The 40th Jr. Iditarod has its first entrants. The Jr. event began accepting registrations on the same day registration opened for Iditarod. At the end of the day, three junior mushers had indicated their intention to compete in the 150-mile race that begins on February 25, 2017. The first Jr. Musher to turn her registration …

A wise but unknown person once said, “The thrill is not in winning but in the courage to join the race.”  The Jr. Iditarod is the embodiment of that statement.  The banquet is a celebration of success for these young mushers and it gives the community, race advocates, friends, fans and family an opportunity to …

As of 1:30 this afternoon (Sunday), all Jr. Iditarod teams have crossed the Willow finish line.  In earlier stories, I referred to the mushers in this 39th Jr Iditarod race as the Ten Top Notch Teens.  Having seen them perform over the past two days, I’m going to change that to TEN TOP NOTCH TEENS.  …

There was less than two hours separating the first musher and the final musher coming into the half-way checkpoint at Yentna Station Roadhouse.  Defending champion, Kevin Harper led the charge to Yentna arriving at 1641, five minutes ahead of Andrew Nolan.  Rounding out the first trio of incoming mushers was Bailey Schaeffer.  She arrived at …

Clear and cool, no wind, twenty-three degrees – it was absolutely perfect for the start of the Jr. Iditarod.  The race start was moved from the traditional location on Knik Lake out to the Willow Community Center in search of snow.  While not an abundance, it was certainly adequate.  The ten top-notch teen mushers were …

The ever good natured and resourceful Stan Hecker has been named as the Jr. Iditarod Honorary Musher for the 39th running of the race.  It was only by chance that Hecker came to Iditarod as a volunteer. He came to Alaska in March of 1999 to visit high school classmates.  Those friends happened to live …

Ten Jr. Iditarod mushers drew their bib numbers on Friday evening at Iditarod Headquarters.  The Juniors will take to the trail on February 27th from the Willow Community Center at 10:00. The teens, ages 14 – 17 will run 75 miles out to Yentna Station Roadhouse.  The roadhouse, run by the Gabryszak family, has been …

Jr. Iditarod mushers brought their dogs to Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla for vet check on Friday morning.  They were greeted by veterinarians Phil Meyer of Wasilla and Jayne Hempstead of Cantwell.  Both vets have a long history with the Jr. Iditarod. Dr. Phil who practices at the Wasilla Vet Clinic said he’s been with the …

The annual Iditarod Picnic marks the first day for Iditarod sign up, as well as the first day Junior Iditarod contestants can sign up.  Along with their families, a couple of Junior Iditarod veterans came out to enjoy the great food prepared by Iditarod sponsor, Golden Corral, and then officially entered the 150-mile two-day Junior …

The Junior Iditarod mushers have all crossed the finish line at mile 132 of the Denali Highway. The race was moved north from Willow to Cantwell after conditions were deemed to icy to run the tradition round trip route to Yentna Station. The trail conditions were primo, temperatures comfortable and scenery was splendid including northern …