Friday, May 9, 2025

Iditarod Trailblazer Dan Seavey dies at age 87

Dan Seavey at the Ceremonial Start
of the Iditarod. March 2010.
The patriarch of the Alaska Seavey family, Dan Seavey, has died at age 87. The Iditarod released a statement Friday morning in tribute to one of the founding mushers of the last great race stating that Seavey's "legacy is woven into the very fabric of this iconic race, from its inception to its enduring spirit."

Dan Seavey grew up in Minnesota dreaming of the Yukon. He listened to radio serials and made plans with his friends on how they would move up to Alaska and run dogs and pan for gold and do all of the adventures they would listen and read about. Seavey shared those plans in his book The First Great Race Alaska's 1973 Iditarod. However in 1956 Dan fell head over heels in love with the "blond Swedish farm girl from Minnesota" Shirley and they would marry two years later. 

Not giving up on his Alaska dream he and Shirley made a pact that as soon as they were able they would head to Alaska to live for a couple of years just to see what it was like. The plan was to return back to the States and settle closer to civilization. Dan entered college soon after their wedding and began his studies to become a teacher.

While Dan studied, their family grew. The couple would have three children, Mitch, Tracie, and Darian. Don't jump ahead because you recognize one of those names, we'll mention that later. And then, in April of 1963 it happened. Dan got the call... well, telegram... he had a teaching job in Seward if he wanted it. They needed to be there by August. They finished the school year (he was teaching by then) packed up the kids and the car and made their way North.

Remember that promise to Shirley that they'd only stay in Alaska a couple of years? That was still the plan, but then in March of 1964 the History buff and his family LIVED history when the little fishing town of Seward was hit (as was much of South Central Alaska) by the "Good Friday Quake". The Earthquake was the second largest quake ever recorded. The 9.2 magnitude shook the state for over five minutes and was felt far down the west coast. On top of the earth shaking Seward violently the town was also innundated by giant Tsunami waves that pummeled their shores and flooded much of the town. Homes and lives were lost.  

The Seavey family had been in their new hometown only a few months and it was in many areas completely gone. Dan, along with his coworkers, managed to reopen the school to give families a reason to stay and the children some sort of return to normalcy. Dan and Shirley rolled up their sleeves and went to work restoring their beloved Seward. And then it happened. They were firmly members of Seward, they couldn't leave. That promise of no more than two years was no longer possible. Both Shirley and Dan knew that after what their little town went through they couldn't leave it.

And, so, as many Sewardians fled the town for parts "safer" land became pretty easy to come by (and dirt cheap). Dan and Shirley purchased land just out of town (now in the Exit Glacier road area) and they settled in Seward. Dan would teach in the Seward school as their history teacher (and wrestling coach) for over twenty years. (And, as I found out recently, he taught one of my absolute favorite teachers I ever had... my fifth grade teacher Mr. Daniel! Small world!) Dan and Shirley became not just familiar faces in Seward, they became an important part of the community.

With the purchase of the land and the building of their beautiful home (seriously, it's like a fairytale over there) they also built a small recreational sled dog kennel. Fifth grade Dan Seavey was no doubt bursting at the dream becoming reality (though slightly different from the original plan). He would soon meet more dog men throughout the state through his need to learn more about mushing and how to do it better. He would attend races in Anchorage (there wasn't much really going on on the Kenai Peninsula with mushing in those days race wise). Those races were just an excuse for mushers to get together, talk shop, and brag about their dogs.

Dan would run into this musher named Joe. Joe had an idea. It was a crazy idea, but it was intriguing to Dan. It was a race that would follow this historic gold rush trail leading to the gold mining town of Iditarod. Sound familiar? That guy named Joe was Joe Redington Sr. The one they call "The Father of the Iditarod". That crazy idea was one Joe shared with anyone who would listen. Dan was interested in the adventure, but even more so the history. Dan signed on with getting the race off the ground. 

Dan was also one of the first mushers to run the first Iditarod. Dan would ultimately win third place (though he was second into Nome, back in that first race they added up the time and there was no differential, so he was just slightly slower than a team that started after him). Dan would be the only one of the top finishers to not have his monetary award paid out to him. Joe had taken him aside and confessed that the purse that was promised was not fully funded. Dan agreed to "wait" for when the money came in, essentially giving it to Joe as a loan so that Joe could pay the champion. Dan wouldn't get paid back for decades. (He always told that story with a laugh.)

Dan would run the Iditarod the following year and then sporadically after that. Dan used his work with the sled dog race to help establish the Iditarod Historic Trail, protecting thousands of miles of historic gold rush trails. When he would run the Iditarod in his later years it was often - if not exclusively - to celebrate and bring attention to thei history of the trail. He also served for many years on the board of directors of the Iditarod helping shape the race into what it has come to be known. 

Dan would watch his eldest son, who helped and encouraged him so much in training for those first Iditarod races, win the Iditarod in 2004. Remember when I said we'd get to Mitch eventually? And in 2012 as Dan was running his final Iditarod, he would have to hear about his grandson Dallas' first win (a win that broke a couple of records). Dan would watch Mitch win two more (2013 and 2017) and would watch Dallas win an historic 6th title (after spending much of the winter running dogs with Dallas).

Okay, time to really get personal.

I met Dan Seavey in 2007 just days into starting my job working for Dallas in Anchorage at the newly created Wildride Sled Dog Show. It was a remake of a tourist show that Dan had created many years prior, only - as Dallas often does - Dallas revamped and improved on the model. Dan introduced himself and as many other Seavey employees over the years can attest to said I could call him Bappa because he was "everyone's grandpa". I felt so welcome in those moments and I always looked forward to when Bappa would be at the show. He instantly became one of my favorite people. 

Dan was easy to listen to. He was witty, wise, and warm. I rarely saw him without a smile, and I rarely got away from a conversation without a lecture about drinking soda (or worse that I didn't drink coffee). He had a running joke with my dad after he found out dad drank decaf, Dan suggested that once dad grew up he'd drink real coffee.

I have so many wonderful memories of Dan over the years. I always got a greeting of "Well hello, Toni" when we'd run into each other (often at Iditarod in the hotel lobby while he and my dad were waiting for coffee and... whatever my dad drinks because it wasn't coffee). I had the honor of photographing one of his grandchildren's wedding at his home. I watched him dance with his bride of over fifty years, his eyes danced watching his granddaughter on her wedding day, and how he laughed at all of the great grands and their antics.

It feels so weird to talk about him in the past tense. Some people you just expect to always be there. Dan was a larger than life, legendary figure. Not just in Iditarod, but in Alaska. He is what I picture to be the classic Alaskan sourdough, even though there wasn't much sour about Dan. When I think of Iditarod it's hard not to think of Dan. Yes, others are better known - or more successful - but his legacy is not tied in how many wins he or his family members have. It's in the preservation of the trail and race history. The absolute love for a bygone era of Alaska. When others - including members of his family - were about modernizing the race, Dan held onto what inspired him to come to Alaska in the first place (while also celebrating how far the race has come).

Dan has left a legacy in a family that is successful not just in dog mushing but in many fields. His three children and his countless grandchildren and great grandchildren have all followed their passions, they've adventured, they've inspired. He is a legend, and legends live on through the legacy of those that continue to share their story. 

Dan touched so many in his 87 years and I am so fortunate that I am one of them. I will miss hearing his stories, his jokes... I will miss seeing him under the arch in Nome beaming with pride no matter what placement Mitch or Dallas (or Danny or Tyrell or whichever the next Seavey is that takes it on). Mostly I will just miss talking about him in the present. Rest easy, Dan, they've got it from here. On by.


Sunday, March 30, 2025

2025 Kobuk 440 musher roster and preview

It's essentially the season finale of mid to long distance dog mushing! Spring has sprung in most of Alaska, but for the Northern West Coast there's still a little winter left to be found. Kotzebue hosts (and boasts) one of the longest mid-distance races in Alaska. The Kobuk 440 is known for unpredictable weather, many a race has been sidelined due to violent ground storms that blow up seemingly out of nowhere. 

The Kobuk has had some of the most exciting finishes of any race, coming down to just seconds a time or two, and is always a musher and fan favorite. The race is well known for its creative and humorous social media volunteer team that never seems to sleep during the race but always brings the fun.

This year there will be fourteen teams headed down the trail, many coming from outside of the region. Four women are in the mix, as well as an Iditarod Champion. There are mushers hoping to finish up their qualifiers ahead of the 2025-26 season, their eyes set on "the big one" in 2026. There are mushers who are hoping to finish their season on a strong note. Mushers who have more they want to prove of their team. Mushers whose motives are anyone's guess.

Many fan favorites will race in the Kobuk in April. Let's discuss who have the best chance to take home the top prize.

Who to Watch

Eddie Burke Jr - Eddie's been working hard to rebuild his kennel with a fresh set of young dogs bred at Off the Rails Kennel. He managed to run several races with his "puppy team" this season even with the lackluster winter South Central Alaska suffered. Burke even tried his hand at the Rondy Invitational where he took his long distance doggos to a sprint race. They did pretty well. Burke has been a quick study on the back of a dog sled, the 2023 Iditarod Rookie of the Year has high hopes for his team's future, and it starts here. Eddie withdrew ahead of race day.

Hugh Neff - Let's just.... put aside the controversy shall we? Neff is reportedly running a team borrowed from Iditarod Champion Dean Osmar (from the Kenai Peninsula) and where Hugh is - well, we can't count him out. Expect Neff to run an aggressive race. He is out to prove something to someone most likely and he wants to give his fans a show. He's won this race before, and he's hungry for another one.

Jessie Holmes - Jessie loves the Kobuk. Jessie just had the magic carpet ride on the Iditarod. Jessie has the team that dares you to try and beat them. Team Can't Stop is just that, a team that can't and won't stop. You'll have to out race them at every part of the race this year. Expect the reinging Kobuk champion to do everything in his power to do it again.

Rohn Buser - Rohn's race season kinda went sideways for good reasons (he's a new dad of TWO!) and he was a late entry for this year's Kobuk. He's got his sights set on Iditarod 2026 so this will be most likely a race that he uses as a "training run" for his team as he starts the work to prepare for "the big one". Buser is very capable of playing more than a spoiler in this race, and it will be interesting to see the approach he takes.

Let's also give some nods to teams that could totally blow this prediction out of the water. James Bourquin had a fantastic race last year with the Kobuk finishing 3rd. Jim could easily do it again if conditions are right. Anna Hennessy and Kristy Berington both are running teams that had phenominal success for their respective kennels. Anna is running a team made up of the dogs that Emily Ford ran in this year's Iditarod, and Kristy is running the dogs her sister Anna took down the trail. And right behind Anna Berington was Lauro Eklund who could also surprise us. It's a stacked field, let's just leave it at that.

So let's just take a look at all fourteen signed up for the race that begins April 3, shall we? (As always, once bib numbers are published this blog post will be updated with bib numbers. Currently the list is in alphabetical order.)

Musher Roster

BibMusherKennelLinkLinkLink
1Lauro EklundSkookum ExpeditionsWebsiteFacebookInstagram
2Jessie HolmesTeam Can't StopWebsiteFacebookInstagram
3Kristy BeringtonSeeing Double RacingWebsiteFacebookInstagram
4James BourquinOrion KennelFacebookInstagram
5Quince MountainBraverMountain KennelWebsiteFacebookBlueSky
6Jody Potts-JosephRaven Clan KennelsWebsiteFacebookInstagram
7Sam PapermanTurning Heads KennelWebsiteFacebookInstagram
8Sadie LindquistSeavey's IdidarideWebsiteFacebookInstagram
9Kevin HansenHansen KennelFacebookInstagram
10Hugh NeffDean OsmarFacebookInstagram
11Rohn BuserSusitna Sled Dog AdventuresWebsiteFacebookInstagram
12Anna HennessyShameless HuskiesWebsiteFacebookInstagram
13Adam LindenmuthSojourn KennelsFacebookInstagram
Roster edited to reflect final roster and bib numbers. April 2, 2025 @7:45pm AKDT.


You know who's racing, but how are you going to watch if you can't get up to Kotzebue? So glad you asked!

How to Watch

Unlike what we just had with Iditarod (if you paid for Insider), the Kobuk like most of the mid-distance races relies more on social media posts and radio updates than they do video. Depending on weather and internet connection there may be live video of the start and finish, according to accuweather the thermometer is set to read just above zero though the chill in the air will make it feel like -11. A frozen feed (pun somewhat intended) is possible, though the volunteer social media crew have gotten pretty good at making videos happen even if the livefeed doesn't. Along with the video feeds there are ways to keep up with the race happenings, so let's make sure we have all of the links you need.

Official Website
You can find the rules, links to all ways of following the race, and the history of the Kobuk 440 here. Musher bios are also available. The official website may have links to live feeds, so also keep a look out for that. Click here for the link.

GPS Tracker
We're all attached to this bit of technology. If you wonder where the term "tracky boi" came from, you can thank the Kobuk 440. Their social media team were the first to coin the phrase... the phrase that sets some fans' teeth on edge, but it's becoming more endearing each year. Once again, you can follow the race thanks to TrackLeaders. Beep-boop-beep.

Radio Broadcast
Race updates throughout the weekend will be broadcast over on KOTZ-AM. They have a livestream. They may broadcast the start, but it's unclear. Click here to listen in. (If that link doesn't work, try this one.)

Social Media
This is where it's at. The most entertaining race has to be the Kobuk 440 for their amazing social media team. The volunteers know how to get and keep your attention. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter where they are most active as well as Instagram. KOTZ-AM also has a Facebook page that should share some race info throughout the weekend.

You know HOW to watch, but let's make sure you catch all the action by giving you the days and times of what is planned.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, April 2
10:00am - Meet the Mushers (Radio Interviews)
6:00pm - Musher Meeting/Bib Draw

Thursday, April 3
12:30pm - Race Mass Start

Monday, April 7
2:00pm - Finish Cutoff
6:00pm - Awards Ceremony


Who are you excited to follow? Thoughts on who may take home the top prize? Comment with your thoughts below!


And, as always, you can Buy me a slice of pizza to help keep the blog up and running. It's always appreciated but never expected.

Friday, March 21, 2025

2025 T-Dog musher roster and race preview

Just as fans (and mushers) are catching their breath after an incredibly difficult and dramatic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, it's time for one of the final races of the season to kick off. The Tanana Valley Sled Dog Race - lovingly called the T-Dog or T-Dog Alaska - is set to kick off this weekend and the roster is packed with teams that most fans may not recognize, with a couple fans will definitely know.

The T-Dog is the brain child of Tekla Monson-Butcher. Tekla wanted to create a race that sounded like the races she grew up hearing about where mushers were racing but it was all for fun. Mushers that mentored each other, camped together, ran together. Tekla's race in just three years has become one of the most popular by teams looking for fun over competition as well as those dipping their toes into racing on their way to "the big one."

The T-Dog is a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to how it runs - there's no cash purse. The race wants to encourage mentorship as well as sportsmanship, hoping the more experienced mushers will take the time to come alongside those that are green. The award is bragging rights (as well as donated prizes) as well as having a good time. Oh, and not all of the teams are pulling dog sleds! The 200 mile race is the only class that must be with sleds, but the 100 and 50 also have bikejor and skijor entrants! This is a celebration of winter dog sport at its finest.

As stated there are three separate classes. The 200 mile sled dog race, the 100 mile race, and a 50 mile race. The 200 mile race can be used as a qualifier for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest races. The best way to find out exactly what each class entails you can read up on the rules

For this post we're going to focus on the 200 and 100 milers, as the majority of those racers are on dog sled. They are also, typically, running from a kennel and most are adults - not teens. Trying to keep privacy to those who aren't your typical racers. Note that all three classes, however, will have trackers. We'll get to all of that, though in a little bit. Because they are not running for a purse, we'll forgo the predictions of who are the ones to watch - let's keep with the spirit of the T-Dog. Let's see who we have racing this year, shall we? (Roster is sorted alphabetically, which is different from how they are listed by the race on their website.)

200 Mile

MusherKennelLinkLinkLink
Adam LindenmuthSojourn KennelsFacebookInstagram
Alison LifkaShenanigans KennelFacebook
Andrew WappettSnowdrift KennelFacebook
Annette LlanesHonky Tonk KennelFacebookInstagram
Ashley DoveCrooked Creek KennelWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Bailey VitelloTeam BaileyWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Brianna BlomgrenTeam BaileyFacebook
Emma LewisWildwoods MushingInstagram
Erika LoebrichStar Gazer RacingWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Jennifer NelsonNorthern Lone Star MushingFacebookInstagram
Jessica Burr LemaireThe Comstock KennelWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Joe TaylorMushing MalarkeyWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Kamey Kapp WorlandThe Dog LotFacebookInstagram
Katrina HandlerTrail Breaker KennelWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Lindsay LlanesHonky Tonk KennelFacebookInstagram
Michael RoddewigSage Mountain KennelWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Richie BeattieWildthingz Dog MushingWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Sam McLainSkookum ExpeditionsWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Sam PapermanTurning Heads KennelWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Sarah RichardsDeja Vu Sled DogsWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Shane BlumentrittCold Start KennelFacebookInstagram
Skylar WhitcombShameless HuskiesFacebookInstagram

100 Mile

MusherKennelLinkLinkLink
Abbey VandenBergCloudberry KennelFacebookInstagram
Anja MaijalaSkier
Ashley PattersonLone Wolf KennelWebsiteFacebook
Brenda MackeyMackey's Alaskan Distance DogsWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Eddie Burke JrOff the Rails RacingWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Hailey PearsonTwinkle Toes the Arctic PantherFacebook
Hazel SuttonGoldstream Girls Racing Kennel
Isabel RhodesMackey's Alaskan Distance DogsWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Jay AllynOrange Blossom KennelFacebookInstagram
Jennifer HallstenMidnight Sun K9s
Jenny Simard?
JJ ShelleyThere & Back Again Sled DogsWebsiteFacebookInstagram
Juliah DeLoachOil Well KennelFacebook
Kathleen FrederickShameless HuskiesFacebook
Ned RozellBikejor
Stefan MilkowskiBikejor
Torleif BentzenWhisky Jack’s Kennel
*Rosters current as of March 19, 2025 @ 9pm AKDT

So we've seen who plan to race, but how can armchair mushers follow along? Fans need our fix after nearly two weeks of non-stop sled dog coverage in the Iditarod. Glad you asked!

How to Watch

Official Website
Like with most of the races, the best place for accurate information will be the T-Dog's official webpage. It is there you will find the rules, schedule of events, trail updates, links to trackers, and any race information one could want. 

Social Media
T-Dog is very active on their social media accounts. All "news" seems to get posted to their Facebook page as well as fun little videos and memes. Photos will be posted here and there may be a live feed or two. Their Instagram has similiar updates with the fun reels and photos and infographics. 

GPS Tracking
The tracker is already live! The T-dog posted a pic Thursday that trackers were labeled and ready for Saturday. Once again trackleaders.com is the place to be for all things sled dog. 

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 21, 2025
4pm Vet Checks for 200 mile (Manley)
7pm Musher Meeting for 200 mile (Manley)
8pm Kickoff Concert (Manley)
7pm Meeting for 50 Mile participants (Fairbanks)

Saturday, March 22, 2025
8am-10am 200 Mile Start (mushers may choose when to leave)
9pm Musher Meeting for 100 mile (Minto)
MIDNIGHT 100mile start, 2 minute intervals for sleds (Minto)

Sunday, March 23, 2025
8am 200 mile Sourdough (re)Start (Minto)
8am 50 mile start (Nenana) 

Monday, March 24, 2025
5:30pm Finisher's Banquet (Fairbanks)


The race season isn't over folks, it's still got a month to go! Will you be watching? What do you think about the format of the T-Dog? Comment with your thoughts below.



And, as always, you can Buy me a slice of pizza to help keep the blog up and running. It's always appreciated but never expected.