Race Clock Begins Today in Fairbanks

Now that the hoopla is all done at the Ceremonial Start on Saturday, the race really begins at the Restart today in Fairbanks.  It is minus 25 out...perfect for sled dogs during this hyped up time leaving the chute.  I was totally over the top thrilled that our SPK Sponsor Dog Chemo lead Allen Moore's Team out with his Uncle Waylon at his side!  Here are a few pictures of the restart:

Yeah, thats our boy Chemo....starting his 5th Iditarod!!!  Allen runs the "B" Team for the Kennel, so Chemo will be out of the thick of the competition....his job for this race is help Allen teach the younger dogs how to be a sled dog....you know, the usual....like how to run, eat, rest and go, go go!!  Chemo is known for his quiet and mellow demeanor, and doesn't get all wrapped up in the glory of being in Lead...he just does his job and does it well.  I'm glad to see Allen giving him a chance to be his Lead dog....even if its just for a portion of the race.  We absolutely love this dog!  And thanks SPK for all the Dog Sponsorship swag....we love our hats and sweat shirts and T Shirts! 

As far as the race is concerned...not much to report since its SO early.  Many Teams are resting in Nenana as I write this....a mere 71 miles into the 1,000 mile race.  Some "big name" Teams like Martin Buser, Mitch Seavey and son Dallas Seavey have moved through Nenana and continue down the river at a pretty good clip.  Maybe too fast some may say.  Its better to go slow in the beginning....but not too slow.  There is a sweet spot and you just have to find it.  Robert Sorlie who won this race on this route back in 2005 jumped ahead early and no one could catch him...no doubt Mushers are keeping tabs on eachother....no one leaves without a chaser!  Aliy and King appear to be disaplined and are not taking the bait as they rest their Teams in Nenana.  There will be plenty of time for a chase after some rest!

I'll post an update in the morning...right now the tracker shows Buser at 90 miles, Mitch at 83, Johannessen at 78, Dallas at 76, and Petterssen at 75.