But…the Iditarod is so much more. The Iditarod has things other sports are missing, a focus on treating other how you want to be treated, putting others first (your dogs), girls can do anything boys can do, and be proud of yourself. The most treasured award in the Iditarod is the Humanitarian Award, given to the musher that the vets vote for best dog care through out the race. There is also a Sportsmanship and Most Inspirational Musher Awards for being a good person. Unlike other sports, men and women compete on the same playing field - no ladies’ tee box. The first musher to arrive in Nome is greeted by a cheering crowd but so is everyone else, right down to the last one - the Red Lantern Winner. Each finisher gets the cherished Iditarod belt buckle.
This year’s field will start with 62 teams of 16 dogs. You do the math, that’s a lot of dogs. Lance Mackey, is trying for his fifth consecutive win, which would tie him with Rick Swenson for most wins. I was going to list the teams I would be watching but I decided my list was too long. I will be watching the front, middle, and back of the pack.
To my knowledge it NOT on ESPN or ESPN2 but neither was the National Finals Rodeo. People just don’t know what they are missing. I think it is only fair that I warn you; The Iditarod can be highly addictive. You might find yourself getting up in the middle of the night to check the GPS tracker or watch the last Iditarod Insider video. Just remember that it is not over until the last musher gets to Nome.
