It’s the final countdown… do do do dooooo, do do do do do… (is that song in your head now? Sorry)
Just a few more days until the teams head off down the trail, and then back again, in the 49th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Here’s what happening in the next few days… Because of COVID-19, there is no mushers’ banquet, meet and greet, on-site mushers’ meeting or Ceremonial start so things look a little different this year.
It’s a small, skeleton crew in Anchorage this year so only Aliy and Allen will attend to the dogs needs while down there so as to stay in their ‘bubble’.
Thursday morning, Aliy and Allen will drive 16 dogs down to Anchorage and that afternoon, Aliy will mask up and go to Iditarod HQ for another (of many) pre-race COVID test and to complete some paperwork. Allen and Doug will take Aliy’s spare sled to be shipped out onto the trail. It is most likely to be waiting at McGrath checkpoint, although hopefully it’s not needed!
For us fans, the Iditarod has a live pre-race show starting 4pm AK time on iditarod.com.
Friday Aliy will attend the mushers’ meeting via Zoom to get the latest info on the trail and logistics surrounding the race.
Again, for the fans, two panel discussions are being screened on Iditarod Insider. At 4pm there’s a Rookie Musher Panel and at 5pm is a Women in Mushing panel with Aliy, DeeDee and Libby. Check out the Broadcast Schedule for more info.
Saturday morning the team will go out for a final stretch out in lieu of the Ceremonial Start then, in the afternoon and evening is final packing and preparation. Aliy will try for an early night to get her last full night’s rest for a while.
Race start is 2pm on Sunday afternoon so the crew will head up to Deshka Landing on Sunday morning. Aliy will wear bib 32 so it will be closer to 3pm that they leave the start chute. Iditarod Insider will start live broadcasting at 1.30pm.
From there, Aliy and team head west along the trail and the crew head back to Two Rivers to watch the tracker obsessively.
Thanks to Padee who is staying at the kennel while the crew is in Anchorage.
Note: We’ll announce the team line-up on Sunday morning, once Aliy has made her final decision on the 14 athletes to join her on the trail. This is the hardest decision Aliy has to make each year!
Thanks for all Your informations.
Look forward for the Race.
Have a Great Rest before Sunday.
Hi, from Fort Myers, Florida.
Follow ” Inside ” & GBS.
Brita
Thanks for the rundown. Can’t wait to hear the “Women in Mushing” panel- what an elite group!! On pins and needles in VA to learn of the lucky 14 who will make this Last Great Journey with Aliy. Safe travels and Godspeed Team SPK!!
I’m so glad they are able to put the race on safely…..here we go!!! A little different than in the past but we will adapt! Go SPK!
I’m cheering Aliy on from North Carolina!! GO ALIY!! You’ve got this! Run to win!!
Thank you for sharing the detailed information; I always enjoy reading these posts.
Aliy this is going to be your year. We’ve been routing for your for years now.
You are such a role model. Always have a big smile when it’s good or bad.
Good luck & we know you are going to win.
Stay safe on your journey & enjoy your journey & hugs to all those fur babies.
Wonderful ADN article on you two! Aliy, I wish you Godspeed on this year’s Iditarod! You have inspired me with your love for your dogs (and their love for you), for your skill as a competitive musher, and for your dedication to your fans. May you and your dog team have an absolutely outstanding race.
Blessings to you, Aliy and Allen, as you enjoy “retirement” together.
Thanks for all the good info as usual!! We are with you Aliy and SP Dogs!! Happy Trails To You!
32’s my new favorite number.
Just renewed my II membership, ready to roll up and down the trail.
Go SPK woohoo!
Sorry! Confused by the pic for a moments. I’m great with Joar coming in in the top three, but 35, 35, 35 , 35 IS my new FAVORITE number! Go 35, go SPK, go Aliy. Woohoo!!!!!
I’m so confused. Just ignore all the wrong numbers.
When I checked the II for bib numbers it looks like I was looking at 2020.
Women in Mushing panel was great. Loved seeing all the past clips with Aliy and her teams. Beemer and Viper even saw themselves once or twice. As all said it’s about the dogs…and they are more than just being dogs. Have a great race!!!