MARCH 8, 2020

OFFICIAL START OF THE IDITAROD 2020

The teams are now in WILLOW,AK for the beginning of the race. It is 23 degrees and snowing heavily--zero visibility. They predict a slow race due to all the snow on the trails.
The start seems so late 5PM EST but it is 2PM Alaska time. The reason for such a late start is that
ALL the dogs have to be checked by a VET. They have a complete physical and have to be deemed ready to race.
Lots of excitement in WILLOW with thousands of fans standing by.
Some of the favorites in the race are ALIY ZIRKLE who has run the race 8 times and is usually in the top 5-10. She is a real fan favorite, taking time to help others and always a smile on her face.
My favorite MARTIN BUSER--4 time winner of the race and all time good guy. Last year his son raced with him. I visited with Martin and his family at his home and saw his dog operation which was quite impressive.
PETE KEISER last years winner.
MITCH SEAVEY--3 time winner. His son DALLAS SEAVEY started racing the IDITAROD when he was 16 and has won 4 times. He is taking a year off and doing some interviewing etc for the race and will be back next year.
The BARRINGTON TWINS--They do well but have never won. They run together and always finish.
BRENT SASS--Many think he will win this year.
Oh I could go on and on but I will mention mushers as the race goes forward.

 ASS LEAD PILOT : coordinates IDITAROD Air Force pilots used to transport dogs and people.

 This is the amount of snow they are dealing with---WHEW

 This is the Northern Route they will take: VERY SNOWY this year