After agonising over the decision, Aliy has settled on her final 14 dogs to travel with her to Nome. They are (in alphabetical order): Amber (4), Bruno (2), Chevie (R), Cloud (R), Decaf (2), Dutch (5), Five (3), Jefe (2), Junior (4), Kodiak (4), QT (2), Rodney (3), Spark (4) and Violet (4). The number in brackets is how many Iditarod starts they have.
Rockstar Dutch is her most experienced having run in five Iditarods and this will be his ninth 1000 mile race. His siblings Amber, Junior, Kodiak, Spark and Violet have all run in four Iditarods. Brothers Rodney and Five have each run in three, with Decaf and siblings Bruno, Jefe and QT running in two. Rookies are Chevie and Cloud to add some youthful enthusiasm and spunk.
We are very excited about this team! Strong, enthusiastic, with a mix of fun and focus. Congratulations Chevie and Cloud on making the big time!
Unlucky dogs that didn’t make the truck ride down were Chipper, Iron and Scooby. Chipper and Scooby came off the Yukon Quest looking strong but both had lost a little of their enthusiasm and spunk. Chipper was not chipper. Aliy thought they could probably make the run to Nome but felt they didn’t need to prove anything to anyone and that they might enjoy doing fun runs around the local trails in the spring weather. Iron had a sore wrist earlier in the season and instead of risking anything more serious on 1000 miles, he stayed behind also and will do some short fun runs.
The unluckiest of all are the two that made the truck ride but not the final team although both ran in the Ceremonial Start yesterday. Razz and Perky will drive back up the Parks Highway and return to the kennel. The forecast deep snow helped Aliy make the very difficult decision. Razz hurt her leg earlier in the season during the Copper Basin 300 and Perky hurt his shoulder during the Yukon Quest. Even though both dogs trained well since then and both finished the Ceremonial run with no soreness, are now fit and healthy, and both passed the vet inspections, Aliy decided she didn’t want to risk either dog in the deeper than expected snow. They will get lots of extra treats when they are home. It was Razz’s first time in Anchorage so she might just think it was a long drive for an 11 mile race.
We know there are a bunch of disappointed dog sponsors and fans of the dogs that haven’t made the team this year. Each one of your dogs helped get the team to the start line and their contribution was just as big as those that made the team. Thank you for your ongoing support for your favourites, even if they aren’t in the “A” Team.
You can become a fan of any dog by joining our Dog Fan Club. We will be doing multiple draws throughout the race for prizes such as signed posters and race guides, Iditarod merchandise and other kennel goodies.
Great looking team including my bff Decaf. Safe trails Aliy and team!! Go SPK.
I’m excited Chevie and Cloud made the Red team, especially after what Karolyn had to say about Cloud after her YQ300.
I hope the racers who didn’t make the team have a chance to rest up AND have some fun runs around Two Rivers’ trails. 🙂
I hope Decaf is 100% after the YQ1000, because I think Cloud will try to bring home that big truck for Aliy and Allen.
Go get ’em Aliy!
Have the time of your life out there on that Iditarod trail!
Love seeing Chevie and Cloud on the roster!!! So excited to see this race finally start! And for those who are not in the race enjoy those fun runs!!! It’s amazing how much snow there is this year….a good ole fashion Iditarod!
Wow! Sounds like a Red Team built for tackling tough trails in deep snow and adverse conditions. Way to go Chevie and Cloudy for making it to the “big dance”! (The true March Madness!) I’m certain that Chevie will make her momma proud on her Iditarod debut and hopefully she’s gotten a tighter fitting t-shirt for this adventure. Sounds like some great potential for veteran leadership too. There are going to be some tough booties to fill left behind by that heartbroken Rockstar back at the kennel, but I bet Dutch, Spark, Junior, Kodiak and Amber are up to the test!
Best wishes to Aliy and her teammates for a safe, healthy and victorious race❣🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
You’ve got this SPK Red Team!!!!
Oh boy Decaf! You made it! You know this trail boy. You’ve got this. Keep Aliy lined up. Go team GO! Best wishes for a fun, exciting, safe, healthy trip for all involved. We are routing you on…Got the Decaf sweatshirt on for the week!, the Iditarod hat, post-it notes, notepad, fingers ready to refresh. Only missing the now famous M&M’s, but the coffee is brewing.
So excited to follow along this years race! You won’t believe how glad I am that Chevie is on the team! Bring home the win Aliy
Cheering for all 15 of you all the way! Prayers too! Have fun!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Ditto on snowy conditions comment!!!
And a truly wonderful beginning to this race – bravo Moira and the SP Kennel website!!!
GO ALIY!! I am super excited for the official start today and I know Aliy and her team will have a great time being in the Alaskan wilderness!
Way to go Chevie and Cloud for making the team!
Good luck Aliy and dogs!! Be safe, have a fantastic run!
All the best Aliy and the doggies especially Jefe we will be cheering all the way from Melbourne ,Australia. ❤️ Joanne and Denali
Nice to see the 2 Rookies make the team! I’m sure it was a hard decision to make but with 20 years of doing this all things take in the final one. Cloud looks like a sassy Chipper! Go Cherie! Good travels SPK Team!
I also am excited to see Chevie and Cloud on the team. Actually, I am just plain excited. I know Aliy will the most out of her team while keeping them well and happy.
I am really, really enjoying listening to Dallas’s commentary on the Iditarod. I admit, I was not enchanted with his and his father’s choice of putting dogs in condos for travel, but as I listen to him, I am again reminded how down to earth he can be. His intelligence and experience as a winner truly adds a lot.
And of course, saying Aliy is his favorite musher to run with – while still acknowledging she is a fierce competitor – bumped him up to the top of my commentators list.
Great SPKennel team. Let’s go Jefe!! Mush on!!
My heart is out there on that trail with those fourteen wonderful dogs and their 15th team member. I too was impressed by Dallas’s comments. I have not been a fan but he is growing up and turning into a way better guy than I expected. His respect for Aliy and Jessie R made some points with me. Of course I want to see the Red Team 1st but Jessie can have second after them any time!! Safe and fast and fun!! GO SPK Red!!
GO Red Team! Will be watching and cheering from NE MN. Thanks to the SPK crew for the great pics and videos. Let the games begin!