This afternoon in the “Mini” Convention Centre in Nome, hundreds of fans and supporters lined up to get signatures and photos of the favorite mushers. Mushers signed posters, race guides, race bibs, books, photos and all manner of other things, posed for pictures, shook many hands and gave away hugs.


Aliy chooses a cupcake that looks like Scruggs with brown and white markings and blue eyes; signing a poster for a young fan

One of the best parts for me was before the doors opened to the public and some of the mushers got to see each other for the first time since they were on the trail some days or even more than a week ago. It was clear that Allen not only taught SP’s young dogs, he also passed a lot of wisdom on to some of the younger mushers that spent time with him along the race. One after the other they came up to him, thanked him, joked with him and shared stories of what happened after they parted ways. It was very cool.

19 Responses

  • Having the kind of connection to kids Aliy has is special. No wonder her 4-legged family adores her, too!

  • Allen and Aliy – anything you can do to encourage an up and coming (young or old) musher is a positive thing. Thank you for encouraging other mushers. They look to you for guidance and direction. You are trailblazers. The lives you touch are something you won't necessarily "know" but your legacy will live on for a very long time.

  • I love that Allen can be a Quest rock star, then come back and help anyone who needs a hand (or paw!). That's the definition of "class."

  • Aliy and Allen look rested and happy!!! It seems that for fans at least, being in Nome is even better than being in Anchorage!!!
    Congratulations again to the mushers, the Red and Black Teams, the crew in Nome and in Two Rivers!!! Lots of love. You are all stars!!! 🌟⭐️⭐️⭐️🐾🐾🐾🐾👣👣👣👣❤️💚💜💙💛💖

  • What a wonderful post. It is great the way Aliy and Allen connect with everyone. It is fantastic the way Allen trains the young team and helps younger mushers along the trail. Great job all around.

  • Aliy and Allen are such a great role models for the kids, adults too.
    Every year we hear how Allen helped mushers along the way.
    Then look, someone he helped last year, came in 11th this year.
    Great mentor and teacher.
    Awesome couple!

  • I agree with all the above comments, you both are such great role models, you can see in your videos and just the way you act around each other and your dogs. Way to go.
    hugs M White

  • Role models for the young. Nice way to think of our wonderful SP Kennel mushers, thanks so much for the thrills and as the saying goes, chills, this Iditarod!!!

    Best,

    Margaret

  • Allen is a natural born mentor!! It must be cool for novice mushers to look around at a check point and notice "hey, I'm running with a Yukon Quest Champion…bet he would know how I should handle this or that"….a little advice from the pros goes a long way on the trail!! It's nice everyone helps each other out!

  • Allen and Aliy are amazing people! I would give my best hat to go there and meet and greet you guys!!! ! love how you give to the community in so many ways–like the train ride in the summer! I'm not too sure I'd arm wrestle though—just read the newspaper article about it. What an experience! Iditarod 2015 can be made into a movie!

  • Dawn from Maine, thanks for the heads up.

    Aliiy mushing for years earns fame.

    One arm wrestling match with Aliy, and Liu is famous. Way to go Liu. I might have given it a shot in my early 20's.

    Don't feel bad Aliy, she was pushing too. It takes two to arm wrestle. If a bone breaks, both were pushing that hard. You got to admit Liu gave it everything.
    Respect for both of you!
    I hope you become great friends.
    Ryne, congrats, not sure if you were given an edge???
    🙂

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