The Ceremonial Start kicks off at 10am AK time from 4th Avenue in Downtown Anchorage. Aliy and her team are wearing bib 23 and should be leaving the start chute at 10:44am.
The Ceremonial run is about 11 miles long through the streets and trails of Anchorage. It is not timed and therefore does not make up the mushers’ cumulative race time. Therefore, there can be lots of stops along the way and teams can take it easy to enjoy the festivities.
The dogs on the 12-strong team can be from the pool of 20 that Aliy sent through last week. All dogs have been vet checked, had EKGs and blood tests and some will be urine drug tested prior to the start BUT just because they run in the Ceremonial start does not mean necessarily they will be in the final 14 that leaves on the Iditarod proper on Sunday afternoon.
Aliy’s team this morning will be led by Dutch and Junior, Amber and Spark in swing, QT and Violet, Razz and Cloud, Rodney and Jefe with Decaf and Perky in wheel.
We’ll post pics and video later this evening but keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook as we may post content directly there during the day.
YAAAYYY – We’ll be rooting for you the whole way!
Sounds like a fun line-up! But what- no Jefe in lead just for grins and giggles? Enjoy your ceremonial run Red Team❣ Will be watching from Virginia and hoping that Kodiak is just resting up for tomorrow.
WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!
Thanks for the new of the Ceremonial Start team!!!
Just watched Ceremonial Start for Red Team doggies.
Their muscles rippled as they ran out from their start and were so perfectly coordinated.
Dallas Seavey was doing commentary and he remarked that Aliy didn’t make mistakes, is smart and was so consistent.
You bet Red Team is smart – intellectually as well as good looking in their Matson blue jackets!!!
GO SP KENNEL RED TEAM!!! WOOF WOOF WOOF
Will be rooting for Aliy and team the whole way! I am so excited that Cloud and Razz are on the team! Woo!💙
Aly we are picking mushers from the ididitard for school and I picked you because you look trustful and cute so I picked you❤️❣️😍🥰❤️❣️😍🥰❤️❣️😍🥰❤️❣️😍🥰
Rooting for you from CA! Go team Aliy!