Here are the 14 athletes going with Aliy down the trail.
In no particular order: Amber (5,3), Bruno (3,2), Commando (5,5), Dutch (6,4), Peach (0,0), Decaf (3,1), Driver (5,1), Violet (5,3), Jefe (3,1), Spark (5,4), Mismo (5,2), Perky (1,1), QT (3,2) and Rodney (4,4). (Brackets denote Iditarod and Yukon Quest 1000 starts).
As always, she has a real mix of experience on the team – The Dynamic Duo of Dutch and Commando will both be starting their 11th 1000 mile race, followed closely by Spark starting his 10th, Amber, Violet and Rodney their 9th. At the other end of the spectrum, Perky starts his 3rd 1000 miler and Peach is starting her first.
Mismo is following in his spectacular parents Quito and Biscuit, Auntie Chica and Uncle Nacho’s pawsteps by starting his last Iditarod at nine years old. He’s smart, strong and seasoned.
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There are ten unlucky dogs that didn’t make the team and we acknowledge the disappointment of their sponsors and fans. This is always the hardest decision Aliy makes all year and this year was no different.
Chipper and Cloud were the unluckiest two as they had made the 16-strong squad that travelled to Anchorage. They have had a fantastic season and were strong contenders to make the team. In the end, they had both not eaten so well in the last week and, being the smallest dogs anyway, just a pound or two might make a difference.
Bill and Wu trained with the main team all the way up to the final training run. Their youth and lack of experience unfortunately was was the deciding factor.
Gravy also trained well all season. Aliy said “he would have been fun to have on the team but he doesn’t really have a serious “race mode” bone in his body. I guess he is still a teenager.” He trained with the main team and has some impressive miles on him.
Five was very strong earlier in the season but strained his triceps muscle about a month ago. His injury still bothers him and will need some time off to heal and feel 100%.
Chevie has had some cramping issues again this season and unfortunately got behind in miles because of some time off.
The team trained faster this season and Nomex’s “chug a long gait” didn’t really fit with the team’s speed. His front end was stiff starting in December and he sat out a while and basically got out of shape for the longer miles.
I hope Five heals well! Praying for an uneventful safe trip! I’ll be watching from Montana! Bummed to not be at the start this year! You’ll do amazing Aliy and team!
I absolutely love the face of peach! So full or enthusiasm!
I can’t wait to see Aliy and the Red Team off onto the trail. So proud of Mismo making the Team…seasoned dogs Driver and Dutch too!! And congrats to Peach on her first Iditarod!! Super excited to see Decaf on the Team too!!! We are ready to be glued to the tracker….let’s get this thing started!!!
Good luck and God speed!
What a gorgeous family of dogs.
I’m excited to see Amber, Bruno, Commando, Decaf, Driver, Dutch, Jefe, Mismo, Peach, Perky, QT, Rodney, Spark, Violet and Aliy hit the trail this afternoon.
Be safe, have fun and work your tails off in the most epic run of your careers.
We’re sending lots of love up and down the trail both ways with you.
<3 🙂 <3
COMMANDO!!!! You “rock” Big Guy! I hope you and Aliy steal the show this year and have a wonderfully successful & rewarding race. So proud of Mismo for completing an elite training season at 9. I know he’ll carry Mama Quito’s spirit down the Iditarod Trail! Perhaps Aliy’s sentimental pick for this year?? Gotta Love SP Kennel Aliy Zirkle & Allen Moore❣️
Go Team & Godspeed!!!!
Yay Decaf! Good boy. Got my hoodie on this week buddy. Stay strong.
Let the fun begin!
Dutch & Commando…love it!❤️❤️ And Driver, one of my favorites, Yay! Mismo, what a racing life you have had….one more race to go! So happy for Peach too, and the rest of the team. Here we go…just a few more hours!
Chipper, sorry you were not up to making the team. What a fabulous racing life you have had too!
So Happy for all the dogs tho weather they made the team or not as a lot of hard work there. I picked out 11 of the 14 as I do every year but so happy for Peach!!! Have fun and be safe Dear Aliy and your wonderful team–we fans are
so proud of you all!! Rest Allen, as I am sure you have been a big part of this adventure. GOOD LUCK SPK!!
GO TEAM!!!
So excited for you ant the team Aliy – keeping all positive vibes going your way for a great grand finale!! Watched your video on Insider and it should be interesting to hear the details after the race has concluded going in the opposite direction.
Interesting, you will probably have mushers coming towards you while you are going in the opposite direction.
Be safe, have fun and GO Aliy GO!! You will be hearing me yell this to you all the way from CA!
Yay! Go Peach! Been a fan of hers awhile…a fan of all of them truth be told…fly like wind, have fun and be safe. Pulling for you all!
We all just watched you start down the trail!! We told Sissy and Scooter your Alaska mom is taking off with your SP family. Dinner with steaming Iditarod start- wonderful!! So happy and proud of what this kennel and team has given! Go Go Go.
Aliy, Have a Great Race, You have my 2 special Dogs with You ,Jefe & Perky, sponsored Both.
Follow the Race through Inside GBS.
Have a safe Race,
Hi, from Florida , Brita