INMEMORY .....

Jan Newton (aka Queen of Takotna), a40-year Iditarod Volunteer & Fan whowas famous for her cooking , especiallyher pies & warm hospitality to all passedaway this past summer. We dedicate thisedition of the e-Runnere-Runner to Jan and ALLour dedicated Fans across the globe!

You will be reading more about Jan in our2013 Official Race Guide, available Feb-ruary 2013. Jan, the Queen of Takotna isthe 2013 Iditarod Honorary Musher!

The Iditarod Fans are just simply amazingand come from all parts of the world! We rana “contest” on the Iditarod Trail CommitteeFacebook Page to see which Fan(s) lived thefurthest from the Iditarod Trail Committee’sHeadquarters in Wasilla, Alaska.

With over 500 responses from the east coastto the west coast of the United States, fromCanada, Norway, United Kingdom, Sweden,Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Bel-gium, Austria, the Netherlands, Finland,Scotland, Switzerland, Germany, Ukraine,Hungary, Colombia, Serbia, and even SaudiArabia we had four Fans that lived over10,000 miles from Wasilla, Alaska! Those diehard Iditarod Fans, Annemie Wessels, Chris-ta MacLennan, Razia Meer, and Tarryn Mat-thews live in South Africa!

Who would have known that the Iditarod TrailSled Dog Race could reach all corners of theglobe! Simply amazing and thank you!

A HOLIDAY TRIBUTE TOOUR IDITAROD FANS! Stories From Our Facebook Fans…….….……2

IditaRider Musher Auction…………..…………2Photos on the Cover………………..…………22013 Junior Iditarod..……..……………………3Making Sense of Problems & Persevering.....4Iditarod Chief Veterinarian, Stu Nelson Talks…6From Anchorage to Nome: A Poem…………..7Sponsor Spotlight: Millennium Alaskan Hotel…8Iditarod Education Portal …………….………..8Trail Talk ………..…….……………..…………10

Meet the 2013 Teacher on the Trail™……….12

Nine Days in June…………………………..….12Runner Pups…………..…….…..………….…132013 Iditarod Button Contest Winners….….132013 Iditarod Musher List………………….….14Fan Fotos………..………….…15 & Throughout

The Official e-Publication of the Iditarod Trail Committee

2012 December Fan Edition

1

Want a Christmas Kiss From Your Loved One?Here’s Your Chance!

IditaRiderMusher Auction

Get your Christmas kiss under the mistletoewhen your honey finds out you have placed a

guaranteed bid on a dog sled ride at the2013 Iditarod Race Ceremonial Start.

From a pizza lunch with the musher, to a VIP passwhich allows the IditaRider to wander through the

staging area to see behind the scene of race preparations.

Being an IditaRider is the thrill of a lifetime for IditarodRace enthusiasts! Don’t miss this chance for front rowseats to The Last Great Race on Earth! Place your bid for aride in an Iditarod sled from the Start Line before theauction closes, January 18th.

Visit www.iditarodauction.com to place your bid.

In September 2008, my family and I were on a two weekland and cruise in Alaska, the most meaningful and bestvacation I ever had.  One of our events was the riverboattour.  A highlight was to cruise by this kennel.  I didn'tknow at first it was a highlight.  I knew about the race, Iknew about mushers, but this is where I LEARNED.  Thephoto above is of David Monson, Susan Butcher’shusband and kennel.

The story of Susan Butcher touched my heart, and to seehim carry on with the kennel amazed me. I listened tohim and watched him with the dogs. When I met him itwas like meeting a rock star.  Of course I have anautographed copy of Granite.  We did visit other kennelsand I met a couple of mushers.  From there my love forthis grew and grew.  When I got back home, I immediately

signed up for the Iditarod Insider.  I have followedevery race since.  I've rooted for Lance, cried forJeff, cheered on DeeDee.  I was so happy to see Dallas winthis year, and I am following him on FB.  It is on my bucketlist to volunteer for the Iditarod one day if they wouldhave me (I have to retire first).  I tell all my friends I canshovel frozen doggie doo for two weeks, if that's whatthey need.  I live in Texas, so I think I would have toacclimate myself to the freezing weather. :) I can do that!

Deanna PerkinsLewisville TX

Continued on page 4

Left Photo: Wednesday March 7, 2007 ---- One ofIditarod's best checkpoint volunteers, the late Jan Newton(right) is presented with a quilt made by her daughterDebbie Hogan (left) made from Iditarod volunteer t-shirts.© Jeff Schultz www.iditarodphotos.com

Right Photo: The Curtis Family from Durham, NC withtheir pet dog named DeeDee. The Curtis’ 10 year old son,Graham is a huge fan of the race and even insisted onnaming their new dog, DeeDee. Brent Curtis (dad) said,“When someone heard we had named our dog after awoman, they thought the woman would be insulted. I amsure Ms. Jonrowe would consider it the highest honor.”

PHOTOS ON THE COVER.

2

WWW.JRIDITAROD.COMJR. IDITARODFebruary 23-24, 2013

The 2013 Jr. Iditarod begins on February 23,2013 at Knik Lake, on Knik Goose Bay Road,Wasilla. The young mushers will race from KnikLake to The Eagle Song Lodge at Trail Lakes andon to the Yentna Station Roadhouse. They arehosted during their short time at Eagle SongLodge by Mike and Paula Williams. The musherstake their mandatory 10 hour layover at theYentna Station Roadhouse, where Dan and JeanGabryszak and their family members host themushers and all the race volunteers for the night.

After the layover, the mushers leave theRoadhouse to return to the finish of the Race atthe Willow Community Center in Willow, Alaska.Finishers usually start coming in around mid-morning and come in throughout the day. Theirbanquet, open to the public, will be at theCommunity Center that evening at 6 p.m.

The five top finishers will be awarded scholarshipsto whatever school they wish to attend after theirhigh school graduation, whether it is a college oruniversity or some kind of trade school. Thosescholarships are sponsored by Lynden, the major

sponsor of the Jr. Iditarod. All the mushers willreceive numerous prizes, awarded by the localcommunity business.

The winner of the Jr. Iditarod will also lead theIditarod mushers out of Anchorage on IditarodStart Day and take the Iditarod’s HonoraryMusher the first 11 miles of the Iditarod. Thewinner and a guardian will also be flown to Nomeby the Iditarod for the Awards banquet there.

Nine early entries for the 2013 race are: VeteranBen Harper from Wasilla, AK; Rookie JimmyLanier from Chugiak, AK; Veteran Annika Olesenfrom NWT, Canada; 2012 Champion ConwaySeavey from Sterling, AK; Rookie Taylor Steelefrom Hopewell, PA; Rookie Malinda Tjelta fromSheyenne, ND; Rookie Abigail Brooks fromFairbanks, AK; Rookie Noah Pereira fromClarkson, NY; and Veteran Jonathan Biggerstafffrom Talkeetna, AK. Early entry ended December15 and the deadline for any entry ($250) isFebruary 9, 2013.

For more information about the Jr. Iditarod seewww.jriditarod.com or contact the Iditarod officeat 907-352-2203.

2013 ENTRANTSAs of December 17, 2012

Sterling, AlaskaHopewell, Pennsylvania

Chugiak Alaska

Sheyenne, North DakotaWasilla, Alaska

Yellowknife, NWT Canada

Background Photo: Conway Seavey runs behind his sled, being followed closely by Ben Lyon as the cross WillowLake in a white-out snow-storm just yards from the finish line, 2012 Jr. Iditarod. ©Jeff Schultz / www.iditarodphotos.com

Fairbanks, Alaska

Clarkson, New YorkTalkeetna, Alaska

3

What do a musher, a teacher, and astudent have in common? Eachfaces a set of challenges on theirown personal level. While trainingand racing, a musher and team facea multitude of challenges, physical,mental, and natural challenges thatoften become even morechallenging because of whatMother Nature has designedspecifically for that particular race.An educator faces the challenges ofigniting the minds of youth along atrail of learning that is lined witheducational standards to teach,new technologies teaching tools touse, test scores to improve, andyouth to prepare for futureemployment. Students must excelin academics scoring acceptablelevels on national achievementtests, develop skills in a long list ofareas, develop a strong mind,healthy body, and ready oneself forthe future job market.

All three face challenges and to besuccessful, each must be “MakingSense of Problems andPersevering to Solve Them.”

The 2013 Winter Conference will beheld in Anchorage February 26 –March 1. During these four days,the sessions will provide a strongfocus on science, technology,engineering, and math (STEM) aswell as literacy. The 2013 WinterConference for Educators is a

professional developmentconference that is designed to trainthe trainer and focus on using 21st

century tools to integrate Iditarodbased lessons into the curriculum.Speakers, sessions, and field tripsare carefully designed to providethe educator with the ultimateexperience, opportunity, andknowledge base to lead studentsalong the trail to academic successin math, science, and other contentareas. .

The conference sponsor,ExxonMobil, is a partner in helpingto ensure that through IditarodEducational training, tools, andcurriculum, today’s teachers arewell qualified instructors who meetthe challenges of providing bestinstructional methods in theclassroom. The result: studentsstriving to increase our nation’stests scores and become youngadults who are the problem solversof the future.

The conference is offered forcontinuing education creditsthrough the University of Alaska,Anchorage.

Iditarod is the perfect trail to suc-cess for musher, the teacher, andthe student. Join us at this confer-ence. Learn more at this link:http://www.iditarod.com/teachers orcontact djohnson@iditarod.com

Jessica Holmes - Maine

I was brought up in the south, and as achild my all time favorite movie was Balto.I dreamed of doing what I saw on themovie but had no idea that people stillmush to this day.

I did research papers on the Iditarod andalways loved reading about it. After mymom moved us to northern Maine I foundout about mushing right here! Even thoughI was afraid of dogs I volunteered everyyear for six years, while making friends inthe mushing community. During my sev-enth year a few of my new friends told meto run my own team. So I did it! Jumpedboth feet right into this amazing sport!!

I have over come my fear of dogs, andthank my friends for encouraging me torun! I'm a fourth year nursing student atUMFK and at 21 have my own team of threeyears. One day I dream of being able to runthe amazing Iditarod! I love the historicbackground of the Iditarod, and the amaz-ing athletes that run the race!

One musher that touched me was DeeDeeJonrowe that ran in all pink for breastcancer awareness, as I am a huge support-er of breast cancer awareness! Sadly wejust lost our leader to breast cancer. I lovedwatching her on the show on Discovery thatfollowed the Iditarod! I one day hope to beable to find a pink parka so I can alsospread awareness.

I have always loved the Iditarod, and hon-estly I am praying that one day I can runand finish. That has been a child hooddream!

Thank you!Jessica M. HolmesMaine

The e-Runner is published by the Iditarod Trail Committee, Inc., PO Box 870800, Wasilla, AK 99687.Contents copyright 2012 by the Iditarod Trail Committee, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos © Jeff Schultz / www.iditarodphotos.com unless noted.

......cont’d from page 2

4

The racing season is just around the corner, and the paceis picking up. Preparations for Iditarod 2013 are in fullswing. Excitement is in the air, and there is much yet to bedone!

Dog care is an extremely important aspect of the race, andtwo very important concepts are vital to accomplishing thehighest level. It begins with education. Valuableknowledge has been gained through shared years ofexperience and many proactive research studies.Education of mushers and trail veterinarians providesnecessary information with which to make the bestdecisions in regard to canine health.

Once a common level of knowledge has been established,mushers and veterinarians can apply that to their work as ateam on behalf of the dogs. Mushers have the uniqueknowledge about their individual dogs and are with them onthe trail. Knowing each dog, including their behavioral andphysical characteristics, then observing them closely, isvital for recognizing early signs of abnormalities.Communicating with checkpoint veterinarians about anysuch observed abnormalities enables the latter to utilizetheir professional expertise in an optimal fashion.

In pursuing the team approach, I have for many yearsoffered voluntary kennel visits during December, Januaryand February, which are designed to accomplish thefollowing: 1) develop a good rapport between raceveterinarians and mushers in a non-race and more relaxedatmosphere; 2) discuss the direction, goals, projects,research studies, etc., of the Iditarod veterinary program; 3)more fully explain the examination protocols, health criteriaand reasoning of race veterinarians working at checkpoints;4) address kennel management issues of concern tomushers; and 5) perform health care

consultation.

Visits are limited tokennels with roadaccess in Alaska andthe Yukon Territory, forlogistical and financialreasons. Theknowledge that I’vepersonally gained hasbeen very rewarding,and I’m looking

forward to this new season!

For many years, the Iditarod Rookie Musher Meeting hasbeen hosted at the Millennium Hotel (Anchorage) during thefirst weekend in December. In preparation for Iditarod2013, this year’s meeting is scheduled for December 1-2.All rookie mushers must attend, regardless of the distancethat they may have to travel. The intent of that meeting is toprovide them with as much practical knowledge aspossible, well in advance of the race start. The informationgained can then be used throughout the training and racingseason for the maximum benefit.

Manytopicsarecovered atthatmeeting,includingequipmentselection, food drop preparation, race strategy, race rules,and of course, dog care. During the first day, I spendseveral hours discussing important aspects of veterinarycare. Subjects will include nutrition, foot care, orthopedics,pre-race screening (ECGs and laboratory testing), raceprotocols, research topics and drug testing. The programwraps up with a visit to Happy Trails Kennel for a practicalreview of race preparation and participation.Another undertaking of relevance to dog care will beaccomplished soon.

As most of you know, a couple of years ago the ITCimplemented an outreach program to remote villages alongthe Iditarod Trail. For this year, the Race Marshal, MarkNordman, and I will be traveling to Shageluk to conduct avaccination clinic for the dogs of local villagers. Shagelukis far from access to routine veterinary care, and the costfor transportation is high. With the support of the IditarodAir Force, we will be flying there to vaccinate dogs forDistemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenzaand Rabies. In addition, we will be prescribing anddispensing Drontal Plus, a broad spectrum anthelmintic(dewormer), which is effective against hookworms,roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms. This product…continued on page 11 6

Feet in motion,

running, running.

Lead dog leading,

pulling, pulling.

Team is following,

faster, fasterdown

the trailto Nome.

Asledledby

dogsrunning,

upthehill,

aroundthe

trees,

stopto

feed,stop

to rest,

Andoff

again.Hike,hike!

inpairs

pulling,the

athletemushing,

throughthe

snow,through

thenight.

stopto

checktiredpaws.

Passingteams.On by!On by!

...

A Poem by Iditarod Fan Natalie Rompella of Elgin, Illinois

Photo©Cam

illo Photo

Be the FIRST e-Runnere-Runner reader to correctly countthe number of times you see the present imagein this edition

and WIN a FREE 2013 Iditarod T-Shirt! Emailyour guess to Erin at: emclarnon@iditarod.com

7

SPONSORSPOTLIGHT

importantly the “Official AnchorageRace Headquarters.” An Anchoragevenue during the race is an absolutemust for “The Last Great Race onEarth,” and the Millennium hasbecome our home away from homeduring the latter part of Februaryand most of March. With anappealing rustic lodge atmosphere,the Millennium not only provides anAlaskan backdrop, but moreimportantly an easily accessiblelocation for the worldwide mediaand race fans alike to congregate.

And for 2013, the management ofthe Millennium Alaskan Hotel hastaken another step up to strengthentheir Partnership with the Iditarod,and to reach out to accommodatenot only our Anchorage RaceHeadquarters and housing for fulltime race staff, but have generouslyagreed to make it extremelyaffordable for our official volunteersand media to stay close to the actionas well. See TAKE NOTE below.

This portal is the place foreducators to connect theclassroom to the race.Discover lessons, activities,and important information tohelp students find academicsuccess the Iditarod way!

Check It Out!!www.iditarod.com/teachers

Room Rate at Millennium for Credentialed Volunteers & Media!

TAKE NOTE......

The special room rate for credentialed volunteers and media will be just $69(plus tax), PLUS you will receive a 20% discount on your restaurantcharges, with the exception of alcoholic beverages, PLUS free Internet.

Why would you want to stay anywhere else besides the Millennium, the “OfficialHotel of the Iditarod.” Go to the Iditarod Volunteer Registration Desk upon yourarrival and get your ID badge. Then show your official Iditarod volunteer badge,upon checking in to receive your special rate. And be sure to tell the Millenniummanagement THANKS for their support.

Iditarod, “The Last Great Race onEarth.” The phrase evokes imagesof the greatest sled dog race in theworld with some of North America’smost spectacular scenic landscapeas its backdrop. It’s hard to believethat Ian Wooldridge of “The LondonDaily Mail” coined that phrasealmost 35 years ago, yet it stirs theimagination even more today than itdid back then.

So what does that have to do withsponsorship? Simply that certainthings continue to improve with age,and that certainly applies to the truepartners of the Iditarod, the oneswe refer to as “The Iditarod Family,”our loyal and very dedicatedSponsors.

Ever since the early years of theIditarod, Sponsors have been thebackbone of the financial success ofthis organization. Over the past 40years Iditarod has depended onfunding from businesses both largeand small to help Iditarod meet theever increasing costs of staging“The Last Great Race on Earth.”Many of our Sponsors have beenwith us for over 25 years, and oneof the special ones is the MillenniumAlaskan Hotel.

In 1986, the Millennium Hotel,which back then was known as theClarion, and some years later as theRegal, became not only the “OfficialHotel of the Iditarod,” but more

OFFICIAL

ANCHORAGE RACE

HEADQUARTERS

8

One night in 2010 (ThursdayMarch 18, 2010) I had the greatopportunity to serve as the“spotter” for mushers coming intotown.

The spotter sits outside of Nomealong the trail and calls theheadquarters to let them knowwhen mushers are about 4 or 5miles out.

This gives headquarters time tosound the alarm in Nome sopeople can make it to the finishline to cheer the musher on at theirarrival.  While I was out there thatnight, rookie musher KristiBerington made her appearancefor the first time at the finish inNome.

I got out of my vehicle and wentdown onto the sea ice along thetrail and awaited her as I could seeher approach.  I was out there bymyself and as she approached wehad one of those greatmoments…  When she got intoearshot, I called out “Welcome toNome!” she began to grin from earto ear and said “You’re the first

person to say that to me!” as shemushed on by to the finish line.

It is a great memory I’ve treasuredand I hope was something greatfor her too.

Here are two photos from thatmoment.  In the second, you cansee the grin on her face eventhough I know she was dog tired(no pun intended).

Scott JenkinsIditarod Outreach Project CoordinatorVice Chairman, Board of DirectorsAlaska Missions and Retreat, Inc.

GO ED!

Two years ago, my mom and Ibegan our adventure as fans ofthe Iditarod. We had both readabout the race and had seenmovies but had never been on areal dogsled. So we made ourreservations and headed up to

BORN TOMUSH....

I have been a fan of the Iditarodsince before I could remember.My parents say that I’ve beentalking about mushing and theIditarod since I was little. Withthat, in 2003 we drove from myhome in Atlanta, Georgia toAnchorage, Alaska. We hadbooked a week at the BrooksCamp in Katmai National Park.While staying at the RV park inAnchorage, we went to theIditarod Headquarters. For me itwas like a candy store. I got tohold puppies, visit the store, petsled dogs, and even go for a ride.

It has to be my favoritememories. With that, my dreamis to run the Iditarod with myown team.   I am nineteen yearsold, and I’ve wanted this for along time. I even got a dog sledfor my 15th birthday.   I amcurrently going through collegefor vet school, and my plan is tomove to Canada and startbuilding a team with dogs fromAlaska. I watch the race everyyear and love every second of it.

WELCOME TO NOME!!

MORE STORIES FROM FACEBOOK FANS....C O N T’D F RO M P AGE 7

Boyne Highlands Resort in northernMichigan. The trip there was anadventure to begin with. It startedsnowing the night before and was stillsnowing hard when we drove up to theresort. It was very exciting when wepulled in and saw the two teams sittingthere waiting to go. The dogs wereincredible. They were so gentle andloveable. Then came the biggestsurprise of the day. Usually a guidewould take us on our trip but because ofthe amount of snow that had fallen andthe fact that the trail was getting hardto find, we would be heading out withIditarod veteran Ed Stielstra running ourteam. It was so exciting! We took offwith our 10 dog team on an hour runand we were both amazed at how fastand strong the dogs were. We stoppedhalfway for pictures and to officiallymeet the team. Continued on page 13

9

Jake Berkowitz and Robin Simmswere married at the Crow Creek Mine onSeptember 1. John Baker officiated atthe ceremony.

Jaimee Kinzer and Justin Highwere married at the home of MartinBuser and Kathy Chapoton onSeptember 6. Jaimee completed herIditarod rookie year in 2012.

Mark Chapoton and Karen Grimeswere married at Lebanon Church inFrisco, Texas on September 13.Chapoton completed the Iditarod in ‘93 &‘94.

Nate Stielstra, 2, is now a big brother to sisterFern Marie Stielstra, born July 18th inMcMillan, MI. She weighed in at 7 lb. 11 oz. andwas 20 inches long. She was also welcomed bya litter of 7 puppies, born on July 19. Nate is veryinterested in his sister, insisting that she playmonster trucks and learn to dig ditches rightaway. He’s also pretty sure he can teach her theABC song as he knows all the words and sheturns her head to listen to him. Proud parents

are Tasha and Ed Stielstra.

Kiana Rose Burmeister entered the worldon October 9 in Fairbanks. She weighed in at 6lb. 2 oz. and was 19.25 inches long. Proudparents, Aaron and Mandy, and 4 year oldbrother, Hunter, welcomed Kiana to their family.It didn’t take Grandpa Richard long to make thetrip to Fairbanks to see his new granddaughter.

WELCOME TO THE PACK ...

TRAIL TALKHappenings In and Around the World of Iditarod

INMEMORY.... CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Rich Allen, 48, passed away peacefully in An-chorage on October 4 with family and friends by hisside. He was born in Kentucky and moved to Alas-ka in 1986 where he met and married Iditarodveteran, Sue Allen, in 1989. Rich was a telecommu-nications engineer for MetaSwitch. He loved hiking,snow machining, biking, and throwing a stick for hisbeloved, Canon. Family said Rich was truly athome in Alaska. An outdoor memorial celebrationwas held at Happy Trails Kennels . Memorialdonations can be made to the American DiabetesAssociation. Kim Kittredge will ride in the Anchor-age Tour de Cure in Rich’s honor.

Photo©Pete Konefke

10

INMEMORY ....CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

160 Acres Near Ruby, Alaska

FOR SALE...

160 acre native allotment

for sale, 7 miles from Ruby,

Alaska on Poorman Road

with cleared area for home.

Please contact Tanana

Chiefs Conference Realty

Development at: 1-800-

478-6822.

Dennis Lozano, 64, died on November 30,2012, at home, surrounded by family. He hasbeen fighting a blood cancer for many yearswhich recently morphed into acute leukemia.Three years ago, he was given only two monthsbut survived and has been doing very well upuntil about a month and a half ago. He finishedthe Iditarod in 1987.

Gene Gilman, 88, died at the Mat-Su RegionalMedical Center on November 15, 2012, after ashort illness. Gene formed and managed the firstIditarod gift shop in 1978 as to sell Iditarod mem-orabilia during the Race. From 1983 to 1986 sheran Iditarod’s year round gift shop in the North-way Mall in Anchorage. In 1986, she opened herown business in Anchorage, The Sled Dog Shop,which she operated until 1996 when her husbandbecame ill and she had to stay home and care forhim. She also sold Jr. Iditarod memorabilia dur-ing the Jr. Iditarod Race for many years. Her son,Rome, completed both the Iditarod and the Jr.Iditarod. Gene's interests were in making theworld a better place for everyone. She workedtimelessly to these ends in myriad organizations,too many to name.

Patricia Lynn “Scooter” Newman Crafton, 50,died August 11, in Lakewood, Colorado of heartfailure. She lived with her mother in Missouri andin 1975, as a young teen she and her brother,Michael, moved to Alaska to live with their fatherin Knik. She and her brother then became activein sled dog racing. She, along with her brother,participated in the first Jr. Iditarod in 1978 andshe finished second in the junior edition of therace. She ran two more Jr. Iditarod's and placedfifth and fourth in 1979 and 1980. She graduatedfrom Wasilla High School in 1980 and received ascholarship to study at Anchorage CommunityCollege. She and friends moved to Colorado in1980 where she has lived since. She leaves herfather, Howie Newman of Knik, her husband,Sherman, two daughters, two grandchildren.

Trail Talk …..continued from page 10

contains the only approvedtreatment (praziquantel) for atapeworm known as Echinococcusmultilocularis, which can potentiallyalso cause serious illness or evendeath, in humans.

The tempo will continue to escalateas the race approaches. Inaddition to letters of communicationwith the veterinary staff andmushers, screening of all dogs(ECGs and blood work) preparingto enter the race will commence inearly February, under the directionof my Head Veterinary Technician,Jan Bullock. Also, in February,attendance in the three dayISDVMA (International Sled DogVeterinary Medical Association)Sled Dog Veterinarian TrainingSeminar will be mandatory for myrookie trail veterinarians. TheGeneral Musher Meeting will takeplace on Thursday, February 28,and soon after that (March 2)Iditarod 2013 will officially beunderway.

The following months will go by likeweeks, so now is the time toprepare yourself for another greatrace, whether in person or online!

Iditarod Chief

Veterinarian....cont’d from page 6

11

EDUCATION.

Linda Fenton teaches 3rd grade at the Waupaca Learning Center inWaupaca, Wisconsin. Linda is on an educational adventure of a lifetime as the 2013 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™.  Having used Iditarodin the classroom as a teaching tool for the past 11 years, Linda says  “Ihave kept the Iditarod as part of my curriculum because students useresearch skills, technology skills, math, science, reading, map skills,writing and drawing. Over the next year, I hope to reach as manyteachers and students as possible through the Iditarod website anduse of Skype. The Internet is a window to the world.”

Linda’s lessons and journal are online at the website and sparking theinterest of students around the world.  During the race, Linda will beflying from checkpoint to checkpoint, sharing her experiences via theonline journal.  As classrooms complete curriculum projects andactivities, Linda’s journal will serve as yet one more real time resourceof information to bring the race to within the walls of the classroom.

Follow Linda at http://itcteacheronthetrail.com/

MEET THE 2013 TEACHER ONTHE TRAIL™...LINDA FENTON

Summer camp is not just for kids! It’s foreducators, too! Join us in June for a nine dayIditarod summer camp event that is designed toprovide an experiential opportunity for educators.

Campers build their knowledge base of theIditarod and discover unique ways to developcurriculum for their classroom. Each speaker,field trip, and camp session has been carefullylined out to include maximum leaningopportunities. Campers overnight at the Dream aDream Dog Farm for 3 nights and experience first–hand what it takes to raise, train, and race a sledteam. Early morning walks with puppies and tripsto the puppy pen during the day provide a glimpseof how puppies develop into the K-9 athlete.While taking Vern Halter’s Iditarod 101 session,campers recognize that training begins in duringthose puppy months. Teachers also discover theconnections between the race and the conceptsin math, science, technology, language arts, andother areas of the curriculum. Iditarod is a real-life event that is applicable to what students needto know.

Key to summer camp’s success is the opportunityfor collaboration with other teachers who meetsimilar challenges in teaching students. It is thisspirit of collaboration that leads the educators ona journey of personal learning, growth, andreflection. From the reflection comes a renewedcontinued on page 13.

inch

12

RUNNERPUPS.

On the way back, we made asecond stop and Ed gave me thechance to get out of the sled andride the runners with him back tothe lodge. It was such anincredible experience. When wegot back, we immediately joinedNature’s Kennel’s Mighty Mutt cluband sponsored Banjo who was onour team that day and went on tofinish the Iditarod with Ed in 2011.This past year we sponsored Rhuin the Mighty Mutt club and shewent on to be Ed’s leader in the2012 Iditarod. We have greatlyenjoyed the friendship that wehave developed and cheer loudlyevery March for Ed and the teamfrom Nature’s Kennel. GO ED!

Katie & Edie KunzeClawson, Michigan

...Cont’d from page 9

2013 IDITARODBUTTON CONTEST

Iditarod held their Annual Button Design contest from schools along thetrail of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Winner was Ellie Martinson from Nome Elementary, 2nd Place was JessicaHackett from Iditarod Elementary in Wasilla, and 3rd Place was RoderickHuntington from Shaktoolik School.

All received a plaque with their name engraved and a bag of buttons toshare with classmates, friends and family. Congratulations to all threeand thanks to all who participated! To order, CLICK HERE.

insight, new teaching methods, and aphilosophy of teaching and learning thatpositively impacts education.

No matter the grade level or curriculumarea that is taught, if you’re using therace in your curriculum, then joining usfor summer camp is an opportunityworth taking. Make this the summer youjoin us.  Make plans now and then packyour bags for Iditarod Summer Camp forTeachers.

Up to six university credits can be earnedwhile at camp.

Learn more about Iditarod SummerCamp for Teachers at this link:http://www.iditarod.com or contactDiane Johnson for further details.djohnson@iditarod.com

NINE DAYS INJUNE...CONT’D FROMPAGE 12

There is a litter of “Runner” Pups travel-ling the world spreading word about theIditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The sled parts litter: Runner 1, Runner2, Brake, Footboard, Snowhook, Spike,Gangline, and Sled Basket have beentravelling since September 2012 and todate have visited MANY families andclassrooms across the country.

We’ve had pups in Washington, Oregon,Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa,North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsyl-vania, New York, Ohio, Hawaii, Bermu-da, the 2012 Olympics in London,Sweden, and even Japan!

If you are interested in hosting a “Run-ner” pup, drop an email to:emclarnon@iditarod.com or you canfollow their adventures on the RunnerN. Friends Facebook Page

Brake with Logan

in Bixby, OK

Sled Basket on set of

Millionaire in NYC!

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2013 MUSHERLISTING.

# Musher Name Residence Country Status1 Roalofs, Christine Anchorage, Alaska USA Rookie2 Marshall, Newton St. Anne JAMAICA Veteran3 Anderson, Ken Fairbanks, Alaska USA Veteran4 Phillips, Michelle Tagish, YT CANADA Veteran5 Jonrowe, DeeDee Willow, Alaska USA Veteran6 Willomitzer, Gerry Whitehorse, YT CANADA Veteran7 Janssen, Scott Anchorage, Alaska USA Veteran8 Kaiser, Peter Bethel, Alaska USA Veteran9 Sousa, Gerald Talkeetna, Alaska USA Veteran

10 Royer, Jessie Darby, Montana USA Veteran11 Suprenant, Michael Chugiak, Alaska USA Veteran12 Maixner, Kelly Big Lake, Alaska USA Veteran13 Bundtzen, Robert Anchorage, Alaska USA Veteran14 Marques, Luan Ramos Macae BRAZIL Rookie15 Gebhardt, Paul Kasilof, Alaska USA Veteran16 Williams, Sr., Mike Akiak, Alaska USA Veteran17 Seavey, Mitch Seward, Alaska USA Veteran18 Chlupach, Bob Willow, Alaska USA Veteran19 Redington, Jr. Ray Wasilla, Alaska USA Veteran20 Buser, Martin Big Lake, Alaska USA Veteran21 Demoski, Sr. Rudy Wasilla, Alaska USA Veteran22 Mackey, Jason Wasilla, Alaska USA Veteran23 Smyth, Cim Big Lake, Alaska USA Veteran24 Drobny, Paige Fairbanks, Alaska USA Rookie25 Leifseth Ulsom, Joar Roros NORWAY Rookie26 Perano, Curt Queenstown NEW ZEALAND Veteran27 Taggart, Angie Ketchikan, Alaska USA Veteran28 Stielstra, Ed McMillan, Michigan USA Veteran29 Steves, Jan Edmonds, Washington USA Veteran30 Berington, Kristy Kasilof, Alaska USA Veteran31 Bailey, Jodi Chatanika, Alaska USA Veteran32 Gallea, Cindy Wykoff, Minnesota USA Veteran33 King, Jeff Denali, Alaska USA Veteran34 Zirkle, Aliy Two Rivers, Alaska USA Veteran35 Beals, Travis Seward, Alaska USA Rookie36 Moore, Allen Two Rivers, Alaska USA Veteran37 Hendrickson, Karin Wasilla, Alaska USA Veteran38 Ellis, Mike Two Rivers, Alaska USA Rookie39 Petit, Nicolas Girdwood, Alaska USA Veteran40 Fiedler, Linwood Willow, Alaska USA Veteran41 Williams, Jr., Michael Akiak, Alaska USA Veteran42 Buser, Rohn Big Lake, Alaska USA Veteran43 Smyth, Ramey Willow, Alaska USA Veteran44 Mackey, Lance Fairbanks, Alaska USA Veteran45 Burmeister, Aaron Nome, Alaska USA Veteran46 Berkowitz, Jake Big Lake, Alaska USA Veteran47 Bejna, Charley Addison, IL USA Rookie48 Savidis, Justin Willow, Alaska USA Veteran49 Seavey, Dallas Willow, Alaska USA Veteran50 Berington, Anna Kasilof, Alaska USA Veteran51 Griffin, Kelley Wasilla, Alaska USA Veteran52 Baker, John Kotzebue, Alaska USA Veteran53 Diehl, Richie Aniak, Alaska USA Rookie54 DeNure, Zoya Delta Junction, Alaska USA Veteran55 Volek, James Big Lake, Alaska USA Rookie56 Sass, Brent Manley Hot Springs, Alaska USA Veteran57 Failor, Matt Big Lake, Alaska USA Veteran58 Hendricks, Jessica Two Rivers, Alaska USA Veteran59 Peck, Aaron Bezanson, AB CANADA Veteran60 Lanier, Jim Chugiak, Alaska USA Veteran61 Cadzow, Josh Fort Yukon, Alaska USA Rookie62 Sawatzky, David Healy, Alaska USA Veteran63 Linder, Sonny Two Rivers, Alaska USA Veteran64 Telpin, Mikhail Yanrakkynot, Chukota RUSSIA Rookie65 Marrs, Wade Wasilla, Alaska USA Veteran66 Swenson, Rick Two Rivers, Alaska USA Veteran67 Ambrose, Louie St. Michael, Alaska USA Rookie68 Giblin, Matt Sterling, Alaska USA Veteran 14

FAN FOTOS FROMAROUND THE

WORLD.

 Joan Farré Photos from Spain!

 Terry Wright

Christmas Display

 Another Facebook

Christmas Display

 Past Teacher on the Trail, Martha Dobson

Christmas Display in North Carolina

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Snowhook at the

2012 London Olympics

Snowhook at the Beach!Amazing Sand Sculpture!!

Bennett Spelce and

his Texas “Sled Dogs,”

Tigger & Sydney!

Frosty ITC

Communications Director,

Erin after a dog race.

Photo Barb Redington

SUPPORT THEIDITAROD TRIAL SLED DOG RACE

BY BECOMING AMEMBER OF THE

IDITAROD TRAIL COMMITTEE

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