It happens every year. As soon as the winner crosses the burled arch, we hear someone on the radio say, “The Iditarod is over.”
But of course the fans know that it’s not over until the last musher is under the arch. For many fans, following the back of the pack is even more inspirational than cheering for the winner.
Matt Hammersley, a dryland musher in the United Kingdom, who is planning to race the Iditarod in 2013, calls the back of the pack mushers “the heart and soul of the Iditarod.” He admires the mushers who work all year, knowing they don’t have a chance at winning, but race anyway, just to travel the trail, complete the race, live their dream.
“The hard work on the trail lasts longer for these mushers,” Matt said. “While the winners are in Nome warm, dry, safe, these folks still have days ahead of mushing, dog care, pushing up on the trail in all weathers day and night, knowing the winners are home and dry. They still have feet to massage, booties to put on. They might not be the fastest, but they are the hardest workers.”
Tom Green said, “Everyone who can finish this race is a hero, as is anyone who has the determination to start.”
“I admire the determination and perseverance and the ability to say, ‘I did it.’ All the teams deserve congratulations for attempting this challenge,” said Kathy Gillock.
Robin Robbins said, “I admire the back-of-the-pack because of their dedication. They know they won’t finish in the top spots, they do it for themselves and for their teams (and hopefully a little bit for us).
Linda Case recalled a time when she came in last place in a half-marathon. It was a great experience, she achieved her personal best and had a story to tell. “Sometimes finishing with bad luck is a bigger accomplishment than winning when everything goes your way. Life and the Iditarod are similar in that way,” she said.
Cindy Godeby, an entertainer better known as “Dawson Dolly,” recalls a time when she flew in the Hot Air Balloon Races at the Fur Rondy in Anchorage. Her team came in last, but they got to fly longer and enjoy the ride. “I believe all the mushers are winners and are doing the most extraordinary sport and are the best athletes in the world,” she said. “I pray for every one of them and track them all, even though I have my favorites. They are all my friends, and I am so proud of all of them.”
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by Lew Freedman. To be a true fan, you need to know how the Great Race started. This is the story of Joe Redington, his move to Alaska, his mushing career, and his dream to start a race across Alaska. Learn the challenges he faced and what the early days of the race was like. And discover other adventures that Joe enjoyed, such as mushing up Mount McKinley.
and 
, both by Lew Freedman. These two books give short snippets about individual mushers and the adventures they faced. If you’ve been a fan a long time, the books will bring back memories of past mushers. If you’re a new fan, they’ll introduce you to the fascinating history of the race.
by Lew Freedman and Dee Dee Jonrowe. Dee Dee Jonrowe is a perennial favorite. In this book, Dee Dee shares how she started racing and gives you a glimpse into a year of her life, including training, her participation in a European race called the Alpirod, and finishing with the 1994 Iditarod. This book is a bit outdated, but it still gives a fresh look into an inspiring woman.
by June Price. This book is a must for all fans. If you’re planning on coming to the race start, it gives you a preview of what to expect. If you just wish you were coming to the race start, it gives you an opportunity to experience it vicariously. June Price is a die-hard fan herself, and she shares from her personal experience.
edited by Tricia Brown. This book is more of a reference book, though die-hard fans will read it from cover to cover. It starts with a year-by-year history of the race through 2006, and proceeds to facts about the race today, the checkpoints, dogs and training, gear and mushing terms and unforgettable people. An excellent reference to keep next to your computer while following the race.
by Jeff King (with Joe Runyan). Although written in first person, this isn’t a biography per se. It’s a series of stand-alone chapters, little vignettes from the life of a musher. It’s well written and very enjoyable, even if you’re not a mushing fan. “Breath of Life” tells the story of a dog who was miraculously revived by a fellow musher during the Yukon Quest. “Chowhound” is about Peg, a dog with an amazing appetite who ate a highway flare. My favorite chapter, “The Colonel,” tells about a Halloween visit from Norm Vaughan.
by Mitch Seavey. This is a training manual, of sorts, written for dog mushers. What makes this story appealing for fans is that we can hear Mitch’s voice in the writing. There’s no editor here. It’s purely Mitch, with his dry wit and blunt honesty. Parts may find you laughing out loud. And you’ll learn a lot about mushing too, which will make you a very savvy fan.
by Lance Mackey (with Joe Runyan). No list of mushing books would be complete without the inspiring story of Lance Mackey, who overcame addiction, poverty and cancer to become one of the best mushers in the history of the race. It’s a very well-written read and one that you won’t be able to put down.
by Craig Medved. The Iditarod is not just about the winners or even the front runners. It’s about all the mushers who attempt this great adventure. Graveyard of Dreams tells the story of several back of the pack mushers in the 2010 Iditarod, including some who made it to Front Street and some who did not. Relive the tragic stories of those who had to scratch or were withdrawn, as well as those who managed to finish.
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March 25, 2011
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