1/19/04 - Record Number of Mushers in the Last Gre
News Release
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – (Jan. 19, 2004)
Record Number of Mushers in the Last Great Race
More than 1,000 dogs will line up along Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, March 6, 2004, for the 32nd Annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. In combination with prime weather conditions in Anchorage, a record number of mushers, and Doug Swingley coming out of retirement, this year promises to be a race not to be missed.
“The Iditarod is a world-class sporting event and commemorates the not-so-distant past that we Alaskans are proud to remember. Throughout the state, people from all ages get involved in the race,” said Stan Hooley, director of the Iditarod.
The Iditarod brings out visitors and locals alike to catch a glimpse of the veteran and rookie mushers, their dog handlers and, of course, the stars of the event – the dogs. The dogs decked out in brightly colored, tiny booties, impatiently waiting to bolt down the chute with sled and driver in tow. The Saturday start, which begins in Anchorage and ends in Eagle River, offers onlookers an opportunity to experience history as they get a close-up view of the teams preparing for the more than 1,049 mile journey to Nome, Alaska.
The Iditarod Trail, now a national historic trail, had its beginnings as a mail and supply route. In 1925, part of the Iditarod Trail became a life saving highway when the small town of Nome was threatened by a diphtheria epidemic.
At the time there was only one bush pilot that would brave the unpredictable weather and he was unavailable. A Pony Express-type relay of dog teams was quickly organized. The serum went on the train to Nenana, where the first musher took it west to the Yukon. Every village along the route offered its best team and driver for is leg to speed the serum toward Nome. The serum arrived in time to prevent the epidemic and saved hundreds of lives.
The race today continues as a challenge of man and animal against the wild Alaska terrain. Each mile covered is a tribute to Alaska’s history.
Currently a record number of 103 mushers have thrown their hat in the ring. Amongst the 46 new contenders, there will be 58 veteran mushers including: Jeff King (three-time wins), Dee Dee Jonrowe (set the women’s speed record in 1995), Rick Swenson (five-time winner), Doug Swingley (four-time winner), and Martin Buser (four-time winner). Swingley will attempt to match Swenson’s five Iditarod victories.
Fun Facts:
- Nine U.S states represented in the 2004 race; Alaska, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
- In 1995, Doug Swinley of Sims, Montana broke two records when he became the first musher from outside of Alaska to win the Iditarod and he did the more than 1,150 course in 9 days, 2 hours, 42 minutes and 19 seconds.
- The teams average 16 dogs, which means more than 1,000 leaving the starting line in Anchorage.
- Rick Swenson is the only five-time winner of the race, winning in 1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, and 1991.
- 67 women have competed in the Iditarod. Two women have won the Iditarod, Libby Riddles in 1985 and Susan Butcher in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1990.
- The Red Lantern is awarded to the last musher to cross the finish line. It started as a joke and has become a symbol of stick-to-itiveness in the mushing world.”
- The Iditarod is an international race. In 2004, Canada (Alberta, Quebec, Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan) Germany, Italy, Norway will be represented in the “Last Great Race.”
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by hotels. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.anchorage.net.
Contacts:
Erika Siegel, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
esiegel@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net
Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net
