Iditarod Ceremonial Start canceled

For the first time in 49 years, Iditarod will not start in Anchorage. The Ceremonial Start has seen its share of changes over the decades. Originally a traditional race starting point, it then took on a celebratory feel that was part opening ceremony while still also counting towards the overall mileage and times for teams. The new millennium saw even more changes when the Anchorage start became Ceremonial only and times were no longer counted. Teams were trucked from Anchorage to Wasilla or Willow (and sometimes Fairbanks in bad snow years) after the teams paraded 11 miles through Anchorage in what's considered one of the largest tailgating (or as we say TRAILgating) events in the world.

The Anchorage Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod is the finale event of the two week Fur Rondeveux winter festival (well, okay, they SAY it's the Running of the Reindeer is the finale, but pfft, we know that's not true). Alaskans come from all over the state to watch the teams take off. Fans spend hard earned dollars to win auctioned off rides in the sleds. Bystanders roast hot dogs, drink beer, eat muffins -and share all that and more with the passing teams. It's a PARTY. It's JOY. It's a CELEBRATION.

Last night the Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) announced that this year, there would be no start in Anchorage. The ITC released a statement saying:

"While the Iditarod believes the future does not belong to the fainthearted, we take the health and well-being of our racers, volunteers, staff, and spectators very seriously. After consulting with our stakeholders and in consultation with the Municipality of Anchorage, we decided to cancel our traditional ceremonial start in Anchorage due to the COVID-19 concerns of a large gathering.

The Iditarod looks forward to its 50th anniversary event in Anchorage to be held Saturday, March 5, 2022. For now, it’s up to all Alaskans to come together and embrace the spirit of the 20 mushers who travelled the Iditarod Trail to Nome in 1925 to deliver the precious life-saving diphtheria serum. Let’s all do our part and make sure we wear our masks, practice social distancing, wash our hands, and keep our spirits high."

The race promises this is a one year issue, and that they plan to be in Anchorage next year for the race's 50th event.

As many of my readers know, the Iditarod start is something I look forward to all year. Growing up in Alaska, winter meant Iditarod for me and for my family. My grandparents were Iditarod volunteers from the 70s up until my grandmother passed away in 2012. My grandfather was the area coordinator for a section of the Iditarod Anchorage trail for decades. His team saw their section grow up from being just a residential area with a few driveways and a semi big road that meant they had to do traffic control to now a huge hub of medical buildings and a dog park. Lots of changes.

But this is the biggest change. For the first time in my adult life, I will NOT be at the start of the Iditarod. The ITC is asking spectators to stay away and they are not giving out media passes. There's really no reason for me to attend, and I respect the ITC's wishes to keep the bubble secure. Covid has changed a lot and this is just another one. I would much rather see the race go on and me have to be at home than the thing be canceled in its entirety.

This just gives me more time to blog about the first few days of the race, and watch along with everyone. I'm thinking about doing some sort of live watch party if I can figure out how. (Anyone with any experience, hit me up and let me know how it all works.) 

It's been a huge blow as this is the one "vacation" I was sure would happen (Iditarod had a strong covid-19 plan in place for the ceremonial start) and I really needed this weekend. But I'd rather just really go all out for the 50th. I have over a year to plan and make my section the best it's ever been. 

Where to Watch - Iditarod Start

Allen Moore waves to fans as he passes through Anchorage.

The Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod takes place the first Saturday of March every year in Downtown Anchorage, Alaska. This day is also known as Susan Butcher day - which was granted by a proclamation from Governor Sarah Palin's office in March 2008 to provide a way to "remember the life of Susan Butcher, an inspiration to Alaskans and to millions around the world." The Iditarod start in Anchorage draws huge crowds, media coverage, and is a general celebration of sled dog sports and Alaskan tradition.

The Ceremonial Start is a must see for any Iditarod/Mushing fan. People come from all over the world to catch the action. This is the party before game day. Tailgating, cheer leading, fandoms - it's like the Superbowl and Olympic Opening Ceremonies rolled into one. Historically, the Anchorage start played a part in the race, but as the city of Anchorage grew it became increasingly more difficult to safely cross busy streets and run along the highway. Now, the Ceremonial Start is just that: Ceremonial. It's where Iditariders sit in sleds and wave with their musher as teams fun down the streets and trails lined with onlookers.

Downtown at 4th Avenue and D Street is where the action is, and attracts the majority of viewers. From 4th Avenue to Cordova the crowd is three to four people deep all the way down both sides of the street. There are tall barriers and the audience is somewhat removed from the teams. This makes sense as the burst of energy that the teams have out of the gate and the media and officials all need room to breathe. It keeps spectators a little more removed from the sport, however, and many find other places to watch. Go early to see the teams setting up and possibly get to chat with the mushers before go time.

If you just have to be downtown (and I suppose everyone should see it from there at least once) there are other options if crowds aren't your thing. While not up close and personal, standing on the top of the JC Penney Parking Garage is always a favorite, especially for photographers. Even Iditarod Photog Jeff Schultz will shoot a few photos from there. You can look down on the teams as they run by. If heights aren't your thing, though, I don't recommend this.

As I recommended in a previous Get Away post, the Aviator Hotel offers Iditarod packages with rooms that overlook the race start. They also have a viewing party. This is one way to be RIGHT THERE and not have to deal with the crazy crowds. The windows used to open for an unobstructed view. I cannot say if that's still the case.

Further down at the corner of 4th and Cordova is a fun spot to watch, it's the first turn the teams have to make, and the dogs enjoy playing crack the whip. This is where barriers are normally tapering off and you can see the action unobstructed.

The teams pass through the Sullivan Arena sports complex, which is another good spot to catch action (especially if you're worried about parking.) This is where they come off of the city streets and run the trail system beginning at the Chester Creek Trail.

The next spot with ample parking and a scenic setting is the Davenport Ball Fields. In 2017, the Ceremonial Start ended here (and was a logistical quagmire trying to stop dogs just three miles into a run!). Typically there is very little crowd in this spot and those that do stop to watch here are friendly. There's parking at the ball fields as well as up above the trail by the Methodist Church (park in their overflow parking). Teams run under the road through a tunnel here, so stay out of the way of the tunnel and follow any direction from the Volunteers.

Next is Goose Lake - this is a full on trail-gate party and where a lot of Martin Buser diehard fans show up. There is ample parking at this location as well, but get there early to avoid having to wonder if you'll find a spot. Plus it's fun to meet people.

The next spot has become a very busy spot, but it is my absolute favorite. The University Lake/Tudor Crossing has seen a lot of changes over the years, but one constant is the volunteer crew who works it. Yup, you guessed it, this is where my family has trail guarded since the first time they ran through Anchorage. Seriously, this has been the Reitter's spot for going on 40 years (I have to try and find the year they started working that spot). Back in the day the crew had to shovel snow onto the road for teams to cross and stop traffic to let them cross. Now there's a lovely walking/biking/ski bridge they cross over while tons of vehicles move beneath them. In just the last few years the Alaska Native Medical Hospital has grown and there are now tons of buildings where dirt lots used to be. This is a fun spot. Aliy Zirkle's sponsor Matson hosts FREE HOTDOGS for the crowd and all the teams. My heart says "don't give away this spot, it's already busy" but my hear also says come to this spot because it's the best. Plus you can always find me to say hi. (I'm shy and introverted, but not on Iditarod day!)

BLM/Campbell Airstrip is the "finish line" this is where dogs get packed back up into the dog trucks and teams head for Willow. There is a lot of action going on as dogs are snacked and it's this beautiful dance of dog trucks. If you're a photographer you can get some really nice shots as they come down the airstrip. Lots of trees and it looks much less urban. Some areas are off limits due to security and logistics. Make sure to follow all instruction from any volunteer doing crowd control.


Okay, got it, but what time?

Teams leave the starting line at 10am on the dot. If you are watching from Downtown through Goose Lake I recommend getting to your spot by 9am - for downtown even earlier unless you want to park somewhere insanely far away. If you want to be in the front row at 4th and D... be prepared to hang out there for a long while or take turns with people in your group.

It takes them about 20 minutes to get from downtown to University Lake (average show for the first team). Teams do stop along the way for every reason just like they would a race. While they do not snack the dogs like they will while racing (at only 11 miles there's no point to do it before they stop at the BLM) but the mushers may stop at the different spots to say hi to fans or grab food (Matson actually has mushers call in a special order on what to put on their dogs lol). So while it's a parade of awesome, don't expect them to go in bib order. Get to this area no later than 9:30 if you want dibs on a decent spot (or get in line for a hotdog before teams come through).

It takes about a half an hour to forty minutes for teams to start pouring into the BLM. Showing up any time after 10am should work out for you.

Teams leave the chute in two minute intervals, so multiply the number of teams plus one (and if there are any extra ididarider teams add them in, too) by two and then divide by 60 minutes to see how long you'll be standing out in the snow. This is the best way to estimate when you will be done in your area.


Pro-Tips

Grab a copy of the Friday edition of the Anchorage Daily News. In the sports section they have a pull out with full color photos of every musher in bib order. You can also get the bib number list from Iditarod.com. Print it out and checkmark each team as they go by. Note that Bib #1 will not be a musher racing but is the "Honorary Musher" who is in the sled driven by the Jr. Iditarod Champion. Also note that if a musher withdraws prior to the Ceremonial Start but AFTER the Iditarider auction, they will STILL RUN TEAMS so that every rider gets a chance. This is not notated on either list, and so it's just a guess as to when they will show up (they typically are the last sled(s) out of the gate).

If you can head downtown before the 10am start, the staging area is apparently open for fans to walk through from about 8:30am to 9:30am. Just be sure to use your manners and common sense. No petting dogs without permission, and don't try to jump in and help. When they start moving fans out of the staging area, be courteous and head out and find a spot to watch. Security is key, and you don't want to get in the way. We want to keep this opportunity a reality for years to come. (Thank you Linda for this protip!)

You don't have to stay in one place. If you want to watch from downtown but also want to check out some of the other spots listed above (and you have your own vehicle/transportation) watch the first few teams from 4th Avenue and then drive over to another spot. You may miss a few teams, but you can see most of them. If you do it this way  Tudor Crossing or the BLM are your best options as that's at least a 20 minute run for the teams and it should only take you about 10-15 minutes by car.


Where's your favorite spot along the trail? Have any questions about viewing I didn't answer - shoot me a message in the comments below.

40 degree weather for the start of Iditarod 44

Lead dogs run through a massive puddle
during Iditarod 43 in Anchorage.

This is more of a whine for me than anything newsworthy. As you well know, we are a week away from Iditarod 44. One Week (less than, actually as the whole show should be over by 230pm AKST) before the kick off to Alaska's largest sporting even of the year. One week for Mother Nature to get her act together.

South Central Alaska has been hammered with warm winds that brought temps into the 40s this past week. Weather forecasts for the coming week aren't much better. I ran around town doing my errands wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. Typically we're still bundled in winter gear until at least the last part of March (some two to three weeks AFTER Iditarod has finished). There's really no snow on the ground, and what might look like snow is actually very slick ice that can kill a tailbone.

So where does that leave the Iditarod? Thankfully - while trails aren't ideal, they're still manageable up near Willow. The Jr. Iditarod is running this weekend and so far things have gone well. The real concern is the Anchorage Ceremonial Start. Last weekend the snow came down and put in a nice little white covering of everything. But, Chinook winds came right behind them and the slush is now ice along the trails. The Fur Rondy Sprint Races were drastically changed (shortened), and what little snow to be had was trucked in to cover the 5 mile trail.

FIVE MILES. The Ceremonial Start is ELEVEN MILES through Anchorage. I honestly cannot tell you what mile we are on the trail (it's past 5 miles), but we're the University Lake/Tudor Centre section. Photos sent to me today by one of my awesome team members show dirt beside the trail - and ICE on the trail. Last year we had slush and that giant puddle we named the Iditaplunge.

Weather predictions have Anchorage at 42 and sunny next Saturday. Willow, Alaska - where the restart takes place, will be 39 and sunny. Anchorage starts in the morning, but runs through the heat of the day. Willow starts at the heat of the day into the cooling off. It's still going to be warm for the dogs, so mushers will be doing all they can to keep the dogs from overheating.

I have no doubt the Ceremonial Start will take place. It just won't look like what we know it should look like. I'll be there anyway. I'll have photos up most likely the Tuesday afterward. Be sure to follow me on twitter, and I am now also on periscope!

Where to watch the Ceremonial Start

I get asked this every year. I don't expect people to read this blog, so I know I will still answer this over and over, but just incase you stumble upon my blog looking for suggestions, here are mine.

First off, Downtown Anchorage. The race starts on Fourth Avenue - and it's well marked and blocked off. I think everyone should experience the madness and chaos at least once in their life, if only to understand why I don't go Downtown if at all possible! Ha ha! There's nothing quite like hearing the mushers be announced, hear the roar of all the dogs barking from all the teams getting so excited to finally be out there ready to RACE. The energy is overwhelming for many. If you're not big on photography or having an up close and personal seat to the teams, then 4th Avenue is great.

Next stop I would suggest is Goose Lake. This is a place that people really make a party for the event. Mushers tend to stop for a moment - especially if their fan groups are there (I think it's run by a group of Buser fans, if I'm not mistaken). There are no barriers, and trail guards let you get really close so long as you do not get in the way of the teams.

Just past Goose Lake is the second largest area of the trail that a lot of people come out for. Tudor Crossing. This is the spot that I am at every year (I trail guard) and it's perfect. It comes down near University Lake (dog walkers, PLEASE do not bring your dogs out to watch, they just get in the way. But if you must play stupid for a couple hours at the very least LEASH YOUR DOGS) and goes under Ambassador tunnel, and over the walking bridge over Tudor. There's a lot of parking. Alaska Air the last few years has given out Hotdogs. It's fun, and again you can get very close to the trail.

The last spot I would suggest is Campbell airstrip. This is where the 11 mile start ends and the dogs are packed back up and the mushers all head for Willow for the ReStart on Sunday. There's a different intensity here. Now the race will really begin. Teams are now locked into their 16 dogs, and it's game day. It's also a fantastic spot to take pictures from.

Where do you like to view the start?

Highlights from the Ceremonial Start of Iditarod 38

The ITC could not have ordered a more perfect day. It was overcast, but not too warm or cold, and the few snow flurries that happened throughout the day just made it feel more "Iditarod".

Dan Seavey was the first of familiar faces to come down the trail. He drove a traditional looking freight sled while his dogs wore dog coats with the Iditarod name on them. Conway Seavey - Mitch's youngest - rode the second sled (brake sled).

Being a trail coordinator was fun and challenging. A lot of people couldn't make it after signing up (though only four informed me ahead of time) so we were a little taxxed on manpower - next year I am going to do a whole lot of recruiting and we'll just wean the list down with whomever does not show up (without prior heads up).

I want to give a thanks and shout outs to:

Jeff Reitter
Alan Reitter
Sue Reitter
Duane Reitter
Ed Mallott
Tom Frolich
Gary Caddell
Lori Cochran
Charmaine Ramos
Judy Imperiale
Danielle [sorry I forgot your last name! ack!]

All were vital to the success of the Tudor Crossing event, and I'm sure your contributions were appreciated by all involved!

The hay bales that seem to be a thorn in the side of certain others in our group (and the trail committee) went off without a hitch, and the area where they were placed was great fun. Jeff, Alan (my dad), and Duane (my brother) all helped in that section and, while there were some spectacular crashes, there was no problem and no injuries (mushers have scratched due to problems on the ceremonial start). My parents and brother were 'rookies' to the modern trail guarding duties and had a blast. I think we have some new diehards now!

All of the teams look great, and I love the ceremonial start for the celebration atmosphere. Jeff King riding the front of his sleds on skis using a rudder to steer his sled while the Make-A-Wish rider sat safely and warmly under a black bear rug of a blanket. DeeDee Jonrowe and her fullout pink team. Booties were flying, hot dogs were sizzling... fantastic, wonderful day.

Wonderful even when Dallas Seavey's team went running at me while I took photos, and then as he laughed (oh the joys of knowing a mischevious musher) he knocked over a hay bale (no doubt he wasn't paying attention to where his sled was going, but he still claimed to have done it on purpose). That's what the ceremonial start is about, having fun - and, apparently, having 16 dogs try to dog pile in your lap (I got out of the way in time).

All in all it was one to go down in the books as one of the best of all time.

Can't wait to see how the race turns out!