Twelve dogs will run on each team for the Ceremonial Start through downtown Anchorage. The teams are as follows:
The Red Team will be led out by Waylon and Scruggs, Nacho and Izzy in swing, Scooter and Schmoe, Outlaw and Sissy, Lydia and Wedgy with Clyde and Willie in wheel.
The Black Team will have Beemer and Junior in lead, Kodiak and Boondocks in swing, Lester and Viper, Dutch and Commando, Nomex and Tinder with Sandy and Chipper in wheel.
Check out the team roster page for more information about each athlete.
After the ceremonial run we all jump in the trucks and head for 300 miles to Fairbanks so you won’t hear from us for a while. Watch out for pics and (hopefully) video once we are back.
NOTE: Not all these dogs will be in the Re-Start teams to start the Iditarod on Monday. Although the teams have been chosen from the 37 we had vet checked last week you, you will see there are some notable omissions. We have included a few youngsters to give them some experience with the fun and the crowds and left a few of the old-hands, and those that don’t travel so well, behind in Fairbanks. Check back on Monday morning for the Re-Start team roster!
I am so excited for the Iditarod to start. Counting down. Both team rosters are great. It is great to allow some of the younger(future stars)dogs to be in the teams for the ceremonial start in Anchorage. Go SPK!! All the way to Nome.
What an interesting and fun lineup! Drive safely back to Fairbanks. I can't wait to see the final roster.
The fans are with you, Red and Black teams; remember that in the week ahead. Go Aliy and Allen! And go SPK dogs!
Smart move!
Newbies get to join in on the fun; and, a few veterans, the Shetland pony and Willie's other half, get to chill till Monday.
What a great way to include more pups?!
It will be great to see Boonie back in the mix too!
Rest every chance you get humans and dawgs!
Have a blast on the trail!!!
🙂
We'll be glued to the tracker, day and night!!!
🙂
Smart move keeping Quito's paws dry!
Considering that the event will or may bring a new meaning to "mush" – be safe, take care and…
GO RED TEAM – WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!!!
GO BLACK TEAM, WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!!!
Best,
Margaret
P,S. Thanks so much for fabulous info on website!!!
Best of luck to all!!!
Good luck to all my first graders and myself will be cheering for you from Northern New York!
Good luck to all! Happy Trails! We'll be rooting from the east coast!
We loved watching the Red and the Black Teams leave out of the chute this morning!! Boondocks was banging in her harness, the young ones were barking and excited….and Beemer was calm, cool and collected as usual…then the countdown and wow…what power!!
We're sending lots of positive energy your way from here in northern VT. Enjoy the awesome journey that lies ahead- may it be safe & fun & may you all stay healthy & strong. We just KNOW this is your year Aily & SPK!
Good luck to Aliy, Allen and the Dogs!! Love all the updates! Following from Iowa!
Wow it was so exciting to see both teams leave out of the chute today. I just loved watching my TINDER racing down 4th street. Both of get rested before the restart Mon.
Wonderful to see some of the Fire pups in the lineup. Great experience for them.
Hope everyone from SPK made it "home" safely to eat and rest.
Just had a chance to watch the ceremonial start.
I know it's not the plan, but
everyone of those 12 looked capable of going the K.
Can hardly wait to see the "real deal."
Hi, glad Kodiak is given an opportunity to run this year!! I am so excited!! I think you posted Beemer's photo instead of Kodiak's on the blog? Am I wrong? I have been so excited waiting to see the lineup and sending good thought, Woo Woo Woo Hoo!! Go black team, Go red team!!
Never mind! My error, I see you just posted images of lead dogs for both teams!!
Best, Trish
Thanks so much for all the posts re: Ceremonial Start!!!
Filling the time today in advance of the Re-Start, I found an excellent video about Susan Butcher on Youtube:
Woof, woof, woof!!!
–Margaret
And here is the link to Red Team leader Aliy picking her number – from Youtube as well:
Go SPkennel!! Woof woof to all the amazing dogs. Safe and happy trails to both the red and black teams. Backing you from New Zealand