SUNDAY MARCH 3, 2024

OFFICIAL START OF THE 52nd IDITAROD 2024

I am late in writing as there is a 4 hr difference with Alaska time. The start today is 2pm (Alaska time) so NY time is 6pm. I have a few pictures and tidbits now but will really begin tonight after 6pm.

Mushers choose a number from a mukluk (fur boot) to determine their starting position in the race.

#36 LARA KITTELSON is from the state of Washington. She came to Alaska and worked for the Seavey's (a famous dog mushing family) and began mushing. She was encouraged by MITCH SEAVEY (an Iditarod winner) to enter this race SOO this is her first Iditarod. Lets cheer her on!!

#20 JESSIE ROYER is running her 21st race. She is a favorite. She and AARON BURMEISTER have been running together for many years. This will be AARON'S 22nd race!!

KATIE JO DEETER, an Iditarod runner and wife of Iditarod musher JEFF DEETER, will now broadcast from different checkpoints. We will miss LIZ FAILOR who had a baby this year and is staying home to tend to him. LIZ is the wife of  musher MATTHEW FAILOR.

The weather today in WILLOW, AK is 10 degrees, bit cloudy, no wind and it looks like not an abundance of snow but enough for the Shute and run across the Willow River.

I have a few pictures and video's. I have not been successful with the video's but I keep trying. Few pictures from yesterday at the ceremonial start.

I have my Alaska "jewels" on, sled dog bracelet, necklace of sled and musher, earrings of a
tall cache

ALL READY FOR THE RACE. 

Having trouble with the video's. Till tonight.