The countdown is on for the 2018 Iditarod and we can’t wait to get started!
We are into the final preparation time and all that’s left is one final stretch-out run for the dogs, packing for the humans and then getting everyone down to Anchorage.
Wednesday morning, Aliy and Allen take their dogs on a final run before the race. This is one of the most nerve-wracking moments all season as it is so tempting to wrap them all up in cotton-wool between the Quest and the Iditarod. Of course, that is not possible as they would go completely stir crazy and we have to keep them moving, but this last run is a really important final step.
Aliy, Allen and Moira then travel to Anchorage ready for a sponsor event on Wednesday evening
The dogs travel down on Thursday with the handler crew and will be in town in time for the banquet on Thursday evening, meanwhile Aliy and Allen have musher meetings much of that day.
The only “Meet and Greet” Aliy and Allen will be doing is the Iditarod organised function prior to the banquet at 4pm on Thursday afternoon in the Dena’ina Centre. You can find out more about it on the Iditarod Website.
Friday is designated as a quiet day for us. We have a couple of short sponsor functions but other than that, it is time for the crew to spend time together doing final preparations and dog care before getting our teams out onto the trail. We purposely have not scheduled many public events for that day.
Saturday morning is the Ceremonial Start – this is the fun celebration of our dogs, the trail and the race. Teams will mush for 11 miles through central Anchorage and there are several great vantage points for spectators – if you are in town we would love to see you there! Give us a wave and a cheer! For those of you not there the Iditarod Insider will be live streaming from the start so you can follow along with the festivities on 4th Avenue.
Sunday at 2pm is the culmination of the whole season. We set our teams off from Willow Lake on their 1000 mile adventure across Alaska. We don’t seeing them again until they cross the line in Nome. Sunday is serious time!
Coverage Guide
Unlike the Yukon Quest, where we can get to most of the checkpoints to bring you photos, video and stories, none of the checkpoints for the Iditarod are on the road system. You have to either take a dog team, fly or ride a snow machine and I won’t be doing any of those things.
The best way to follow the race is to get an Iditarod Insider subscription. The Ultimate pack gets you the GPS tracker and access to all the video the team records along the way. I understand not everyone is in a position to get this and we will be doing at daily posts on the blog, updating you with what we know.
On Saturday and Sunday, and from the finish line in Nome (cell coverage dependent) I will be posting directly to our Instagram and Facebook pages, and maybe even Twitter. I will do an end-of-day post on the blog with pics and video from the Ceremonial Start and Willow Restart.
There will be loads of local news media covering the event and I will try to link relevant stories when possible.
The Iditarod Website has a heap of interesting information about the trail, the history as well as the current race. There is an amazing education portal that is not just for kids! Check it out, in between refreshing the tracker.
Thanks for following along with us. GO TEAMS!
alright Ready Dawgs? Roll down the rails SP Kennel we are all rooting for you!
Padee
You got this SPK…safe travels to everyone!! Let’s get this thing started!!!
Go Red and Black Teams!
I have the Iditarod Insider so I will be watching SPK march down the trail. SPK will do amazing because they are a kennel full of champions!
Padee is absolutely right. We are all with you from start to finish and beyond. Safe travels.
WooHoo! Go Teams!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Bib draw I guess at dinner Thursday, another WOOF WOOF for whichever number is best for SP Kennel in a large field…ready to hit “refresh” and prepared to cheer and stomp and wear my SP Kennel gear ’til Nome for both Red and Black teams!!!
GO RED!!! GO BLACK!!!
Wish I could be there again this year. The handler teams, Aliy and Allen work so hard and put everything into these events as well as sharing as much a possible with your fans. This is incredible dedication and I for one am grateful and can not thank you enough (Moira) for a fantastic job of keeping us updated.
As always I send my best to both RED and BLACK teams and safe travels for all!
Go get’em Aliy!! You got this, hands down you have an incredible team that wants the other teams to follow THEM down the trail.
Go Mush Win!!!!
Cheers,
Heidi
We fans are ready! The SP Kennel has put in all the care and love these dogs need.
Wishing you the BEST on the travels. Go Red & Black!!
Just a few days and then the SPK teams will be on the trail again. The 4-leggeds are trained and ready, the 2-leggeds are trained and ready. Here’s hoping for a healthy and happy race. We will all be cheering you on. Go SPK!
I’m so excited!
Of course I’m bookmarking this page, and will be back again for links.
Thank you Moira for everything you do to keep us informed, despite you not running a dog team or snow machine to see them at all those check points, or flying around chasing them, we appreciate all the information you share with us about the team we LOVE.
I am especially excited that the teams will be taking the southern route through Iditarod, that they have traveled since 2013!!!
Yes!
This is going to be amazing.
Get ready SPK fans for a fantastic race.
Praying here, for the health, safety and an enjoyable race for every single team member from Skunk’s Place Kennel.
Can’t wait to go along for the virtual ride! Thanks for keeping us all up to date! GO SP Kennel!!!
I have been listening to the draws. Aliy – hope I get in on one of those hugs this weekend!
I get so emotionally involved about drawing order and all the things that can go into making it your winning year. So, every time I see a low order go to someone that is going to be far slower and far less competitive, I think – DRAT! Every time an low number goes to someone who I know is a true competitor to you, I think – DRAT!
Why I do this, I have no idea, because I have watched you pass absolutely everyone in front of you, no matter how far back!
Good racing – no, Great racing – no, winning racing! You go Lady.
A little tap on my shoulder, just out of sight, is telling me that this is Aliy’s year to be first under the burled arch.
So well deserved and about time too.
Many thanks to Aliy and Allen for showing us what excellent dog care is all about. We will be glued to the tracker.
Cheers, Ingrid and support team Einstein, Lucas and Wilz.