Let’s get this out of the way right now: I’ve always been a big fan of the race. Yes, I know, this isn’t the most popular sport in the world. Some animal activists continue to cause problems, and the recent news stories coming out of Canada only boost their rhetoric. In my opinion, the teams participating in the Iditarod have always been top notch when it comes to caring for their dogs before the race, during the race and after the race. What happened in Canada is absolutely not systemic of the sport. I am and will continue to be 100% against animal cruelty.
I have a favor to ask all of my followers both here and on Twitter. If you don’t agree with the race, don’t watch it. If you don’t agree with me, ignore my posts. Save yourself some time and stress and don’t send me emails or messages telling me how wrong you think the race is. Let’s just agree that we disagree on this topic.
But, if you enjoy the outdoors, sports and animals, the Iditarod is for you.
Enough said about that.
We’re now a few minutes away from the ceremonial start of the 40th Iditarod race taking place in Anchorage, Alaska. Start time is 10:00 a.m. AST, 1:00 PM CST.
I’ve picked 3 favorites this year: Lance Mackey (bib #18), DeeDee Jonrowe (bib #17) and, newcomer and Kansas native, Travis Cooper (bib #19). If you want to follow my faves, DeeDee will start today at 10:33, Lance at 10:35 and Travis at 10:37.
None of the major sports broadcasters are televising or providing feeds of the event, so, If you’d like to follow the race, go to http://www.iditarod.com.