor, Pete Kaiser, Richie Diehl, Jackie Larson, Ray Redington Jr., Ramey Smyth, John K. Baker, Bruce Linton, Louie Ambrose and Mitch Seavey. Race applications, race information and the musher profiles are available at www.k300.org.
Mushers in the The Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc
Mel ANDREWS - United Kingdom - Martin BILY - Czech Republic - Jo Are BRENNODDEN - Norway - Jean COMBAZARD - France - Germano DE MARTIN - Italy - Jack-Gerard GASPARD - France - Milos GONDA - Slovakia - Radek HAVRDA - Czech Republic - Pierre-Antoine HERITIER - Switzerland - Thomas HOFFMANN - Germany - Aki HOLCK - Finland - Emil INAUEN - Switzerland - Barbara INAUEN - Switzerland
Daniel JUILLAGUET - France - Fabrizio LOVATI - Italy - Jean-Philippe PONTIER - France - Ketil REITAN - Norway - Wolfram SCHUMACHER - Germany - Ed STIELSTRA - United States - Jaco Alex ULMANN - Switzerland - Iban URIONDO MUNOZ - Spain - Jiri VONDRAK - Czech Republic - for more information visit the Grande Odyssee web site
Jake Berkowitz takes the 2011 Copper Basin 300
A relatively unknown, Jake Berkowitz surprised many fans, but not those in the mushing circle that have been watching him. It is clear that Jake means business. He finished second in the Sheep mountain 150 just 2 weeks before, with a strong happy team, pulling and rearing to go more. Jake was clearly pleased and it is obvious that not only is his training paying off but his attitude has shifted to moving up in the standings..
The 2011 Copper Basin 300 sled dog race, known as the the "Little Iditarod" is a great place to test your skills. This is definetly not for the novice musher. With temperatures dipping to minus 25, musher after musher pulled into the check points encrusted in ice, smiling and telling stories of their adventures.
The trail started in reverse this year , beginning at the Paxson Lodge, mushers climb up into the hilss to the Chistochina checkpoint then to the the Hub in Glennallen, to the Tolsona Lodge to the Wolverine Lodge to the Sourdough Bunkhouse to the Merier's Lake lodge then back to the finish line at the Paxson Lodge. Fifty one mushers set out to test their teams and endure the wicked weather in the Copper Basin 300, 39 mushers finished. For complete race results and photos visit the Copper Basin 300 web site - Click here.
22 Teams Set to Run the Wyoming Stage Stop
Jackson, Wyoming – January 6, 2011 – Twenty-two teams will depart from the starting line in Jackson’s Town Square on January 28 at the start of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR). The race, the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states, will continue from Jackson to separate stages in the small Wyoming communities of Lander, Pinedale, Cora, Big Piney, Marbleton, Alpine, Kemmerer, Diamondville, Evanston, Mountain View and Lyman before finishing in Park City, Utah on February 5. Eleven newcomers or rookies to the IPSSSDR will race this year. Eight teams come from outside the U.S., with teams from Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Northwest Territories, as well as Sweden and Jamaica. Five teams this year will be driven by women. The youngest musher is 19 and the oldest, 60. Communities on the race route host various festivities to welcome mushers and dogs as they speed through town, offering Dutch oven dinners, flapjack frenzies and musher mania events that include a human sled dog race 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 showcase the state of Wyoming and to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. Each year the race makes a contribution to communities on the race route for childhood immunizations. For more information, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org; contact the race via e-mail at bark@wyomingstagestop.org or telephone at 307.734.1163. The race is also active on Facebook under International Pedigree Stage Stop and on Twitter at @IPSSSDR.
Media Contact: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335
2011 Official Iditarod Prints by Jon Van Zyle
The 2011 Iditarod print & posters are selling fast. These amazing pieces of artwork are both limited editions, designed exclusively for Iditarod.
Click on the image to learn more
Art is Jon’s life and Alaska, all Alaska, has been his inspiration. Artist Jon Van Zyle has seen more of Alaska in a much more unique way than most can ever hope to experience. Jon has twice completed the 1049 miles of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race between Anchorage and Nome. From these adventures he has created the yearly Iditarod poster series commemorating the race and his involvement. In 1979 he was made the official Iditarod artist, a title he still holds today. In 2004 he was inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame.
His acrylic paintings go beyond the race though, and encompass so much of the Alaska beauty. Jon's reputation as a storyteller through his art is further enhanced by his prints, posters and stone lithographs. Dog teams, landscapes, wildlife, Alaskan faces from native to newcomer, portray an intimacy with the land and it's people. He touches on history with studies of Alaskan pioneers and native traditions and lore recording the Alaskan spirit. Public acceptance of his shared feeling through his art has been his greatest reward.
Jon's art career has spanned over 3 decades. Prolific artist, he produces numerous paintings a year for one man exhibitions in the United States as well as Europe. Illustrating at least two children's books a year since 1993 for prestigious publishers has earned him a reputation with a younger audience as well as many awards for his children's art. His limited edition prints and posters sell out regularly with well over 300 editions in the last 30-plus years. Vist the Van Zyle web site at http://www.jonvanzyle.com
UPDATE: Knik 200 Cancelled
The knik 200 has been cancelled due to poor trail conditions and warm weather.
A Celebration of Life for Lois Harter
Well-known Chugiak resident and author, Lois Ilena Harter, died Thursday December 23, 2010 at her home where she had lived since arriving in Alaska in 1974. A celebration of life will be held January 8, 2011 from 2 – 5 p.m.at Iditarod Checkpoint #1, VFW Post 9785, 10527 VFW Road, Eagle River, Alaska. read more...
Musher John Welch Dies
John Joseph Welch passed away Dec. 24, 2010, at his home in Two Rivers.John was born in New Haven, Conn., and grew up in Pembroke, Mass. John was the youngest son of Edward and Pearl Welch. Read more...
20 Mushers Signed up for the Open World Championship Fur Rendezvous Race
12/24/10 - Anchorage, Alaska - The Open World Championship Race is held each February in conjunction with the Fur Rendezvous Festival. The race is three days of fast and exciting racing, February 26, 27 & 28th. This years Open World Championship Fur Rendezvous Race purse is a whopping $80,000.00 minimum for total time with a $1,000.00 minimum day money. To date twenty mushers have signed up: Nathan Sterling, Blayne Streeper, Don Cousins , Jack Berry, Randy DeKuiper, Bill Kornmuller, Edwin Wood, Luke Sampson, Ryan Redington, Arleigh Reynolds, Ken Chezik, Greg Sellentin, Gary Markley, Will Kornmuller, Egil Ellis, John Erhart, John Hanson Jr, Jason Dunlap, Aaron Burmeister, Wassillie Chocknok .
The race is organized and put on by ASDRA volunteers in partnership with Greater Anchorage Inc. Over 1000 hours of volunteer time and effort are required for this race starting on 4th Avenue in Downtown Anchorage. The trail follows 4th Avenue to Cordova St. At the bottom of Cordova Hill the trail moves to the bike/ski trails along Anchorage's greenbelt. Here the teams are challenged by long dark culverts under the Seward Highway and Lake Otis. The trail has two large overpass bridges over Northern Lights Blvd. and Tudor Road separated by a trail through a popular dog park. Six miles into the trail the teams hit the designated sled dog trails of Tozier Track. Fourteen miles later the trail again heads back across the Tudor Rd. bridge to downtown Anchorage. To learn more about the Fur Rondy and it's events click here.
End of the Trail
Myrtle "Bunny" Rasmussen, 64, died Dec. 20, 2010, at home in Anchorage. A visitation will be held in her honor at noon, with a service at 2 p.m., Monday at Legacy Funeral Home's Kehl's Chapel, 11621 Old Seward Highway. Myrtle was born in 1946 in Unalakleet and graduated from high school at Mt. Edecumbe near Sitka. Later, she moved to Fairbanks and then to Anchorage. Myrtle worked hand in hand with her husband, John Rasmussen, with the Alaskan Sled Dog and Racing Association's junior and senior mushers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wasillie and Esther Agibinik; brothers, Martin, Walter, Waldon and Jake; nephew, Gabe Agibinik Jost; and daughter, Norma Jean Rasmussen. She is survived by her husband, John Richard Rasmussen; son, Wesley; daughter-in-law, Wanda; daughter, Arlene Anderson of Michigan; granddaughters, Alexis Walkins and Jessica Gibson; grandson, John Thomas Claxton; great-granddaughter, Sierra Lynn Walkins; sisters, Carrie Agibinik and Ella Beach; and aunts, Marge Moore and Rena Anawrok.
Cards can be sent to John at 9741 Elmore Rd., Anchorage,AK 99507
Lois Harter - 12/24/10 - The mushing community along with the Iditarod Trail Committee lost a staunch advocate for mushing. Lois was instrumental in expanding the Iditarods education program. Lois Harter passed away in her sleep last night at the age of 70.
Lois Harter was born in Pennsylvania, raised in Florida and for the past 25 years has made her home in Chugiak, Alaska. She became involved with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in 1975 and became "hooked" on sled dogs. She worked for the Iditarod Trail Committee for many years as their educational director and webmaster. She is best known for her friendship with a K-9 race reporter, Zuma on the Iditarod website. Ms Harter has four grown children and 14 grandchildren.
She was an accomplised writer and took great pride in her first childrens book, "Where's the Boss". She, and her love for “The Last Great Race on Earth”, will truly be missed
.
Bootie Up for Life!
With the purchase of a pink dog bootie from dogbooties.com, 5 cents will be donated to the American Cancer Society to benefit breast cancer. ACS has invested more in breast cancer research grants over time than any other voluntary public health organization - $352 million since 1972! And, it was the American Cancer Society that established mammography as the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Click Here for more information.
With the purchase of the purple dog bootie, 5 cents will be donated to the American Cancer Society's Bark For Life. This event honors our canine caregivers while raising money to "take a bite out of cancer". Thanks for giving the gift of life! Click Here for more information.
Blayne Streeper Defends Sled Dog Race Championship in 2011 IPSSSDR
“World Triple Crown” sprint champ one of 23 teams to compete in Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming – December 22, 2010 – Blayne “Bud” Streeper from British Columbia will return to the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race to defend his 2010 IPSSSDR championship. Streeper, who won the IPSSSDR in both 2010 and 2004, is one of 23 mushers who will be competing in the 2011 race January 28 – February 5, 2011.
Streeper Kennels is the only kennel in history to have won the World Triple Crown with firsts at the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Open World Championship Sled Dog Race, Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival World Championship in Le Pas, and Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby in New Hampshire. Streeper Kennels was undefeated in 2010 with five first place wins in all, including in the 2010 IPSSSDR, where Lina Gladh, Streeper’s wife, came in second also racing for Streeper Kennels.
Other top mushers signed up for the 2011 IPSSSDR include Lance Mackey—four-time Iditarod winner and the only musher to race and win eight 1,000-mile races back to back and the only musher to win the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest in the same year. The 2011 race will be Mackey’s first time racing in the IPSSSDR.
Ryan Redington, grandson of famed Iditarod founder Joe Redington, will race in Wyoming for the first time when he comes to the 2011 IPSSSDR. Another first for the race: Newton Marshall and his Jamaican sled dog team will make their first IPSSSDR appearance.
“The IPSSSDR has the largest field since 2006 with 22 teams registered for the 2011 event, “ says Race Director Frank Teasley. It’s a mushing dream come true to have these mushers come to the IPSSSDR.”
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 showcase the state of Wyoming and to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. Each year the race makes a contribution to communities on the race route for childhood immunizations. For more information, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org; contact the race via e-mail at bark@wyomingstagestop.org or telephone at 307.734.1163.
Media Contact: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335
Mackey wins first mid distance race of the season
December 19, 2010 - Four time Iditarod and Quest Champion Lance Mackey is first to finish the 2010 Sheep Mountain 150. Mushers have been rolling into Sheep Mountain all afternoon, completeing the first mid distance race of the season. The Sheep Mountain has a reputation among mushers as a tough little race torun in so early in the season. Which makes it a prfect Iditarod and Quest qualifier. Mushers and dogs aquire some much needed skills on the 150 mile, Sheep Mountain trails. Steep terrain, ice, wind and extreme cold are certain to hit you head on at the Sheep Mountain 150. To see race updates click here
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Sportsmanship Award: Bridgett Watkins. $400! Bridgett helped with a loose dog on the trail. She stopped her team and secured a dog to a tree. The dog was from a team behind her and the musher who lost the dog found the dog and put it back into the team. Great Teamwork!
Veterinary Care Award: Mark Childers $400! His first race ever!
Sheep Mountain 150 promises to be cold run for mushers
Sheep Mountain Lodge 12/17/2010
A field of 41 teams is expected to compete in the 2010 Sheep Mountain 150 Sled Dog Race. The Sheep Mountain 150 is a 150-mile sled dog race to be held December 18-19, 2010. The race starts and finishes at Sheep Mountain Lodge at mile 113 of the Glenn Highway. The race starts Saturday at noon. The winner usually finishes Sunday around noon. Mushers will take two, five-hour layovers at Eureka Lodge during the race Saturday night. Some of the race can be viewed directly from the highway and fans can watch and meet the mushers at the Eureka lodge checkpoint Saturday night.
This year’s race features top distance mushers such as reigning Iditarod Champion Lance Mackey, defending Sheep Mountain 150 Champion Jessica Hendricks, and top distance mushing competitors DeeDee Jonrowe, Aliy Zirkle and Sebastian Schnuelle. The race kicks off the beginning of the Alaska distance sled dog racing season and is an official Iditarod qualifying race for rookies.
This year’s trail condition is in excellent shape with good snow all around the course. The trail winds through the Western Talkeetna Mountains, following some of the original mining and trapping trails from the early 1900’s. Weekend temperatures are expected to dip to negative 30 F, giving mushers their first taste of winter cold during the race.
This will be the best source for current race updates and final results.
For more detailed information about the race please go to www.sheepmountain.com or contact Zack Steer, race director, at
907-745-5121.
The 2011 Taiga 300 gets a new look!
The Taiga 300 will have a different look in 2011. They have made significant changes, some for logistics reasons, but mostly in an effort to involve more local folks in the Copper River Basin. The Taiga will still be an official 300-mile Iditarod and Yukon Quest qualifying race, though the distance has been increased to over 360 miles. Spectators will like the new format as it allows for increased viewing along the race route.
For more information on this race click here.
Tom Busch to be 2011 Honorary Iditarod Musher
The Iditarod Trail Committee is pleased to announce that the IDITAROD XXXIX Honorary Musher is KNOM Radio founder Tom Busch and his legacy with KNOM Radio. Tom passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on November 1st, 2010. On March 5th 2011, Tom’s wife, Florence, will take the traditional journey from 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage Alaska in the sled designated for the Honorary Musher, wearing bib # 1.
