Chasing the North Star

Trying to decipher the origin of the name “Iditarod” reveals a number of conflicting opinions, which comes as no surprise to seasoned Alaskophiles. The confusion simply reflects the enigmatic culture of America’s final frontier.

Though most agree the race was named for western Alaska’s Iditarod River, some claim the name is derived from the Shageluk Indian words meaning “clear water.” Others insist the name comes from Ingalik and Holikachuk words meaning “distant place.”

 

Whatever the origin, the race’s nickname, “The Last Great Race,” aptly describes the formidable trek, which officially starts at Wasilla, about 43 miles north of Anchorage, runs west along the Yukon River through two mountain ranges and concludes in Nome.

 

Come March 4, USU geology lecturer Sue Morgan will join 104 other teams as she sleds with her dogs through glammed up downtown Anchorage in the pre-Iditarod “Iditaride.” The flashy fundraiser marks the ceremonial start of world’s premier sled dog race.

 

“People pay money to ride in your sled to raise money for the race,” said Morgan. “The bidding starts at $500 – know anyone up for a ride?”

 

As with many worthwhile pursuits, coming up with the cash to fund the dream is a necessary task. And it’s only one of multiple preparations Morgan has had to tackle before embarking on the famous 1,150-mile race through the frigid Alaskan wilderness. Her description of the logistics involved in simply transporting 19 race dogs from Utah to Alaska sounds like a complicated military maneuver.

 

“I put a flatbed on my Ford 250 (truck) with double-decker dog boxes,” explained Morgan.

 

Her smallest dogs weigh about 50 lbs. each. “I put them in the top boxes because they’re the easiest to lift down,” she said.

 

Morgan won’t allow the dogs to jump down from their berths on their own. “There’s too much risk of shoulder or other injuries.”

 

Other preparation includes packing food, water containers, protective paw booties and harnesses – and that’s just for the dogs. Mushers, the human participants in the race, must prepare for extended darkness in subzero temps and unpredictable winter weather.

 

Already in Alaska, where her canine teammates must undergo extensive, mandatory veterinary testing, Morgan is about to realize a dream that began to crystallize about seven years ago.

 

What would possess a person to go to such great lengths to endure such a grueling pursuit?

 

“I’m into adventure,” said Morgan, a Chicago native and avid back-country skier.

 

She assembled a small team of dogs in 1999 and discovered “it was a blast running with dogs.”

 

“You really get to know the dogs,” said Morgan. “The dynamics with the group is really interesting.”

 

She gradually added more dogs to her team and successfully completed a 50-mile race in Montana five years ago. “After that race, the dream of running the Iditarod surfaced and took over my life.”

 

From there, Morgan and her dogs worked up to 300-mile races, which qualified them for the ultimate dog sledding competition.

 

Morgan said the key to race readiness is “getting the training miles in.”

 

When snow cover is sparse Morgan races the dogs with an ATV instead of a sled. “The dogs are extremely strong and, believe me, they want to go.”

 

As with any team, the human musher and canine athletes must learn to work together. Morgan runs a tight ship. “I won’t tolerate dogs biting each other.”

 

Dogs are extremely intelligent animals, said Morgan, and, when racing, “they don’t make mistakes.”

 

She maintains that a long sled race is as mentally challenging as it is physically challenging. “The fatigue, the tough trail conditions, the cold – it’s hard to watch the dogs struggle, yet they can do it.”

 

Morgan said her goal in running the race is to finish. Even if she’s the “Red Lantern” recipient; that is, the race’s last finisher, she says she’ll be thrilled.

 

“There’s nothing finer than being on the sled,” said Morgan. “We’ll have a great time together no matter where we place.”

 

To follow the progress of the 2006 Iditarod, visit the Web site.

 

Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-1429; maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu