Aliy and her elite team, led by Commando and Dutch, are on the trail for the 49th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Prior to leaving the start chute Aliy said she was feeling great, she was ready, and her team was ready to “get ‘er done”.
Here’s a few fairly fuzzy screen shots from the Iditarod Insider coverage of the start. From what we can ascertain her line up was: Commando and Dutch in lead, Sparkie and QT in swing, Amber and Decaf, Mismo and Driver, Rodney and Bruno, Peach and Jefe with Violet and Perky in wheel.
Dutch and Aliy
GO!
Earlier today the crew made their way up to Deshka Landing from Anchorage in plenty of time. Aliy had one more COVID-19 test to ‘pass’ then it was a quiet few hours getting the sled packed, lines laid out, harnesses and booties ready. Officials completed the gear check for mandatory items and fixed the GPS trackers to the sled. Thanks Kaz for the pics!
It was warm out at Deshka Landing this afternoon with temperatures in the mid to late 20F but it is expected to cool down during the night. Snow is in the forecast for Tuesday.
Stay right here for SPK updates for the duration. I aim to do a morning and evening update every day and maybe more towards the end of the race. We’ll do Dog Fan Club draws with a few Iditarod themed prizes and I have some fun questions to throw at you along the way.
GO TEAM!
Remember: you can sign Aliy’s retirement card at Aliy’s Last Great Race.
(Edit: My apologies to Dutch as it was he and Commando that led the team out of the chute. He looked so like his little brother Spark in my little-bit-fuzzy live feed).
Thanks for the pics….we were all cheering her on here in the Adirondacks as the Team made it outta the chute! Thank you Iditarod for putting on a CoVid SAFE race!!!
Cheering for you, Commando, as you lead the way! Blessings to you, Aliy and all the dogs!!
Thank you for your detailed updates. I appreciate all your hard work writing about the team. I was disappointed to hear that this is Aliy’s final race, but more than anything I am happy for her. She is the most inspirational person I have ever known and has accomplished so many incredible things. Although I have never met her in person, I feel like I’ve known her for years. I am cheering you on Aliy and I’m so happy for you!!!
Thank you for your detailed updates. I appreciate all your hard work writing about the team. I was disappointed to hear that this is Aliy’s final race, but more than anything I am happy for her. She is the most inspirational person I have ever known and has accomplished so many incredible things. Although I have never met her in person, I feel like I’ve known her for years. I am cheering you on Aliy and I’m so happy for you!!
Great shot of that pup’s face! I love how he leaned into the camera. 🙂
Thank you Kaz and Moira for the great start coverage. <3
Wow!!!
Beautiful setting the scene pix – and away they go!!! Thanks so much!!! WOOF WOOF
Go SP KENNEL!!! And one more WOOF
Cheering for Aliy and the Red Team one more time.
Go Team! Go Aliy.
Im new to Iditarod this year and feeling like a flopping fish on dry land, trying to get whatever pics and info I can. Thanks for them.