MARCH 4--CEREMONIAL START TO THE 2023 IDITAROD --ANCHORAGE
The ceremonial start to the race is just that. The OFFICIAL RACE START will be in WILLOW tomorrow.
They started off the morning with a car crash into a building in Anchorage
. That building collapsed but no one was injured and it will not effect the race.
Today in ANCHORAGE it is clear and cold--8 degrees, sunny, no wind and no precipitation. For your FYI sunrise at 7:50am and sunset 6:33pm.
This is the 51st running of the Iditarod and the winner last year was Brent Sass. This is the smallest field of entries, 33. In 2008 there were 96 racers. This may be due to lack of snow, urban growth, thinning ice and varying weather conditions.
I am sad that Martin Buser is not running BUT he did compete in 39 races and was a 4 time champ. He will now concentrate on his B&B, tours, family time and caring for his dogs. He will be missed.
going bottom to top: sorry still getting used to the photo's.
3rd pic : a taste of being in the sled with your amazing athlete's pulling the sled.
2nd #20 JASON MACKEY. His family is legendary. His Dad LANCE was an IDITAROD champ and died last year of cancer. JASON is bringing his ashes to NOME. LANCE'S DAD DICK was also an IDITAROD champ and befriended HANK when we were there.
1st: pic: There is an auction were you can bid on a space in a mushers sled during the ceremonial start. This lady is in her wedding dress. She will then travel to Willow tomorrow for her wedding. Deedee Jondrow, a favorite musher not racing this year, will officiate the wedding.
Till the START in WILLOW
Great start Alaska Tibby!
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