*This page is under construction.
March 11 & 12, l978 FIRST RUNNING OF THE JR. IDITAROD
Junior Division, ages 11 through 14
Trail ran from Knik Lake to Nine Mile Hill and return for a total of 18 miles.
Team size = 4 to 6 dogs
Race Marshall – Dave Olson, Knik, Alaska
Total Elapsed Time
- Joe Good, Palmer, Alaska, 5 hours, 55 minutes, 16 seconds
- Scooter Newman, Knik ,Alaska, 5: 59: 30
- Norman McAlpine, Chugiak, Alaska, 6: 01: 05
- John Melin, Palmer, Alaska, 6: 02: 39
- Mike English, Chugiak, Alaska, 6 :08: 06
- Jeff Pralle, Knik, Alaska, 6: 36: 41
- Wayne Busby, Palmer, Alaska, 6: 42: 54
- Kirsten Pralle, Knik, Alaska, 7: 18: 30
- David Clark, Wasilla, Alaska, 7: 45: 25
- Jay Sowinski, Palmer, Alaska, 8: 02: 05
- Barbara Ryan, Knik, Alaska, 8: 42: 08
- Bucky Nesmith, Knik, Alaska, D.N.F.
- Randy Raider, Knik, Alaska, DQ.
Senior Division, ages 15 through 17
Maximum team size = 10 dogs
Race Marshall, Jerry Crum, Wasilla, Alaska
The Trail ran from Kink Lake to Flat Lake in the Big Lake system with a mandatory overnight layover at Flat Lake and then returning to Knik Lake. Trail Distance was approximately 40 miles total.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Mike Newman, Knik, Alaska, 5: 09: 08
- Ray Domeier , Lazy Mountain, Alaska, 5: 10: 12
- Rome Gilman, Chugiak, Alaska, 5: 18: 00
- Francis Good, Palmer, Alaska, 5: 19: 23
- Clarence Shockley, Trapper Creek, Alaska, 5: 20: 50
- Clint Mayuer, Glenallen, Alaska, 5: 20: 50
- Karl Clauson, Wasilla, Alaska 5: 28: 53
- Eric Beeman, Anchorage, Alaska, 5: 42: 52
- Kenny Pugh, Chugiak, Alaska, 6: 16: 19
- Mark Couch, Palmer, Alaska, 6: 19: 49
- Dave Wolf, Palmer, Alaska, 7: 46: 49
- John Wolf, Palmer Alaska, D.N.F.
- Bill Johnson, Knik, Alaska, Scratched
Sportsmanship Trophy:
Jr. Division – Wayne Busby
Sr. Division – Rome Gilman
Red Lantern:
Junior Division, Barbara Ryan
Senior Division, Dave Wolf
February 22 & 23, 1979
Only one Division from this date on, ages 14 through 17 with a maximum team size of ten dogs.
Trail ran from Knik Lake to Pt. McKenzie with a mandatory layover at Point Mackenzie and return to Knik Lake. Temperatures dipped to -26 on the back trail and -50 at Pt. McKenzie. Trail was approximately 90 miles in total length.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Clint Mauyer, Glenallen, Alaska, 9: 15: 40
- Clarence Shockley, Trapper Creek, Alaska, 9: 36: 05
- Kenny Pugh, Chugiak, Alaska, 10: 21: 05
- Jeff Pralle, Knik Alaska, 12: 35: 25
- Scooter Newman, Knik Alaska, 12: 41: 37
- Andy Raider, Knik Alaska, 14: 39: 45
Sportsmanship Trophy – Randy Rader
Rookie of the Year – Jeff Pralle
Race Marshall – Don Rosevear
Red Lantern – Randy Raider
February 23 & 24, 1980
Trail was from Knik Lake to Pt. McKenzie with a mandatory overnight layover . The trail distance was approximately 120 miles. Temperatures were in the high teens to the low fifties with trail conditions ranging from icy to sloppy mud.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Gary Baumgartner, McGrath, Alaska, 13: 11: 55
- Don (Buddy) VanAsdol, Knik, Alaska, 15: 04: 12
- Jeff Pralle, Knik, Alaska, 15: 19: 38
- Scooter Newman, Knik, Alaska, 15: 24: 27
- Mike English, Chugiak, Alaska, 15: 37: 35
- Kenny Pugh, Chugiak, Alaska, Scratched
Race Marshall – Joel Kotke
Sportsmanship Trophy – Kenny Pugh
Rookie of the Year – Gary Baumgartner
Red Lantern – Mike English
February 28, and March 1, l981
Trail ran from Settlers Bay to Rabbit Lake approximately 120 miles round trip with a mandatory overnight layover at Rabbit Lake. Temperatures ranged from the mid thirties to the mid fifties with overcast skies. Trail conditions were punchy and generally miserable.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Christine Delia, Skwentna, Alaska, 17: 14: 12
- Gary Baumgartner, McGrath, Alaska, 17: 34: 11
- Susan Dubrava, Skwentna, Alaska, 17: 39: 18
- Mike English, Chugiak, Alaska, 18: 22: 08
- Tammy White-Cougar, Wolf Lake, Alaska 18: 30: 56
- Don (Buddy) VanAsdol, Knik, Alaska, 19: 11: 46
- Kenny Pugh, Chugiak, Alaska, 19: 19: 11
- Tim Osmar, Clam Gulch, Alaska, 19: 30: 28
- Gary Markley, McKinley Park, Alaska, 19: 36: 24
- Zack Gilman, Chugiak, Alaska, 20: 04: 02
- Jim Green, Cache Creek, Alaska, 21: 01: 15
- Gordon Brinker, Shell Lake, Alaska, 21: 01: 15
- Jeff Pralle, Knik , Alaska, D.N.F.
- Kirsten Pralle, Knik, Alaska, D.N.F.
- Donna Hoffman, Anchorage, Alaska, Scratched
- George Renkevage, Wasilla, Alaska, Scratched
Race Marshall – Joel Kotke
Sportsmanship Trophy – Gordon Brinker
Rookie of the Year – Christine Delia
Red lantern – Gordon Brinker
February 27 & 28, 1982
Trail ran from Settlers Bay to Yentna Station Roadhouse at the Big Bend of the Yentna River. Trail distance was approximately 130 miles total length. At Yentna Station contestants were required to make an overnight layover and return to Settlers Bay on Sunday.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Tim Osmar, Clam Gulch, Alaska, 11: 53: 12
- Gary Baumgartner, McGrath, Alaska, 12: 17: 54
- Susan Dubrava, Skwentna, Alaska, 12: 27: 11
- Jeff Pralle, Knik Alaska, 13: 33: 25
- Tim Southerland, Trapper’s Creek, Alaska 14: 53: 59
- Gary Markley, McKinley Park, Alaska, 15: 12: 09
- Siri Strong, Hope, Alaska, 15: 38: 09
- Jim Clark, Talkeetna, Alaska, 16: 02: 59
- Norman McAlpine, McGrath, Alaska, 16: 24: 40
- Shirley Petruska, Nikolai, Alaska, 6: 32: 50
- Leslie Burt, Anchorage, Alaska, 18: 43: 46
- Kirsten Pralle, Knik, Alaska, 18: 57: 11
- Lisa Hawley, Susitna Station, Alaska, 18: 58 09
- Gordon Brinker, Shell Lake, Alaska, 19: 37: 07
Sportsmanship – Gordon Brinker
Rookie of the Year – Tim Southerland
Red Lantern – Gordon Brinker
Race Marshall – Rome Gilman
February 26 & 27, 1983
Trail ran from Settler’s Bay to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River with a mandatory layover and then return to Settler’s Bay. Trail distance was approximately 130 miles.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Tim Osmar, Clam Gulch, Alaska, 11: 14: 32
- Lance Barve, Wasilla, Alaska, 11: 35: 36
- Joe Engebretson, Clam Gulch, Alaska, 12: 28: 41
- Kristen Pralle, Knik, Alaska, 12: 28: 42
- Elyssa Strong, Hope, Alaska, 13: 07: 09
- Larisa Petty-Meyers, Talkeetna, Alaska, 13: 18: 36
- Tim Southerland, Trapper Creek, Alaska, 13: 37: 43
- Gordon Brinker, Shell Lake, Alaska, 13: 48: 52
- Christine Delia, Skwentna, Alaska, 14: 30: 36
- James Clark, Talkeetna, Alaska, 15: 05: 04
- Leslie Burt, Wasilla, Alaska, 15: 25: 26
- Lisa Hawley, Susitna Station, Alaska, 15: 28: 38
- Tom Allison, Rustic Wilderness, AK 17: 33: 13
- Shirley Petruska, Nikolai, Alaska – Scratched
Humanitarian Trophy – Gordon Brinker
Sportsmanship Trophy – Christine Delia
Rookie of the Year – Lance Barve
Red Lantern – Tom Allison
Honorary Musher – Dedicated to the young men and women that originated the Jr. Iditarod:
- Eric Beeman, Rome Gilman, Karl Clauson, Kenny Pugh, Marck Couch, Clarence Shockley, Jeff Pralle, Kirsten Pralle, Jessie Reynolds, Susan Wagnon, Clint Mayuer, KayLynn Mayuer, Calvin Lauwers, John Wolf, David Wolf, Birgit Richards.
Race Marshall – Kenny Pugh
February 25 & 26, 1984
Trail ran from Settler’s Bay to Yentna Station Roadhouse at the Big Bend of the Yentna River. An overnight layover was required at Yentna Station with the teams returning Sunday. Trail distance was approximately 130 miles.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Tim Osmar, Clam Gulch, Alaska 11: 16: 00
- Lance Barve, Wasilla, Alaska, 11: 22: 04
- Kirsten Pralle, Knik Alaska, 13: 46: 21
- Dan Mingo, Willow, Alaska, 14: 12: 44
- Elyssa Strong, Hope, Alaska, 14: 21: 48
- Matt Maple, Wasilla, Alaska, 14: 30: 04
- Ron Flodin, Chugiak, Alaska, 14: 34: 16
- Brady Horne, Soldotna, Alaska, 14: 54: 10
- Larisa Petty-Meyers, Talkeetna, Alaska, 14: 54: 13
- Tom Allison, Rustic Wilderness, AK 14: 33: 40
- Stuart Kizer, Kasilof, Alaska, 16: 17: 55
- Paul Basch, Anchorage, Alaska, 16: 45: 18
- Steve Lynn, Knik, Alaska, 17: 10: 46
- Camille Magnuson, McGrath, Alaska, 17: 24: 20
- Matt Ace, Sutton, Alaska, 17: 24: 24
- Sam Rose, Palmer, Alaska, 19: 34: 23
- Steve Mullen, Kasilof, Alaska, 19: 50: 23
Race Marshall – Kenny Pugh
Rookie of the Year – Dan Mingo
Sportsmanship –
Humanitarian – Larisa Petty-Meyers
Blue Harness – ( Babe ) Elyssa Strong
Red Lantern – Steve Mullen
Honorary Musher – Mike Newman, winner of the first Sr. Division Jr. Iditarod, in Memoriam
February 23 & 24, l985
Trail ran from Settler’s Bay to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River. Trail distance was approximately 130 miles. There was a mandatory overnight layover at Yentna Station.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Lance Barve, Wasilla, Alaska, 10: 52 :21
- Matt Marple, Wasilla, Alaska, 12: 14: 23
- Elyssa Strong, Hope, Alaska, 12: 21: 05
- Steve Lynn, Knik, Alaska, 12: 30: 40
- Ron Flodin, Chugiak, Alaska, 12: 41: 46
- Laird Baron: Yentna River, Alaska, 12: 53: 03
- 7. Steve Mullen, Kasilof, Alaska, 12: 57: 17
- Dan Flodin, Chugiak, Alaska, 13: 07: 34
- Maleia Merill, Willow, Alaska, 13: 21: 25
- Lance Mackey, Wasilla, Alaska, 13: 30: 21
- Angie Brainard, Wasilla, Alaska, 14: 44: 05
- Dan Mingo, Willow, Alaska, 14: 44: 10
- Heath Duncan, Kasilof, Alaska, 15: 34: 38
- Matt Ace, Sutton, Alaska, 15: 48: 15
- Lisa Moore, Nome, Alaska, 17: 04: 32
Rookie of the Year – Laird Baron
Sportsmanship – Dan Mingo
Humanitarian – Angie Brainard
Blue Harness –
Honorary Musher – Jerry Crum, adult founder, board member, Race Marshall, first Vice President, and supporter.
Red Lantern – Lisa Moore
Race Marshall – Kenny Pugh
February 22 & 23, 1986
Due to poor trail conditions and lack of snow at Settler’s Bay, the race started at the Community Center at Willow this year. Trail distance due to re-staging was in the area of 110 miles total. Layover point was at Yentna Station Roadhouse.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
1. Lance Barve. Wasilla, Alaska, 8: 53: 18
2. Matt Marple, Wasilla, Alaska, 9: 07: 03
3. Katie Kerschner, Trapper’s Creek, AK, 9: 11: 25
4. Meleia Merill, Willow, Alaska, 9: 17: 55
5. Dan Flodin, Chugiak, Alaska, 9: 28: 03
6. Lance Mackey, Coldfoot, Alaska, 9: 29: 47
7. Steve Mullen, Kasilof, Alaska, 9: 51: 23
8. Laird Baron, Yentna River, Alaska, 10: 30: 02
9. Margaret Lanier, Anchorage, Alaska, 11: 10: 32
10. Matt Ace, Sutton, Alaska, 11: 12: 19
11. Jason Baron, Yentna River, Alaska, 12: 00: 55
12. Jason Mackey: Wasilla, Alaska, 12: 00: 56
13. Jaius Worthington, Anchorage, AK, 13: 27: 20
Rookie of the Year – Katie Kershner
Humanitarian – Katie Kershner
Sportsmanship –
Blue Harness – ( Spooky ) Matt Marple
Red Lantern – Jaius Worthington
Honorary Musher – Jim Uhl, one of the adult founders of the race, Chief Judge, board member, supporter and go-fer
Race Marshall – Clint Mayuer
*Other volunteers during these early years include: Chief Timers: Mark and Terry Rosevear.
February 28 and March 1, 1987
Trail from Settler’s Bay to Yentna Station Roadhouse with an overnight layover and return Sunday to Settler’s Bay. Trail was approximately 130 miles in total length.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Dustin Van Meter, Kasilof, Alaska – 11: 01 :27
- Meleia Merill, Willow, Alaska, 12: 08: 04
- Sheri Hummer, Anchorage, Alaska, 12: 10: 29
- Katie Kershner, Trapper’s Creek, Alaska, 12: 16: 00
- Jason Mackey, Wasilla, Alaska, 12: 40: 00
- Lance Mackey, Wasilla, Alaska, 12: 48: 45
- Dan Flodin, Chugiak, Alaska, 12: 50: 56
- Heath Duncan, Kasilof, Alaska, 12: 51: 05
- John Kershner, Trapper’s Creek, Alaska, 12: 53: 06
- Jason Baron, Yentna River, Alaska, 12: 55: 00
- Ron Flodin, Chugiak, Alaska, 12: 59: 02
- Dan Mingo, Palmer, Alaska, 12: 59: 48
- Lisa Moore, Nome Alaska, 15: 07: 50
- Brenda Polzin, Willow, Alaska, D.N.F.
- Laird Baron, Yentna River, D.N.F.
Race Marshall – Kenny Pugh
Honorary Musher – Jim Brown, long time Official Photographer and supporter of the race.
Sportsmanship –
Rookie of the Year – Dustin VanMeter
Humanitarian –
Blue Harness –
Red lantern – Lisa Moore
February 27 & 28, 1988
Trail was from Settler’s Bay to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River. Contestants were required an overnight layover at Yentna Station and returned Sunday to Settler’s Bay. With the addition of a loop near Yentna Station the trail was approximately l40 miles total length.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Dan Flodin, Chugiak, Alaska 15: 32: 23
- Sheri Hummer, Anchorage, Alaska, 16: 12: 12
- Laird Baron, Big Lake, Alaska, 16: 32: 37
- Lance Mackey, Wasilla, Alaska. 16: 35: 23
- Jared Jones, Knik, Alaska, 16: 58: 38
- Bobbie Jo Scott, Huston, Alaska, 17: 11: 46
- Stanley Walker, Grayling, Alaska, 17: 52: 27
- Tim Patten, Grand Grand Marais, MN, 18: 34: 48 (First outside of Alaska, driver)
- Jason Baron, Big Lake, Alaska, 18: 46: 18
- Jason Mackey, Wasilla, Alaska, 18: 46: 23
- Julia Flodin, Chugiak Alaska, 19: 03: 07
- Amiee Marie Bettine, Glenallen, Alaska, 20: 41: 52
- William Furguson, Wasilla, Alaska, 21: 55: 00
- Nissa Anderson, Trapper’s Creek, Alaska, Scratched
Sportsmanship – Sheri Hummer
Humanitarian – Sheri Hummer
Blue Harness – (Haystack) Sheri Hummer
Rookie of the Year – Jared Jones
Honorary Mushers – Rich and Dee Pralle ( First Directors of the Jr. Iditarod for the first 10 years, adult founders )
Red Lantern – William Furguson
Race Marshall – Rome Gilman
February 25 & 26, 1989
Trail ran from the Islander in Big Lake to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River. Drivers had a mandatory layover at Yentna and then returned to Big Lake on Sunday, Trail distance was about 140 miles.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Jared Jones, Knik Alaska, 13: 43: 35
- Jason Baron, Big Lake, Alaska, 14: 03: 42
- Brian Hanson, Anchorage, Alaska, 14: 46: 27
- George Baumgartner, McGrath, Alaska, 14: 57: 27
- Nissa Anderson: Trapper’s Creek, Alaska, 16: 19: 47
- Joy Smith, Knik, Alaska, 16: 48: 46
- Dennis Booth, Trapper’s Creek, Alaska, 16: 59: 04
- Abe Smyth, Big Lake, Alaska, 17: 13: 39
- Eric Nelson, Togo, Minnesota, 17: 49: 16
Race Marshall – Matt Marple
Humanitarian – Jared Jones
Sportsmanship – Joy Smith
Rookie of the Year – Brian Hanson
Blue Harness – ( Tex ) George Baumgartner
Honorary Mushers – Butch and Barb Hawley, owners of Susitna Station check point and general supporters of the race.
Red Lantern – Eric Nelson
February 24 and 25, 1990
Trail ran from the Islander in Big Lake to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River. Mandatory layover at Yentna station with return to Big Lake on Sunday, Trail Distance was about 140 miles.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Jared Jones, Knik, Alaska, 13: 34: 42
- Brian Hanson, Anchorage, Alaska, 13: 48: 04
- Julia Flodin, Chugiak, Alaska, 14: 02: 01
- Stanley Walker, Grayling, Alaska. 14: 38: 39
- Raymey Smyth, Big Lake, Alaska, 14: 52: 20
- William Baron, Big Lake, Alaska, 15: 02: 34
- Ian Ives, Fairbanks, Alaska, 16: 30: 15
- Cory Rintoul, Chugiak, Alaska, 17: 46: 04
- 9.Josh Tomkins, Palmer, Alaska, 18: 23: 05
- 10.Brian Davis, Skwentna, Alaska, 20: 04: 34
- 11 Aaron Burmeister, Nome Alaska, 21: 01: 33
- Shawn Sharp, Anchorage, Alaska, D.N.F.
- Nissa Anderson, Trapper’s Creek, Alaska, Scratched
Race Marshall – Matt Marple
Honorary Musher – Kenny Pugh, junior founder, Race Marshall, board member for many years.
Sportsmanship – Corey Rintoul
Humanitarian – Stanley Walker
Blue Harness – ( Wham ) Jared Jones
Rookie of the Year – Raymey Smyth
Red Lantern – Aaron Burmeister
February 23 and 24, l991
Trail ran from the Islander in Big Lake to Yentna Station Roadhouse with a required layover at Yentna Station and return to Big Lake on Sunday. Trail length was approximately 140 miles.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Brian Hnson Anchorage, Alaska 11 56: 02
- Willana Baron Sheep Creek, Alaska 12 ` 27 00
- Julia Flodin Chugiak, Alaska 12 58 00
- Aaron Burmeister Nome, Alaska 13 04 00
- Simon Kinneen Nome, Alaska
- Raymee Redington, Knik & Kenny Lake, AK 14 22 00
- Cimeron Smyth Big lake, Alaska 14 56 00
- Jhan Haddeland Seward, Alaska 15 54 00
Race Marshall – Christine (Delia) Kreiger
Sportsmanship – Cim Smyth
Rookie of the Year – Simon Kinneen
Humanitarian – Julia Flodin
Blue Harness – ( Slymie ) Willie Baron
Red Lantern – Jhan Haddeland
Honorary Musher – Dr. Bob Grohs, in memoriam
This race was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Robert Grohs, a long standing supporter and member of the Jr. Iditarod Trail Committee . “ Dr. Bob” passed away within hours of the start of the race last year. He will be long remembered and sorely missed.
February 22 and 23, l992
Trail ran from the Islander in Big Lake to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River where contestants were required a layover with the return to Big Lake on Sunday. Trail distance was approximately 140 miles. Temperatures ranged between three and twenty degrees above zero. Trail conditions were hard and fast.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Raymee Smyth, Big Lake, Alaska, 10: 19: 51
- Cim Smyth, Big Lake, Alaska, 10: 31: 55
- Ester Suter, Chugiak, Alaska, 10: 51: 54
- Will Baron, Sheep Creek, Alaska, 11: 02: 13
- Aaron Burmeister, Nome Alaska, 11: 06: 00
- Brian Hanson, Anchorage, Alaska, 11: 08: 07
- Thomas Krejci, Brno, Czechoslovakia, 11: 28: 32 ( our first international entry )
- Simon Kinneen, Nome, Alaska, 12: 31: 01
- Ray Redington Jr., Knik, Alaska, 13: 26: 48
- Andy Willis, Anchorage, Alaska, 13: 35: 57
- Willie Lanier, Anchorage, Alaska, 14: 14: 14
- Jacob McCowan, Rustic Wilderness, AK, 15: 59: 28
- Wendy Herston, Eagle River, Alaska, 16: 59: 43
- Nicholas Anasogak, Koyuk, Alaska, 20: 43: 12
Race Marshall – Jeff Pralle
Humanitarian – Thomas Krejci
Sportsmanship – Brian Hanson
Blue Harness – ( BeBe and Woofer ) Wil Baron
Honorary Musher – Jon VanZyle. Jon has been a long time supporter and art contributor to the race. Jon is the Official Artist for Iditarod.
Red Lantern – Nicholas Anasogak
ABCs WILD WORLD OF SPORTS VIDOE TAPED THIS RACE AND DID A NICE HALF HOUR PROGRAM ON THE l992 RACE
February 27 and 28, l993
Due to overflow on Big Lake, the race started from the Aurora Race Track in the Big Lake area. The trail ran from Aurora to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River where mushers had a mandatory layover and then returned to the Aurora Track on Sunday. Temperatures ranged in the twenties to mid forties. Trail conditions were in the first several miles were fairly rough with punchy snow and glaciation, but improved into hard fast conditions as long as one stayed on the trail.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Ramey Smyth, Big Lake, Alaska, 12: 46: 16
- Cim Smyth, Big Lake Alaska, 12: 46: 50
- Ray Redington Jr., Knik, Alaska, 13: 18: 25
- Aaron Burmeister, Nome Alaska, 13: 25: 09
- Andy Willis, Anchorage, Alaska, 14: 20: 35
- Simon Kinneen, Nome Alaska, 14: 33: 19
- Brian Kohl, Knik, Alaska, 15: 23: 35
- Jacob McCowan, Rustic Wilderness, AK 15: 35: 10
Race Marshall – Dan Flodin
Humanitarian – Simon Kinneen
Halfway Award – Cim Smith
Sportsmanship – Aaron Burmeister
Blue Harness – ( Mowgli ) Ramey Smyth
Red Lantern – Jacob McCowan
Honorary Mushers – Phil and Ann Meyer, Phil has been our Official Veterinarian since the second year of the race as well as President and board member. Ann has been very instrumental in collecting prizes for the mushers and a super supporter.
February 26 and 27, l994
Again this year we took off from the Aurora Track in Big Lake. Temperatures ranged from -28 degrees to zero with strong winds. At the start of the race the temperature was -15 and trail conditions were hard, fast and icy in places, but improved as the teams moved further into the interior.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Cim Smyth, Big Lake Alaska, 12: 42: 31
- Jeremy Gabaver, Ely, Minnesota, 15: 28: 11
- Andy Willis, Anchorage, Alaska, 15: 35: 17
- Dustin Whittemore, Cantwell, Alaska, 15: 39: 47
- Noah Burmeister, Nome, Alaska, 16: 49: 18
- Rocky Demers, Healy, Alaska, 17: 40: 22
- Dallas Hill, Chugiak, Alaska, 17: 57: 29
- Kimarie Hanson, Anchorage, Alaska, 22: 47: 40
- Melissa Garrison, Anchorage, Alaska, 24: 01: 40
- Brian Kohl, Knik, Alaska, Scratched
- Sarah Angstman, Bethel, Alaska, D.N.F.
- Jacob McCowan, Rustic Wilderness, Alaska, D.N.F.
Race Marshall – Sherri ( Hummer ) Parker
Sportsmanship – Andy Willis
Humanitarian – Jeremy Gabaver
Rookie of the Year – Jeremy Gabaver
Honorary Musher – Gene Gilman, long time supporter and do anything for the race lady, always there when needed. ran race headquarters for years.
Blue Harness – ( Risky ) Jeremy Gabaver
Red Lantern – Melissa Garrison and Kimarie Hanson (They chose to share and stick together until the finish of the race to make sure they both made it over the line and at the same time)
February 25 and 26, l995
Trail ran from Lake Lucille in Wasilla to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River where mushers had a mandatory layover and then returned Sunday to Lake Lucille. Trail distance was approximately l50 miles.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
1. Dusty Whittemore, Cantwell, Alaska, 14: 00: 45
2. Andy Willis, Anchorage, Alaska, 16: 03
3. Paul Smith, Chugiak, Alaska, 16: 58
4. Pierre ( Rocky) DeMers III, Healy, Alaska, 17: 58
5. Noah Burmeister, Nome Alaska, 18: 04
6. Becky Daul, Wasilla, Alaska, 18: 37
7. Tim Dundas, Trapper’s Creek, Alaska, 19: 28
8 Melissa Garrison, Anchorage, Alaska, 20: 20
9. Kimarie Hanson, Anchorage , Alaska, 20: 59
10. Dillon Bush, Aniak, Alaska, 21: 22
11. Dalton Fiedler, Willow, Alaska, 22: 06
12. Bobby Duelfur, Knik, Alaska, 23: 15
- Jacob McCowan, Rustic Wilderness, Alaska, D.N.F.
- Cathy Hepler, Wasilla, Alaska, D.N.F.
- Chad Emonds, Palmer, Alaska, D.N.F.
Race Marshall – Ron Flodin
Honorary Musher – Joel Kotke, Race Marshall and supporter of the race for years.
Sportsmanship – Rocky Demers
Humanitarian – Andy Willis
Rookie of the year – Paul Smith
Blue Harness – (Trigger) – Becky Daul
Red Lantern – Bobby Duelfur
February 24 and 25, 1996
Trail went from Lake Lucille in Wasilla to Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River. At Yentna mushers were required to take a layover and return to Lake Lucille Sunday. Trail conditions were good Saturday with temperatures in the upper twenties. Sunday morning a severe storm moved in forcing teams to travel through 12+ inches of fresh snow. Due to these conditions the finish line had to be moved back to the Hollywood Road crossing after the first three teams returned to Lake Lucille. Trail distance was about 150 miles for the first three teams and approximately 143 for the later teams.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes
- Dusty Whittimore, Cantwell, Alaska, l8: 48
- Laura Smyth, Big Lake, Alaska, l9: 02
- Caleb Banse, Moose Pass, Alaska, 20: 56
- Noah Burmeister, Nome Alaska, 22: 36
- Melissa Garrison, Anchorage, Alaska, 23: 26
- Dalton Fiedler, Willow, Alaska , 24: 46
- Becky Daul, Wasilla, Alaska, 24: 47
- Kimarie Hanson, Anchorage, Alaska, 25: 11
Race Marshall – Lance Barve
Sportsmanship – Dalton Fiedler
Rookie of the Year – Laura Smyth
Humanitarian – Noah Burmeister
Blue Harness – ( Jasper ) Laura Smyth
Red Lantern – Kimarie Hanson
Honorary Mushers, Dan and Jean Gabryszack of Yentna Station Roadhouse, long time hosts of our half way lay-over point and supporters of the race.
20th Anniversary, February 22 & 23, 1997
The trail was originally to start at Lake Lucille in Wasilla, but due to warm temperatures and overflow on the lake, it was decided that the race would start from and finish at the Aurora Race Track in the Big Lake area. Trail length was shortened by this change to approximately 130 miles with soft trails in areas and temperatures in the high twenties to middle forties. The turn around and layover point was again Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River.
Total Elapsed Time – Hours Minutes Seconds
- Tony Willis, Anchorage, Alaska, 11 52: 31
- Daniel Seavey , Seward, Alaska, 12: 22: 11
- Caleb Banse, Moose Pass, Alaska, 12: 40: 43
- Dusty Whittimore, Cantwell, Alaska, 12: 46: 56
- Dalton Fiedler, Willow, Alaska, 13: 27: 16
- Ryan Redington, Knik, Alaska, 14: 49: 45
- Andy Moderow, Anchorage, Alaska 14: 49: 45
- Kimarie Hanson, Anchorage, Alaska, 15: 23: 55
- Dallas Hill, Chugiak, Alaska, 15: 25: 42
- Iris Wood, Fairbanks, Alaska, 15: 37: 21
- John Dronenburg, Chugiak, Alaska, 15: 55: 30
- Jim Galea, Seeley Lake, Montana, 16: 06: 53
- Melissa Garrison, Knik, Alaska, 16: 09: 13
- Becky Daul, Wasilla, Alaska, 16: 29: 55
- Daniel Hepler, Wasilla, Alaska, 16: 34: 19
- Esther Keim, Skwentna, Alaska, D.N.F.
Race Marshall – Julia Flodin
Sportsmanship – Jim Galea
Rookie of the Year – Tony Willis
Humanitarian Award – Andy Moderow
Blue Harness Award – ( Trotter ) Willis
Red Lantern – Daniel Hepler
Honorary Mushers , Lydia and Ray McCarthy. Ray has been a board member and liaison between the City of Wasilla sponsorship for several years as well as he and Lydia being sled checkers and supporters.
February 28 and March 1, 1998
Due to lack of snow at Lake Lucille, the start of the race had to be moved to the Aurora Race Track in Big Lake. Trail distance was approximately 145 miles in length to the halfway layover point at Yentna Station Roadhouse and return to Aurora, with hard and fast trail conditions the exception being the loop out at Yentna Station which was again soft. Temperatures ranged from +10 to -20 degrees. As conditions had not improved overnight, the finish of the race was also at the Aurora track this year. The 1998 race is the largest entry so far in the history of Jr. Iditarod with ten boys and ten girls representing both rural as well as highway tied Alaska. We also welcome our first Canadian entry and she is our second international entry, the first being from Czechoslovakia in 1992.
Total Elapsed Time
- Charlie Jordan Tanana, Alaska 13:28:20
- Dan Sevey Sterling, Alaska 13:32:52
- Dalton Fiedler Willow, Alaska 13:49:25
- Andy Moderow Anchorage, Alaska 14:55:22
- Ben Gray Palmer, Alaska 16:51:40
- Iris Wood Fairbanks, Alaska 16:53:15
- Jennifer Deye Cambridge, Mass 7:32:35
- Wendy Warren Kasilof, Alaska 17:48:00
- Lindsay HansonAnchorage, Alaska 18:04:50
- Caleb Babse Moose Pass, Alaska 18:09:25
- Jim Gallea Seeley Lake, Montana 18:14:26
- Esther Keim Skwentna, Alaska 18:17:32
- Dan Hepler Wasilla, Alaska 18:17:37
- Stacy Johnson Skwentna, Alaska 18:43:22
- David Hepler Wasilla, Alaska 21:50:00
- Jessica Stormo Soldotna, Alaska 22:29:05
Ryan Redington Knik, Alaska Withdrawn
Kyla Boivin Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada Scratch
Faren Okray North Pole, Alaska Scratch
Amee Bunker Wasilla, Alaska Scratch
RACE MARSHALL, Simon Kineen
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Honorary Musher: Joanne Potts, long time board member, timer, laison between Iditarod and JR. Idtarod and race supporter.
Sportsmanship: Caleb Banse
Rookie of the Year: Charlie Jordan
Humanitarian: Jim Gallea
Blue Harness Lead Dog: HAWK (Charlie Jordan)
Red Lantern: Jessica Stormo
February 27th and 28th, 1999
The 22nd running of the Jr. Iditarod. The race started at Lake Lucille in Wasilla and ran to the layover point at Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River. Rather than the invariably punchy ten mile loop around Yentna Station, it was decided to add a new segment to the race course out to Eagle Song Lodge at Trail Lakes on a much better groomed and established trail. Although this loop, which was run both days, may add to the length of the race, making it between 158 and 163 miles, it added a measure of safety for the dogs and drivers as well as a new Lodge and checkpoint to the trail. Temperatures ranged between =2 to =28 degrees F with trail conditions generally good.
Driver Home Town Total Time
- Ryan Redington Knik, Alaska 16:12:59
- Tyrell Seavey Sterling, Alaska 16:17:36
- Wendy Warren Kasilof, Alaska 16:22:14
- Dan Seavey Sterling, Alaska 16:29:55
- Janet Willis Anchorage, Alaska 16:47:23
- Andy Moderow Anchorage, Alaska 17:06:59
- Ben Gray Palmer, Alaska 17:08:14
- Greta Smith Chugiak, Alaska 17:46:39
- Troy Jennings Manley, Alaska 18:41:35
- Hannah Moderow Anchorage, Alaska 19:30:55
- Esther Keim Skwentna, Alaska 19:49:23
- Tran Smyth Big Lake, Alaska 19:49:30
- Max Warren Kasilof, Alaska 20:04:51
- Heidi Cox Huson, Montana 20:36:22
- Jessica Hendricks Two Rivers, Alaska 21:09:51
- Lindsey Hanson Anchorage, Alaska 21:16:38
- Naomi Keim Skwentna, Alaska 23:17:23
- Marcus Bush Big Lake, Alaska 23:38:34
- Kyla Boivin Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada 23:47:47
- Ninki Greer Wasilla, Alaska 25:42:15
- Ryan Anderson Pine City, Minnesota Scratched at Trail Lake,
- Stacy Johnson Skwentna, Alaska Scratched at Yentna Station
Race Marshall, Lance Barve
Special Awards:
Rookie of the Year Tyrell Seavey
Humanitarian Heidi Cox
Sportsmanship Ben Gray
Blue Harness, Lead Dog Award “SPOT” (Ryan Redington)
Honorary Mushers Jody Barve and Jessica Stormo in memoriam
To Jody who was always there to volunteer her help to the Jr. Iditarod and anything or
anyone else who needed it, and to Jessica, our last place finisher in the 1998 Jr. Iditarod
who would never give up. You are the spirit of what Jr. Iditarod stands for and you
will be missed.
February 26th and 28th, 2000
The 23rd running of the Jr. Iditarod started at Settler’s Bay on the Golf Course and ran to the layover point at Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River, with checkpoints at Knik Lake, Flathorn Lake, Eagle Song Lodge at Trail Lake, and Yentna Station. Trail conditions were generally good with temperatures a high +20 to +37 degrees and a total distance of 150 miles.
Driver Home Town Total Elapsed Time
- Ryan Redington, Knik, Alaska 13 hours: 10 minutes: 04 seconds
- Tyrell Sevey Seward, Alaska 13 : 20 : 11
- Jessica Hendricks Two Rivers, Alaska 13 : 47 : 58
- Tran Smyth Big Lake, Alaska 14 : 51 : 12
- Max Warren Kasilof, Alaska 14 : 58 : 01
- Ester Keim Skwentna, Alaska 14 : 58 : 05
- Andy Moderow Anchorage, Alaska 15 : 34 : 58
- Ellei Claus Chitna, Alaska 16 : 16 : 04
- Hannah Moderow Anchorage, Alaska 16 : 56 : 00
- Lindsey Hansen Anchorage, Alaska 17 : 30 : 44
- Kyla Boivin Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada 18 :44 : 00
- Niki Greer Wasilla, Alaska Scratch at Burma Road
Race Marshall, Ron Flodin
Special Awards:
Rookie of the Year Ellie Claus
Sportsmanship Tran Smyth
Humanitarian Andy Moderow
Blue Harness, Lead Dog, “SPOT” (Ryan Redington) 2nd time
Red Lantern Kyla Boivin
Honorary Mushers Steve and Mable Flodin. Steve has several times served as President of JR. I. as well as a board member. Mable has been one of our prize collectors and timers for years and both are ardent supporters of the race.
February 24, and 25, 2001 (24th running)
The 24th running of the Jr. Iditarod started at Settler’s bay on the Golf Course and ran to the layover point at Yentna Station Roadhouse on the Big Bend of the Yentna River, with checkpoints at Knik Lake, Burma Road, Flathorn Lake, Eagle Song Lodge on Trail Lake, and Yentna Station Roadhouse. What with very poor snowfall locally, right up until about eight days before the race, options for starting at Willow and even Lake Louise had been planned, but just prior to the race we received enough snow to stage the race from the original starting point. The snow conditions were sparse and icy for the firsts several miles, but generally improved the further the teams moved into the interior. Temperature ranges were from +18 to –10 degrees Fahrenheit and the total distance about 150 miles.
Driver Home Town Total Elapsed Time
- Tyrell Seavey Seward, Alaska 14 hrs 13 min 18 sec
- Cali King Denali Park, Alaska 14 13 52
- Hannah Moderow Anchorage, Alaska 14 59 57
- Max Kornmuller Willow, Alaska 16 13 59
- Ellie Claus Chitina, Alaska 16 27 23
- Adam Beebe Delta Junction, Alaska 17 28 21
- Janet Willis Anchorage, Alaska 18 01 36
- Mari Troshynski Wasilla, Alaska 18 18 33
- Elisabeth Habermann Soldotna, Alaska 18 30 18
- Joshua Beebe Delta Junction, Alaska 18 43 14
- Ami Beebe Delta Junction, Alaska 18 49 50
- Jennifer Ramsey Chardon, Ohio 19 55 57
- Jessica Butler Anchorage, Alaska 20 14 12
- Justin Bologna Big Lake, Alaska 22 05 16
- Max Warren Kasilof, Alaska Scratched at Burma Road, day 2
Race Marshall, Brian Hanson
Special Awards:
HONORARY MUSHER George Murphy and Dorthea Taylor, George has flown for JR. Iditarod for decades and is now our Chief Pilot, as well as a board member. Dorothea has been a prize collector ands supporter of the race for as long as George has been working with us.
SPORTSMANSHIP Cali King
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Cali King
BLUE HARNESS AWARD “Blue” – Tyrell Seavey
RED LANTERN Justin Bologna
FEBRUARY 23, AND 24 2002 ( 25th ANNIVERSARY OF THE JR. Iditarod )
Jr. Iditarod’s 25th anniversary brought good weather and temperatures of +30 to –10 degrees with good trails and only minor moose holes in them. The course ran from Settler’s Bay Golf Course to the layover point at Yentna Station Roadhouse. Snow conditions were sparse in some areas, but trails remained in good condition throughout the race. Check points were again at Knik Lake, Burma Road, Flat Horn Lake, Eagle Song Lodge on Trail Lakes where this year we also established a dog drop as well as at Yentna Station. Race length remained at about 150 miles.
Driver Home Town Total Elapsed Time
- Cali King Denali Park, Alaska 12 hrs 49 min 04 sec
- Tyrell Seavey Seward, Alaska 12 22 30
- Max Kornmuller Willow, Alaska 13 41 41
- Heather Hardy Wasilla, Alaska 14 37 37
- Elisabeth Haberman Soldotna, Alaska 15 13 11
- Hanna Moderow Anchorage, Alaska 15 20 06
- Dallas Seavey Seward, Alaska 15 46 21
- Ellie Claus Chitina, Alaska 15 56 13
- Jordan Lolly Kennesaw, Georgia 16 05 55
- Nicole Osmar Kasilof, Alaska 16 06 01
- Jessica Blackburn Ester, Alaska 17 47 01
- Adam Beebe Delta Junction, Alaska 18 06 42
- Mari Troshynski Wasilla, Alaska 18 17 39
- Brittany Kajer Copper Center, Alaska 19 03 43
- Peter Jayne Coldfoot, Alaska 19 11 09
- Luke Dawe Delta Junction, Alaska 20 38 45
- Morgan Lyons Sterling, Alaska 21 48 37
- Katrina Rix Chugiak, Alaska 22 44 58
- Maegan Mackey Palmer, Alaska Scratched
RACE MARSHALL Andy Willis
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Honorary Musher, Rachel Runyan For years Rachel has been a steadfast supporter of JR. IDITAROD and has been the checker at Flathorn Lake or the Big Susitna River and is always ready to do whatever tasks are asked or anticipated to help the kids and the race. Without devoted personnel like Rachel, we could not exist or long endure.
Sportsmanship Ellie Claus
Rookie of the Year Heather Hardy
Humanitarian Ellie Claus
Blue Harness, Lead Dog Turbo – Tyrell Seavey
Red Lantern Katrina Rix
February 22 and 23, 2003 (26th running)
For the first time in the history of the Jr. Iditarod, the race had to be moved completely out of the Susitna Valley and off the Iditarod Trail due to lack of snow and unsafe river conditions in the entire area. Two weeks before the race the Board of Directors decided that the only way the race could be run this year was to move it to the Lake Louise area near Glennallen, approximately 120 miles from our normal area of operations. Wolverine Lodge at Lake Louise became our start and finish point with Sourdough on the Richardson Highway as the layover point. Check points were established at Tolsona Lake and Crosswinds Lake, and the race distance remained at around 150 miles with temperature ranges from –5 to +23 degrees. Trail conditions were generally good and checkpoint times respectable. Teams throughout the state were hard put this year to get in good training miles due to the lack of snow and even the Iditarod had to move their start away from the Iditarod Trail up to Fairbanks. We welcomed T. Rowe Price as a race sponsor this year as well as The University of Alaska College Savings Plan as scholarship backers.
Driver Home Town Total Elapsed Time
- Ellie Claus Chitina, AK 14 hrs 46 min 44 sec
- Dallas Seavey Sterling, AK 15 18 12
- Nikolai Buser Big Lake, AK 15 23 49
- Tessa King Denali Park, AK 15 31 20
- Max Kornmuller Willow, AK 15 52 19
- Alex Westlake Kotzebue, AK 16 11 18
- Nicole Osmar Ninilchik, AK 16 17 13
- Kathleen Blevins Fairbanks, AK 17 38 52
- Heather Hardy Wasilla, AK 17 42 06
- Adam Beebe Wasilla, AK 17 45 35
- Stacie Tarpy Seward, AK 18 05 44
- Lynzie Bacchus Mesik, MI 18 39 07
- Mari Troshynski Wasilla, AK 19 36 38
- Elizabeth Jayne Cold Foot, AK 20 01 28
- Elisabeth Habermann Soldotna, AK 20 43 30
- Jacob Gauthier Kasilof, AK 24 18 00
- Jeremy Hoover Willow, AK 24 30 00
- Katrina Rix Chugiak, AK 25 00 00
- Tynne Walker Kotzebue, AK DNF
Race Marshall, Abe Smyth
Special Awards:
Rookie of the Year Nikolai Buser
Sportsmanship Dallas Seavey
Humanitarian Tessa King
Blue Harness Lead Dog “Vanilla” Ellie Claus
Red Lantern Katrina Rix
Honorary Musher Wrex Diem
Wrex has for the past several years been a supreme supporter of the Jr. Iditarod and largely responsible for much of the fund raising for us including the Friends of the Jr. Iditarod Program. He has also been a steadfast volunteer and always there when you need him.
February 28 and 29, 2004 (27th running)
Once again Mother Nature turned her back on us and the race Start / Finish had to be moved to yet another new area. Six days before our start date, an unusual warm and wet weather front moved in north of Big Lake and heavy rains ruined trails all the way to Flathorn Lake. We quickly changed our trail to run from Susitna Landing at mile 82.5 of the Parks Highway through Deshka River Lodge down to the confluence of the Susitna and Yentna River. From there we rejoined our more traditional trails to Eagle Song Roadhouse at Trail Lake, and then to the halfway point at Yentna Station Roadhouse at the Big Bend of the Yentna River.
The following morning the mushers returned by the same trail to Susitna Landing and the finish of the race. Despite warm weather, which ranged from the mid twenties to the mid thirties, the trails remained in good condition. Trail distance this year was within only a few miles of our originally planned distance and totaled 138 miles.
Driver Home Town Total Elapsed Time
1. Nicole Osmar Ninilchik, AK 13 hrs 14 min 05 sec
2. Dallas Seavey Seward, AK 13 23 25
3. Tessa King Denali, AK 13 25 11
4. Rhon Buser Big Lake, AK 13 30 15
5. Nikolai Buser Big Lake, AK 14 03 41
6. Micah Degerland Two Rivers, AK 14 35 39
7. Max Kornmuller Willow, AK 14 36 25
8. Joshua Cadzow Fairbanks, AK 15 16 44
9. Elizabeth Jayne Cold Foot, AK 16 06 59
10. Alana Schlang Battleground, WA 16 09 15
11. Alex Westlake Kotzebue, AK 16 37 13
12. Stacie Tarpey Serward, AK 16 56 58
13 Melissa Owens Nome, AK 17 15 38
14 Jeremy Hoover Willow, AK 17 25 26
15 Baillee Holt North Pole, AK 18 01 07
16 Crystal Compare Two Rivers, AK 18 02 27
17 Michela Madedalena Estes Park, CO 19 10 24
18 Justin Vanover Palmer, AK 20 27 17
19 Kathleen Blevins Fairbanks, AK 21 21 00
- Cheyenne Schmidt Glennallen, AK Scratched at Yentna Station
Race Marshall, Melissa Garrison
Special Awards:
Rookie of the Year, Rhon Buser
Sportsmanship, Jeremy Hoover
Hamanitarian, Alana Schlang
Blue Harness Lead Dog, “Malfoy” Crystal Compare
Red Lantern, Kathleen Blevins
Honorary Musher, Larry Thompson
Larry was one of the original race pilots back in the early days of the JR. Iditarod, and for many years could always be counted on to fly race personnel, dogs, supplies, or anything else needed. Larry was also an original Iditarod Air Force Pilot. Without people like him, JR. Iditarod would never have gotten off the ground, literally.
February 26 and 27, 2005 (28th running)
This year was again a very close call on moving the race start from the Wasilla area up the highway due to weather conditions and lack of snow in the area. However, with a lot of hard work and good luck we were able to start the race at the Settler’s Bay Golf Course near Knik. The weather was primarily overcast and ranged from the lower 20’s to the lower 40’s with trails from fairly hard and fast, to soft and slower. The area around Trail Lakes had 14 feet of snow only a short time before the race, but with a lot of effort by our trail crew, Eagle Song, and Yentna Starion roadhouses, the trail was in good condition by race day. The area around Settler’s bay was marginal as to snow, but the weather held off just enough for us to make the start possible in our traditional start area. Our total trail distance this year was measured by GPS at 150.6 miles.
Several of our contestants had the misfortune of missing trail markers on the return leg of the race which resulted in a very extended race, and some are listed as Official Finishers with no recorded times as it was decided that due to circumstances it was best to move the finish line back to enable them to finish in time for the banquet and for safety concerns. It should be noted that all of these mushers traveled the race distance and are fully entitled to be considered as finishers of the Junior Iditarod.
Musher Home Town Total Elapsed Time
- Melissa Owens Nome, AK 14 hrs, 09 min, 27 sec.
- Rohn Buser Big lake, AK 14: 40: 22
- Dallas Seavey Seward, AK 14: 58: 18
- Micah Degerland Two Rivers, AK 14: 58: 25
- Mallory Smyth Big Lake, AK 15: 29: 08
- Kate Iten Kotzebue, AK 15: 39 43
- Nikolai Buser Big Lake, AK 15: 45: 26
- Alex Westlaka Kotzebue, AK 16: 03: 39
- Joshua Cadzow Fairbanks, AK 16: 53: 54
- Baillee Holt North Pole, AK 17: 52: 33
- Jeff Deeter Wasilla, AK 17: 54: 52
- Elizabeth Jayne Coldfoot, AK 18: 10: 27
- Tamara Teller Chugiak, AK 18: 42: 36
- McKenzie Brooks Fairbanks, AK 19: 01: 37
- Mariah Smyth Big Lake, AK 20: 08: 02
- Alyssa Quaile Fairbanks, AK 22: 00 19
- Amy Gundlach Wasilla, AK 23: 30: 25
- Katie Hayden Eagle River, AK Official Finisher
- Amy Jarrel Anchorage, AK Official Finisher
- Jessica Klejka Bethel, AK Official Finisher
- Mark Ruzicka Anchor Point AK SCRATCHED AT SUSITNA RIVER
Race Marshall, Tony Willis
Special Awards:
Rookie of the Year, Mallory Smyth
Sportsmanship, Dallas Seavey
Hamanitarian, Alex Westlake
Blue Harness Lead Dog, Anvik (Melissa Owens)
Red Lantern, Jessica Klejka
Honorary Musher, Richard Plack
For the last several years Richard has been one of our volunteer amateur radio operators and coordinated volunteer work with the other HAM operators with MARA (Matanuska Amateur Radio Association) that have been the backbone or our communications system. Richard is always there and ready to lend a helping hand for whatever tasks are needed.
February 25th and 26, 2006 (29th Running )
Due to lack of snow the race start and finish had to be moved to Willow Lake and the Willow Community Center. Weather was snowing and overcast Saturday morning, degrading into white-out conditions in the early afternoon in some areas with race temperatures down to -25 F at night and a high of +17 F. Sunday started off overcast and foggy, but became clear and sunny in the early afternoon. Due to a low ceiling, race personnel could not be flown out to the Eagle Song and Yentan Station check points, and essential personnel were transported by snowmobile until the bulk could be flown out in the late afternoon. The trail was hard, fast , superbly marked, and the river very smooth. Snow cover was adequate, but marginal at the start, though trail conditions were good and only improved as Saturday progressed and another four inches of snow was falling as the teams started. Trail distance this year was approximately 138 miles.
Musher Home Town Total Elapsed Time Hours Minutes Seconds
1. Micah Degerland Fairbanks AK 11 15 26
2. Rhon Buser Big Lake, AK 11 20 48
3. Ellen King Denali, AK 11 36 25
4. Daniel Wilbert Wasilla, AK 11 58 55
5. Melissa Owens Nome, AK 12 30 35
6. Nikolai Buser Big Lake, AK 12 30 42
7. Jessica Klejka Bethel, AK 12 38 59
8. McKenzie Brooks Fairbanks, AK 13 00 58
9. Jeff Deeter Wasilla, AK 13 11 24
10. Robert Tikium Tuluksak, AK 13 33 39
11. Richelle Horner Nome, AK 13 38 59
12. Alyssa Quaile Fairbanks, AK 14 13 09
13. Michael Miller Nome AK 14 51 44
14. Cain Carter Kasilof, AK 15 12 00
15. Katrina DeLoach Trapper Creek, AK 15 14 45
16. Mark Ruzicka Anchor Point, AK 15 45 22
17. Dustin Regar Collegeville, PA 16 08 06
18. Cassia Condon Fairbanks, AK 16 14 07
19. Garry McKeller Wasilla, AK 18 19 24
20. Amanda Olson Talkeetna, AK 18 21 15
21. Charlie Allison Talkeetna, AK 20 13 49
- Charlotte Matheis Nome, Ak SCRATCH at Yentna
- Patrick Mackey Soldotna, AK SCRATCH at Yentna
Race Marshall, Andy Moderow
Special Awards:
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, Ellen King
SPORTSMANSHIP, Micah Degerland
HUMANITARIAN, Melissa Owens
BLUE HARNESS LEAD DOG, “Hot Foot” (Rhon Buser)
RED LANTERN, Charlie Allison
Honorary Musher Award, Lori and Patrick Henry
For several years Lori was President of the JR. Iditarod Board of Directors and put a tremendous amount of work reorganizing and structuring the Board of Directors into a more efficient organization. Patrick was her right hand man and always ready to help out when called on, and often before.
30th Anniversary, February 24th and 25th, 2007
This year the race trail was changed from our traditional out and back, to a continuous trail more like the Iditarod starting at Knik Lake, the original starting point of the JR. Iditarod, to Willow Community Center, a total distance of 145 miles. Trails were in near exceptional condition being hard, fast, and well marked. Temperature ranged from +15 to -5 with wind chill factors to -27 at Eagle Song Lodge, and -27 at Willow Sunday morning.
Race Marshall, Ellie Claus
Musher Home Town Total Elapsed Time
1. Rhon Buser Big Lake, AK 11:34:07
2. Megan Hedgecoke Two Rivers, AK 12:`11:13
3. Jessica Klejka Bethel, AK 12:16:27
4. Melissa Owens Nome, AK 12:17:58
5. Ellen King Denali, AK 12:52:35
6. Ave Lindner Two Rivers, AK 13:10:14
7. Quin Iten Kotzebue, AK 13:14:31
8. Michael Owens Nome, AK 14:13:53
9. Gerald Outwater Kotzebue, AK 14:14:22
10. Jesse DeLoach Trapper Creek, AK 14:17:56
11. Michael Miller Nome, AK 14:27:21
12. Patrick Mackey Soldotna, AK 14:35:48
13. Cain Carter Kasilof, AK 14:35:58
14. Jeff Holt North Pole, AK 14:53:34
15. Charlie Allioson Talkeetna, AK 15:32:09
16. Gary McKeller Pt. McKenzie, AK 15:47:36
17. Daniel Osmar Ninilchik, AK 15:47:36
18. McKenzie Davis Pt. McKenzie, AK 16:28:13
19. Amanda Olson Talkeetna, AK 17:57:33
20. Matthew Durden Wasilla, AK 18:24:05
21. Rebekah Ruzicka Anchor Point, AK 18:50:54
22. Chrystine Lee Selesky Nome, AK 20:52:00
- Wade Marrs Knik, AK Official Finisher, no Time, no Place awarded
- Ilsa Schwarzburg Knik, AK Scratch
- David May Trapper Creek, AK Scratch
- Kristen Crain Talkeetna, AK Scratch
Special Awards:
Honorary Musher, Joe Pendergas
Joe has been a pilot on and off for JR. Iditarod since the early 1980’s and a steadfast supporter of the race. He typifies the dedication of all of our volunteer JR. Iditarod pilots, without their help we could never put the race on.
Rookie Of The Year, Megan Hedgecoke
Sportsmanship, Quin Iten
Blue Harness, IMAC, Megan Hedgecoke
Red Lantern, Christine Lee Selesky
Humanitarian, Megan Hedgecoke
31st Anniversary February 23rd and 24th 2008
February 23rd dawned clear and crisp contrary to weather forecasts calling for mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Originally the race was planned to start at Knik Lake, the traditional home and jumping off place for the Iditarod Trail, but due to a warm spell during the previous several days, for safety reasons, the race had to be moved up to Willow Community Center for both the start and finish and on an out and back trail of approximately 140 miles total length. Temperatures were relatively mild and ranged from -3 to +39, and Sunday, with the exception of scattered fog, was clear and crisp as well. Trail conditions were hard and fast this year and the river generally smooth. The winning team averaged 11.6 miles per hour running time.
Total Elapsed Time NAME Home Hours Minutes Seconds
- Jessica Klejka Bethel, AK 12 07 00
- Cain Carter Fairbanks, AK 12 07 02
- Quinn Iten Kotzebue, AK 12 10 00
- Wade Marrs Wasilla, Knik, AK 12 23 00
- Ave Lindner Two Rivers, AK 12 39 00
- Michael Owens Nome, AK 12 42 00
- Fawn Wilson Cicero, Indiana 12 59 00
- Jesse DeLoach Trapper Creek, AK 13 04 00
- Patrick Mackey Kasilof, AK 13 35 00
- Amanda Olson Talkeetna, AK 13 42 00
- Anitra Winkler Cantwell, AK 13 42 02
- Charlie Allison Talkeetna, AK 14 33 00
- Rebekah Ruzicka Anchor Point, AK 14 40 00
- Meredith Mapes Palmer / Knik, AK 15 13 00
- Jeff Holt North Pole, AK, FL 15 14 00
- Mackenzie Davis Wasilla / Pt. Mackinzie, AK 15 33 00
- Gary McKeller Willow, AK 15 37 00
- Shameka Nelson Anchor Point, AK 15 50 00
- Carole Keller Chugiak, AK 19 40 00
- Yuta Takagi Anchorage, AK 19 42 00 -Dual citizenship, USA and Japan
- Kristen Carin Talkeetna, AK 23 35 00
RACE MARSHALL, JANET WILLIS
SPECIAL AWARDS:
HONORARY MUSHERS The Williams Family,
The Williams family own and operate Eagle Song Lodge on Trail Lake, Ak. and have been active supporters, sponsors, and Check Point Hosts for many years at Eagle Song Check Point. Without folks like these, the race copuld not exist.
Sportsmanship Award, Gary McKeller
Rookie of the Year, Fawn Wilson
Blue Harness (Lead Dog), Pearl, owned by Jessica Klejka
Humanitarian, Wade Marrs
Red Lantern, Kristen Crain
32nd Anniversary February 28th and March 1, 2009
The day before the race it snowed heavily and even with crews working on the first 20 miles of the trail in the evening and early the next morning, the trails were still deep and soft with temperatures ranging from +28 to -7. Both the mushers, officials, and the trail crew on snowmachines had a hard days work getting to the half way point at Yentna Station and most of the officials were forced to snowmobile out rather than fly. This year we were able to finally get back to our long stated, and usual goal of a 150 mile race with the addition of 15 miles on the Aurora Dog Mushers Club track which had a definite advantage of terrain as well as groomed, and well marked trails, only five miles from the start of the race in Knik rather than trails put in closer to the half way point a week or so before, that turn to sugar after the first few teams traverse them. This had the advantage of putting in the needed mileage closer to the beginning of the race and on the first day in the event a team needs assistance early in the race. It also makes for a shorter day on Sunday for mushers and dogs.
Name Home Town hours min sec
- Cain Carter Fairbanks, AK 15 51 55
- Travis Beals Seward, AK 16 49 08
- Rebekah Ruzicka Anchor Point, AK 17 14 35
- Merissa Osmar Ninilchik, AK 17 55 48
- Anitra Winkler Cantwell, AK 18 00 34
- Michael Owens Nome, AK 18 05 50
- Ava Lindner Two Rivers, AK 18 21 13
- Meredith Mapes Knik, AK 18 32 10
- Jeremiah Klejka Bethel, AK 18 47 59
- Charlie Allison Talkeetna, AK 19 08 57
- Shameka Nelson Anchor Point, AK 19 15 38
- Charolette Matheis Nome, AK 19 42 52
- Jeff Holt North Pole, AK 19 46 22
- Patrick Mackey Kasilof, AK 20 04 24
- Lacey Hart Livingston, MT 20 35 25
- Carole Keller Eagle River, AK 21 10 23
- Gary McKeller Willow, AK 22 00 36
- Mackenzie Davis Pt. Mackinzie, AK 22 07 38
- Ilsa Schwarzburg Knik, AK Scratched
- Taylar Holt North Pole, AK Scratched
- Kristen Crain Talkeetna, AK Scratched
RACE MARSHALL, Larisa Myers
SPECIAL AWARDS:
HONORARY MUSHER, Ola Williams
Volunteers are the backbone of many Community Organizations. They give their time willingly to support these endeavors. Ola Williams is one of those people. For at least 10 years, Ola has kept the Jr. Iditarod web page updated with information & location of the Jr. Mushers on the trail.. More importantly, she addresses the concerns of parents who call day & night for the location & status of the Jr. Mushers. She keeps track of all the volunteers, their status & location as well.
Ola is an active member of the HAM Radio Club, is involved with Girl Scout encampment programs, cookie sales & administrative assistance, & let’s not forget, she is also a local businesswoman.
Sportsmanship Award, Charlie Allison
Rookie of the Year, Travis Beals
Blue Harness (Lead Dog), Rev, Cain Carter
Humanitarian, Lacey Hart
Red Lantern, Mackenzie Davis
February 27 & February 28, 2010
Originally the race was planned to start at Knik Lake, the traditional home and jumping off place of the original Iditarod Trail, but due to a warm weather prior to race day, and for the safety of the mushers and dogs, the race had to be moved up to the Willow Community Center for both the start and finish. Temperatures were relatively mild and ranged from med teens to high twenties. Trail conditions were hard and fast this year and the Susitna River crossing was excellent. Our total trail distance was measured by GPS, 75.5 miles out and 75.5 miles back, total of 151 miles. This year all the teams who started finished. CONGRATULATION to all.
Place Musher Hometown Hours Min Sec
1 Merissa Osmar Clam Gulch, AK 14: 35: 00
2 Anitra Winkler Cantwell, AK 15: 42: 00
3 Rebekah RuzikaAnchor Point, AK 16: 00: 00
4 Jeremiah Klejka Bethel, AK 16: 16: 00
5 Guillermo Anton, Madrid, SPAIN 16: 48: 00
6 Meredith Mapes Wasilla, AK 17: 18: 00
7 Jeff Holt North Pole, AK 18: 33: 00
8 Tobin Sworts Palmer, AK 18: 46: 00
9 Emily Krol Wasilla, AK 16: 55: 00
10 Kaye Berg Eagle River, AK 21: 01: 00
11 Yuta Takagi Anchorage, AK 24: 37: 00
12 Ilsa Swarzburg Wasilla, AK 25: 47: 00
13 Jonathan Biggerstaff/Myers Wasilla, AK 29: 47: 00
Special Awards
Blue Harness (Lead Dog Award) – OCTOBER, Lead dog belonging to Guillermo Anton
Honorary Musher – Al & Bev Marple
Humanitarian – Anitra Winkler
Red Lantern – Jonathan Biggerstaff/Myers
Rookie of the Year – Guillermo Anton
Sportsmanship – Jonathan Biggerstaff/Myers
Al Marple, an Iditarod musher and professional carpenter, was instrumental in organizing the Jr Iditarod Sled Dog race in the early ‘80’s. He hand-crafted and donated the sled for the first place prize for many years. Several of these sought-after Marple sleds were used by the young musher’s dads in the Iditarod Sled Dog Races. His position in the Jr Iditarod has mostly been as a judge, however, he has filled many other positions. He has been president, vice president and race marshal as well as during all his years of involvement, he has been a board member. It’s hard to say how many bonfires Al warmed up by at Yentna Station Roadhouse, talking with the kids and making sure the races went well for them. A friend of Al’s said, ‘Al is great on the trail. He knows how to make things work, keep the race going & he knows how to be fair without causing problems. I don’t know how he could stand outside all those hours and call it fun! You’ll have to give him the credit for being an honorary musher because he won’t take credit for his years of work.’ Bev Marple, worked with the race gathering prizes for many years. There was seldom a business that could turn down Bev for a contribution with her cheerful approach. For the first girl in on the race, she awarded them a padded photo album that she had made. She was vital at headquarters in her years of commitment and was an important contributor to the banquet for many years as well. As a team, Al & Bev have been a benefit to the race since the beginning.
February 26-27, 2011
JR Iditarod 2011 Knik Lake start, and the original Iditarod Trail, Temperatures were relatively mild, in the med teens. Trail conditions were hard and fast this year, checkpoints on the way out were Burma road, Susitna river, Eagle Song at Trail lake, and Yentna Roadhouse, using about 6 miles of the Aurora Dog Mushers Club track brought the halfway distance to 74.5 miles. Yentna Roadhouse is the halfway checkpoint and the mandatory layover with time adjustment. The Mushers camping out and care for their dogs and themselves without any outside help. Checkpoints on the way back were Eagle Song at Trail lake, Susitna river, Old hunter trail and Finish at the Willow Community Center, and were the Awards Banquet was held. Our total trail distance was measured by GPS, 74.5 miles out and 75.5 miles back, total of 150 miles. CONGRATULATION to all.
Place Musher Hometown Hours Min Sec
1 Jeremiah Klejka Bethel, Alaska 11:46:00
2 Anitra Winkler Cantwell, Alaska 12:12:00
3 Emily Kroll Wasilla, Alaska 12:34:0
4 Kaye Berg Eagle River, Alaska 12:39:00
5 Jenny Greger Bozeman, Montana 12:47:00
6 Jesse Klejka Bethel, Alaska 13:09:00
7 Shameka Nelson Anchor Point, Alaska 13:43:00
8 Merissa Osmar Ninilchik, Alaska 14:20:00
9 Meredith Mapes Palmer, Alaska 15:14:00
10 Conway Seavey Sterling, Alaska 15:58:00
11 Alea Robinson Chugiac, Alaska 15:59:00
12 Annika Olesen Yellowknife, NWT CANADA 17:19:46
13 Seiji Takagi Anchorage, Alaska 17:19:58 Dual Citizenship, JAPAN
- Zachary Sky – Scratched at Eagle Song
Special Awards
Blue Harness (Lead Dog Award) – Merissa Osmar ?
Honorary Musher – Michelle Pearson
Humanitarian – Merissa Osmar
Red Lantern – Seiji Takagi
Rookie of the Year – Jenny Greger
Sportsmanship – Conway Seavey & Merissa Osmar
February 25 & 26, 2012
Place Musher Hometown Hours Min Sec
1 Conway Sterling, AK 19:30:00
2 Benjamin Lyon Seward, AK 19:34:00
3 Benjamin Harper Wasilla, AK 19:41:00
4 Jesse Klejka Bethel, AK 20:36:00
5 Jenny Greger Bozeman, MT 20:57:00
6 Chelsea Davis La Cvescenta, CA 21:20:00
7 Bailey Vitello Brookfield, MA 21:23:00
8 Aliyana Ferraro Victor, MT 22:23:00
9 Mattie Cobb Ninilchik, AK 24:34:10
Other Participants
- Abigail Brooks – Scratched
- Grayson Bruton – Withdrawn
Special Awards
Blue Harness (Lead Dog Award) – Jenny Greger’s lead dog — Super Cub
First to Eagle Song – Bailey Vitello
Humanitarian – Jenny Greger
Red Lantern – Mattie Cobb
Rookie of the Year – Benjamin Lyon
Sportsmanship – Mattie Cobb
The honorary musher = Terry Langholz
Terry is a long time supporter, Start/Finish set-up guy, Head Timer, trail groomer, and crew for JR Iditarod since the early days of the race.