It’s the night before the 2021 Iditarod and Aliy’s Last Great Race.
This morning Aliy and Allen took the 16-strong squad on a final stretch out run on the Tozier track in lieu of the traditional Ceremonial Start. The trails were empty, save for a few people at the staging area out for their own exercise. Aliy told them they were her smallest Ceremonial Start crowd she’d ever seen.
Later, the crew (and Mismo) helped set up the dog yard at Linda’s ready for any returned dogs that might come her way.
Final preparations tonight and tomorrow morning include a final check of all the equipment and supplies to go in the sled, getting lots of hydration and calories into the dogs and Aliy, then ensuring everyone gets a good night’s sleep. It’s a big day tomorrow for 47 teams and their crews – a culmination of months and years of hard work to even get to the start line. Thanks to everyone who has helped SP Kennel get to the start line!
Decaf and Bruno
Handsome Rodney
Amber letting Doug know that she’s next please!
We’ll let you know the final team roster in the morning.
Evening calories!
Mismo dreaming about running down the Iditarod Trail one last time…
Best of luck on your last race!, I will miss you in the future races but will be cheering you on from Oregon !!
Your team looks great Aliy. I wish you could take them all.
LOL Mismo! Hey Doug I need a butt scratch! Ha ha. Smart dog!
Thank you for the memories, Aily. You’ve been a great role model to me and my mushing training. I wish you the best of luck and will for the last time, cheer: “Lead on Aily.. Way to go, NACHO.. Aily is on the trail, my ears are receiving AMBER’S alerts. (howls!)”
Enjoy the journey. May it be beautiful, safe and fill your soul.
Run dogs RUN!
They are ready to rock and roll down the trail!! Lets GO!!!
You will do awesome, Aliy! You always have! You and your dogs have accomplished so much throughout your racing years, and you’re my most favorite musher! That’s why my Iditarod chat room ID is Aliygirl 🙂
There’s a lot of competition in this year’s race, but your team is as solid and prepared as any of them (even better to me). You’ve GOT THIS!!
Love the videos and the photos. A very nice, almost peaceful, ceremonial run. The dogs look awesome!
Thank you for sharing all that you have these past years. It has been fun, exciting and emotional watching you do what you do. For the love of the sport, for the love of your dogs and family. You are the reason I became a fan of mushing, of the Alaskan sled dogs. You are an inspiration to many and dont sell yourself short on that, its a gift! You are a real winner in my book! Enjoy this Last Great Race and know your fans are truly with you on the sled! Love peace and joy for your retirement,
All the best for a wonderful race! I have so enjoyed following and supporting SPK over the years. I wish you well in your future endeavors.
Wishing you all the best Aily – we are so grateful for all the years you’ve helped us follow you along on the trails.
Thank you for the great photos!
Go Team. !!!
Have a great race gang! This is gonna be so much fun to watch! Refresh finger at the ready, set…
Enjoy your race! Make it as fabulous as you are. Down the trail swiftly.
Love,
Marilyn Cozzens
Best of luck this time – may this be a perfect race for all 4-leggeds and their musher!!!
Aliy, you are a force of nature – and hopefully Mother Nature will grant all advantages she can create for you…
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Enjoy your adventures and time with your team. Wish I could be there to see your LAST GREAT RACE!!!
I’ve rooted for your team and you for many years and I view your site a lot. For the year 21″ I hope you win the title of lead team. In retirement I hope the best for you. Thanks for all the photo’s out on the trail and what you do for all.