This morning at 10am the Ceremonial Start for the Iditarod kicks off on Fourth Avenue in Anchorage. Aliy and her team start #19 and leave the chute at 10:36am. Teams mush through the streets and parks of downtown Anchorage where thousands of spectators, fans and supporters cheer them on. It is a day of celebration of this great race.
Aliy will take 12 athletes with her which will hopefully help her decide on her final 14 for Sunday. As long as a dog has been cleared by the vet team to run, it is eligible to run in the Ceremonial Start but does NOT have to run in the race proper so just a heads up that all 12 may not make the team come Sunday. Aliy is still to confirm the last few team mates.
The team will lead out with Mismo and Spark, Dutch and Nomex in swing, then Five and Driver, Rodney and Bruno, Jefe and QT with Decaf and Scooby in wheel.
Aliy’s “Iditarider” is Peter and he will ride in the sled that Aliy is driving. Allen will ride the tag sled, sometimes known rather appropriately as ‘whip sled’ – as I can attest, those things can really whip round the corners!
Our coverage of the Ceremonial Start will be slightly different than previous years and I’ll show you more behind the scenes stuff. The Insider will be broadcasting the start live.
No matter who makes the “final 14” they are all champions at SPK. Happy trails!!
I am really excited about Aliy’s game plan this year, especially seeing it’s possible four of your three year olds will likely be on this team.
Best wishes Aliy and the entire SPK team. We are rooting for you to have an EXCELLENT race.
I hope by the time the SPK Red Team reaches Koyuk, Aliy and her team are still feeling young, enthusiastic, perky, silly, fun and ready to go!!!
Whoop whoop!
Bless you Aliy
This will be a great race! I am so excited to watch it live!! GO ALIY! Win the race this year with your amazing dogs! I am cheering for you and have all the confidence that you can win!