I have been fortunate in my career in Sports to attend multiple Olympics, Super Bowls, NCAA final Fours, World Series, NBA finals, Wimbledon, World Cups and numerous endurance championships But I can think of no event that is comparable to the Iditarod. A life changing journey through the off the grid Alaska wilderness, 1,049 miles, self-reliance, storms, water, snow, ice, wind, strategy, and competition. Iditarod mushers are extraordinary homo sapiens; tenacious adventure athletes, part Magellan, part meteorologists, part magicians, sleep deprivation ninjas, soulful dog whisperers, and 100% bad Iditarod tough through and through.

In a world that is increasingly disconnected from nature, heritage, physicality, and even each other the Iditarod provides an antidote. It’s not technology, analytics or big data that gets one to Nome. – Its athletic grit, “dogged” determination and the support teams of family members, friends, and fans. Relatedly, it takes a lot more than a village to produce the Iditarod; an army   of more than 1,500 plus who ensure that a complicated supply chain, checkpoints and a canine continuum of care are properly deployed and fortified. The Iditarod Air Force, arguably the best assembly of 30 strong bush pilots, fly nearly 700 sorties braving the elements, landing on ice, snow and rugged terrain from dawn to dusk. 55 veterinarians who collectively have traveled thousands of miles to volunteer their time and talent to ensure exemplary care for our incredible 4-legged athletes.

Mushers, I don’t have to tell you that you face challenges that were not contemplated. Along the way, you might have cried, you might have laughed but I know you definitely found moments in your journey to simply smile. 

Wishing all good fortune and looking forward to seeing you in Nome beginning tonight.