The Iditarod is in progress!

The real start--as opposed to the ceremonial for show start in Anchorage on hauled-in snow which happened yesterday --began about 2:00 pm today Alaska time at Willow. It took two hours and forty eight minutes to get all eighty-five racers down the chute at two minute intervals.

This difference in time is worked into a mandatory rest period so that everyone works on a level playing field time-wise. That means it is not a real advantage to draw an early number; you only have to sit that time out later on! However quite a few serious contenders--folks who have won or placed well in the past are among the first twenty to hit the trail. Jessie Royer, 4th last year, drew number 3. Since number one is always the honorary musher who does not actually run, each actually starts one place higher than the number they draw.  Aliy drew #13 but actually started 12th and Jodi Bailey follows her at the 13th place. Dallas Seavey, last year's winner, started in 15th place.

My special heroine Deedee Jonrowe started as 44th. I am so glad to see her making this race!! SHeis such a huge inspiration . Martin Buser is close behind her as 47th --I think racing in honor of his injured son Nikolai who is recovering well so far from a horrible accident in Seattle. Four time winner, also, and a YQ winner in the past, Jeff King was 60th. Other famous names are scattered from early to late places.

Eighty five is a lot of mushers, each with sixteen dogs at least to start so it's going to be pretty noisy and hectic for a few hours out to the first couple of checkpoints. Right now the weather is very mild with temps in the low 40s this afternoon. That means mushy snow that will freeze back after dark to slick ice and for the first miles, more heat than huskies are comfortable in. This poses a challenge to the mushers to keep excited and eager dogs in check so they do not overheat or have other mishaps early on. I predict there will be a few scratches within the first twenty-four hours either due to over-tired dogs the vets stop or mushers realizing they are really not ready to do this.  Finishing a mid-length race may qualify a rookie musher but it isn't the same as the 1,000 milers!

I do have the 'team roster' for both of SPK's teams. Aliy is running the Red Team of Scout, Chemo, Chipper, Clyde, Commando, Dutch, Felix, Izzy, Kodiak, Mac, Mismo, Sandy, Schmoe, Scruggs, Willie and Waylon. That is a good mix of older experienced dogs and the best of the new ones coming along. Most have run at least one Iditarod or the YQ this season and are tested on the long distance runs. I feel sure they will make a good showing.  Allen's Black Team is also a mixture of old seasoned dogs and youngsters. He has Quito and Chica (old grande dames, both of them!), Lester,Nacho, Amber, Champ. Driver, Iron, Junior, Lydia, Nomex, Sissy, Spark, Tinder and Violet. Most of the younger dogs are offspring of either Quito or Nacho, full brother and sister litter mates and both astounding dogs.  Amazing potential there and even though he will not be pushing for a high place, I think they will do a very creditable run, especially with those three greats in the mix.

BTW, Clyde in Aliy's team and Chica in Allen's were the parents of the Surfivers litter of 2014; (Ginger and the four boys). None of them are ready for a big race yet but I expect we may see one or more competing more next year as long two year olds. A couple of current long two year olds are running this season. Some pups just mature faster like any other species. For example, Allen took young Commando on the YQ and he is now running with Aliy's team.

More tomorrow as we see how the first twenty-four hours unfold!

Here are both the teams at Anchorage yesterday:  I wish I could have been there to scream myhead off!!