Make a cup of coffee (or tea), sit back and enjoy 7 1/2 minutes behind Aliy and the SP Kennel Red team as they mush through the streets of Anchorage for the Ceremonial Start.

Thank you to everyone there who cheered, clapped and wished her well, including those of you watching from home! We appreciate it.


Photo: Barbara Swenson

You can see at some points it was almost like the pictures from the mountain stages of the Tour de France where they have spectators lining the route leaving just enough space for the rider. Everyone was pretty attentive though to get out of the way of the dogs if they came a little too close.

19 Responses

  • That was really fun to be a virtual Iditarider!

    I also watched the hour long video on Aily's 2014 race found on the Iditarod website. It was fantastic and very emotional.

    Best wishes for a great race to Aily and the Red Team!

    Val L.

  • That was a fun ride. You can feel the love and excitement. Thank you for sharing!!!!!

  • What an amazing footage of Aliy and the pups!!! Whoever did it it's a serious pro!!! Thank you so much for bringing us to the race!!!
    Hi Aliy, I guess you know by now what a fan of yours I am and how much I admire you!!! And, this film exemplifies how great you are at the sport of mushing! You are so gracious to all the people lined up along the trail, and so experienced at sledding that many times you went at it 'hands off'. The communication between you and your beloved pups is amazing!!!
    Best wishes and prayers to you, your pups and your amazing handlers and crew in the upcoming Iditarod!!!
    ❤️❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

  • You can tell how much Aliy is loved! Go Aily!!! It's you time for the big win!❤️��❤️��❤️��❤️��❤️��❤️��❤️��❤️��

  • That was totally awesome!! I also am a huge fan of Aliy and SP Kennels and really appreciate the photos and videos! Best wishes to Aliy and Allen and have a safe Iditarod!

  • Great trip video and boy was that ever "mushy" mushing in Anchorage!!! Meanwhile…

    Got my Red and Black Team clothing selections made as many do, too, including a Red Team cap (from several years ago), a Red Team beanie, a Black Team cap, Black Team T-shirt with elegant white lettering & design…

    Best of everything to all 2 and 4-legged SP Kennel Team members, plus all the good luck in the world!!!

  • WOW!
    Iditarod Insider releases Aliy's behind the 2014 race video,
    and
    SPK team delivers a ceremonial start video on the SAME day.

    I don't know if we are spoiled or blessed,
    SPK you are the best!

  • That was awesome! !! We were staged up near the start at the chute….got some great pictures for sure….but we all wondered how the ride was out from Anchorage….your video filled the void…thank you!!! SP KENNEL ROCKS!!!

  • Aliy….2015 is YOUR year to win the Iditarod….Thanks for sharing this wonderful video…what a great way to ride along with you as you enjoy the trail and the LOVE along the way…From one Zirkle to another…GO TEAM RED!!!!

  • That was amazing coverage. To see all the folks cheering Aliy on was very touching. She is so loved and truly carries the heart of the fans.Todays Iditarod Spirit is alive and well in Aliy Zirkle and those top of the line dogs. Have a great race. Thousands of us are cheering you on every inch of those 1000 miles.

  • That was amazing coverage. To see all the folks cheering Aliy on was very touching. She is so loved and truly carries the heart of the fans.Todays Iditarod Spirit is alive and well in Aliy Zirkle and those top of the line dogs. Have a great race. Thousands of us are cheering you on every inch of those 1000 miles.

  • " Aliy Aliy Aliy " "its your year "& "go Aliy " were heard along the trail and I would like to add my chant from DENALI 🐾🐾 and Joanne from over here in Melbourne , Australia l have set the alarm for the start in Fairbanks go Sp kennels go the red and black doggies woof woof 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

  • Thank you for the video. It was nice to see the ride and all of your fans cheering for you. Aliy, best to you and Allen. I'll be rooting for you.

  • whoo hoo! Thanks Moira!!!! you rock sister! thanks to all the SP Kennel crew. we love you!
    padee santa rosa ca

  • This is great!!!! Just amazing to see the start of the race from this point of view. Thanks so mush for this!!!

Comments are closed.