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A Kid's Thoughts

Greed fuels the Iditarod

How much money does Iditarod get from sponsorships?

Why did Lance Mackey and Doug Swingley race?

Anchorage Daily News profits from its pro-race stand

Winning Iditarod mushers hired as TV commentators

Mushers hired to do TV commercials

Mushers profit from big corporate donations

Mushers charge for mushing instruction and excursions, food, housing

Money motivates mushers, race organizers and the city of Anchorage

Mushers profit from giving sled dog tours and rides to tourists

Mushers profit from selling and leasing dogs

Mushers get royalities from books they've written about Iditarod

Mushers advertise to be speakers

Companies profit from selling trips to see Iditarod

Mushers get prize money

Speed pays

Prize money payout totals for some mushers

Profits from selling Iditarod artwork and trinkets

Money motivates the city of Wasilla

Iditarod boosts Nome's economy

Rachael Scdoris markets herself

How well can Rachael Scdoris see?

Martin Buser markets himself

Lance Mackey markets himself

Did Disney pay Butcher and Monson for advice?

Mushers profit from being ad models

BLOATED: Iditarod executive's salaries and phone charges

Profit from Iditaread program

Mushers profit from giving sled dog shows

DeeDee Jonrowe markets herself

Jon Van Zyle, official Iditarod artist, advertises his Iditarod items

Mushers profit from selling merchandise

Iditarod profits from its auctions

Iditarod hired Gere Donovan advertising agency

Iditarod and mushers market their DVDs

Veterinarians profit from doing research on Iditarod dogs

Iditarod charges for GPS tracking and Iditarod Insider

Iditarod asks people for $25,000 to do trail upkeep (Trail Sweep)

Mushers profit from stud fees

How much money does Iditarod get from sponsorships?

Exxon gives Iditarod $1.25 million sponsorship:

"Oil giant Exxon-Mobil has come to the aid of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race with the pledge of sponsorship worth $1.25 million over the next five years, race officials said Tuesday."

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, February 10, 2009


More 2009 corporate sponsorships:

"Sponsorship is still the biggest source of revenue for the race, with principal partners Wells Fargo, General Communications Inc., Anchorage Chrysler Dodge and ExxonMobil contributing upward of $250,000 each, said Hooley. The second largest wave of contributions, at the $75,000 level, includes Alaska Airlines, Cabela's, Fred Meyer, Chevron Corp., Horizon Lines, Ionearth, Iridium, the Millennium Hotel, Northern Air Cargo, PenAir and World Communication Center.

Another eight sponsors contribute $25,000 each and 16 are at the $10,000 level."

- Margaret Bauman, Alaska Journal of Commerce, Feb. 27, 2009


Exxon contribution on par with that of GCI and Anchorage Chrysler Dodge:

"The contribution is on par with that of GCI and Anchorage Chrysler Dodge -- the two biggest, in-state sponsors, said Iditarod executive director Stan Hooley."

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, February 10, 2009


2006 Iditarod sponsorship levels:

Presenting sponsor: $250,000

These fees were paid by Anchorage Chrysler Dodge, Cabela's, GCI and Wells Fargo.


Major sponsor: $50,000

These fees were paid by Alaska Airlines, GIT Satellite Communications,
The Anchorage Daily News, Millennium Hotel Anchorage, Chevron, PenAir and Fred Meyer.


Supporting sponsor: $25,000

These fees were paid by Aeromed International, FIRSTRAX, Alaskan Brewing Company, Horizon Lines, Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, Municipality of Anchorage, City of Nome, Northern Air Cargo, Coca-Cola Alaska and Providence Alaska Medical Center.


Sponsor: $7,500

These fees were paid by Alaska Industrial Hardware, ExxonMobil, Alaska Mining & Diving Supply, Nome Kennel Club, Alaska Serigraphics, North Mail, Alcan Signs, Office Tech, City of Wasilla, Ribelin Lowell Alaska USA, COMTEC Business Systems, Spenard Builders Supply, Craig Taylor Equipment Co., University of Alaska College Savings Plan and Crowley Marine Services.

- "IDITAROD SPONSORSHIP LEVELS AND ENTITLEMENTS," February, 2006


Why did Lance Mackey and Doug Swingley race?

Lance Mackey races to avoid getting a "real job":

Mackey said before the race started that the prize money is important so he doesn't have "to get a real job."

- Rachel D'Oro, Associated Press, March 12, 2008


Doug Swingley races to win new pick up truck:

"When asked why at age 50 he is back competing in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race -- willing to hang onto the back of a sled for more than 1,000 bumpy and sometimes hair-raising miles from Anchorage to Nome -- his answer is quick and to the point.

"I need a new pickup truck. I am tired of these old pickups falling apart," Swingley said from his home in Lincoln, Mont., where a month before the start he was busy making gourmet shrimp and garlic dishes to eat along the trail."

- Associated Press, "Names in the game," February 20, 2004


Anchorage Daily News profits from its pro-race stand

The Anchorage Daily News sold advertising space on its website to businesses that wanted to show off their support of the Iditarod or its mushers. Advertisers included ExxonMobil, Shell Oil and Anchorage Chrysler Dodge. All the ads had links to the advertiser's website.

The newspaper sells pro-Iditarod books in its online Anchorage Daily News store.

- Sled Dog Action Coalition
- Anchorage Daily News website, 2010


The newspaper sells reprints of Iditarod photos on its website:

One 4x6 costs $7.00
One 5x7 costs $14.00
One 8x12 costs $24.00
One 11x14 costs $44.00

Added costs of frames range from $5.95 to $10.95

Anchorage Daily News website, 2010


Anchorage Daily News advertises photos using "Ads by Google":

Google places these advertisements on websites that participate in its "AdSense" program.

"Google uses search-based technologies to match advertisements to the content and context of web pages - so the ads you see are related to the information you are viewing."

- Google website and AdSense participating websites, 2005


Anchorage Daily News sells ad space in Iditarod section:

The Anchorage Daily News publishes an Iditarod section. In 2006, it was 10 inches by 11 3/4 inches and was 42 pages long. The articles were written by the Alaska Associated Press or by Anchorage Daily News staff, and all of them hyped the race.

These companies purchased full-page ads in the Iditarod section:

Cabela's - Iditarod musher Jeff King is pictured in the ad
Alaska Airlines
GCI
Burlington Coat Factory
Nana Management Services- owns Courtyard by Marriott (Anchorage), Springhill Suites (Fairbanks), Residence Inn (Anchorage) and Red Roof Inn (Anchorage)

These companies purchased half-page ads:

Wells Fargo
MTA - Iditarod musher Martin Buser is picture in the ad
Continental Auto
Spenard Builders
Aeromed University of Alaska College Savings Plan
AlaskaUSA

Many other companies purchased quarter page ads or one-eight of a page ads.

- Iditarod 34, Anchorage Daily News, February 26, 2006

The Anchorage Daily News continues to publish a yearly Iditarod section that contains articles that hype the race. Many companies have bought ad space in it.


Winning Iditarod mushers hired as TV commentators

Doug Swingley:

"The Montana musher [Doug Swingley] is working as a commentator for KIMO-13 of Anchorage, the official TV station of the Iditarod. Instead of hitching up dogs at Monday’s re-start, Swingley was scribbling notes in a reporter’s notebook."

- Kristan Kelly, Nome Nugget, March 6, 2003


Joe Runyan:


"...Joe Runyan, a former Iditarod musher, will host the coverage...."

- OLN press release, Feb. 21, 2005

[Joe Runyan recommended using cattle prods on the dogs.]


Mushers hired to do TV commercials


Martin Buser does commercials for Ford dealer:

"Buser was having the logo painted onto his new truck, the vehicle furnished courtesy of Nye Frontier Ford, for which he does television commercials."

- Peter S. Goodman, Anchorage Daily News, February 22, 1995


Jeff King does commercials for Alaska Open Imaging Center:

"Patients are targeted through advertising, including TV commercials with three-time Iditarod champion Jeff King, whom Alaska Open Imaging sponsors."

- Stefan Milkowski, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 15, 2006


Jeff King does commercials for Alaska Airlines:

I'd just won my first Iditarod in 1993 when I got a call from Alaska Airlines, a major sponsor and long-time supporter of the race. They asked if I wanted to star in one of their TV commercials."

- King, Jeff. Cold Hands Warm Heart, Husky Homestead Press, 2008


DeeDee Jonrowe does commercials for GCI:

DeeDee Jonrowe filmed four commercials for GCI.

- Videos of four commercials on DeeDeeJonrowe.com, 2010


Mushers profit from big corporate donations

Companies give mushers tens of thousands of dollars:

"...the dog-food company Iams, the outdoor gear supplier Cabela's, or the clothing company Eddie Bauer, all of which pump tens of thousands of dollars into the kennels of front-running mushers."

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, March 2, 2002


Musher got more money than his Air Force pension:

"I had a sponsor offer I couldn't refuse -- Second Wind Energy Snacks, an energy biscuit company out of Kansas City, Mo.,'' Adkins said. "It was more money than Air Force retirement, and here I am."

- Kevin Klott and Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, March 10, 2006
(Second Wind Engergy Snacks are made by S&M NuTec, LLC, the same company that makes GREENIES)


Mushers charge for mushing instruction and excursions, food, housing

Alaska Army National Guard paid for musher training

"Mackey took Kwethluk musher Harry Alexie under his wing in October, leasing him 24 dogs and giving him daily expertise."

"What Mackey gets in return for training Alexie is a deal worth $50,000 from the Alaska Army National Guard, which Alexie has belonged to for 13 years."

"The Army National Guard is counting on him, Mackey said. Last year the Army National Guard hired Iditarod veteran Al Hardman of Michigan to train Master Sgt. Rodney Whaley of Franklin, Tenn., for his rookie run. Whaley ended up scratching in Cripple.

This year the National Guard picked Alexie, an Alaska Native who wanted Mackey as a mentor. Alexie is a Personnel Service NCO for the 2nd Battalion, 297th Infantry in Bethel."

- Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News, January 9, 2009


"Mackey in October leased 24 dogs and offered daily expertise to Kwethluk musher Harry Alexie. In return, he will receive $50,000 in money and expenses from the Alaska Army National Guard, which Alexie has belonged to for 13 years."

- Associated Press, SI.com, January 10, 2009


Lance Mackey trains Jamaica dogsled musher:

"Three-time Iditarod and four-time Yukon Quest champion Lance Mackey will be training Jamaica Dogsled Team musher Newton Marshall as he prepares to race the Iditarod in 2010."

- Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville website


Doug Swingley paid to train John Stewart:

"The income allowed [John] Stewart to spend $40,000 leasing a dog team from and training with four-time Iditarod champ Doug Swingley in Lincoln, Mont."

- Craig Medred, Alaska Dispatch, March 20, 2010


Daytona Dayton is paying $150,000 to Vern Halter:

"Among the rookies signing up were Daytona Dayton, a talk-show host from Eagle, Idaho, who said she is paying Iditarod veteran Vern Halter of Willow $150,000 to help her train and run the Iditarod."

- Daytona Dayton is host of the "Daytona & Friends National Radio Show"
- Associated Press, June 26, 2005


Linda Plettner Kennels provides training for Iditarod:

"For $50,000, give or take a few thousand, [Lynda] Plettner provides the team, sled, gear, food, instruction and other essentials for covering the 1,100 miles from Anchorage to Nome."

- Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, March 1, 2002


Linda Plettner Kennels offers food and lodging for trainees:

"Besides the tours, the rides and her musher boarding school, Plettner offers summer residencies for people who want to learn about caring for and running sled dogs. The cost is $200 a day per person, food and housing included. For two people sharing a double bed, the price is $250 or $350 a day, depending on whether one or both are participating. Someone who wants to spend five days with Plettner pays $750. The price for a month is $2,000."

- Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, September 8, 2005


Linda Plettner raises her fees:

"We have one room with a double bed. This room for double occupancy is reduced by 8% per day for double occupancy, if the second person is participating.* If the second person is a non-participant the reduction is 38%. One Person, 1 Day $200 per day Double occupancy, one double bed, 2 participants $350 per day Double occupancy second person non-participant $250 per day One Person, 5 Day $1500 One Person, 1 Month $4000."

- Linda Plettner Kennels website, December, 2007


Vern Halter and Susan Whiton launch "Dream A Dream Dog Farm" tourist business:

"They include wilderness-mushing excursions, loon-watching from pontoon boats on Nancy Lake, guided hikes and mushing trips around Hatcher Pass, kennel tours, and all-women eco-adventures."

"Besides quick tours, it will involve longer-term visits and hands-on instruction.

'This is where the dude ranch people will stay,' Halter said, showing a visitor a suite of apartments on the top floor of a newly built garage and theater-auditorium on the couple's 12-acre property.

"'It'll be like a school,' Halter said of his plans to teach tourists and beginning mushers about breeding, racing and caring for sled dogs."

- Paula Dobbyn, Anchorage Daily News, October 3, 2005


Money motivates mushers, race organizers and the city of Anchorage

"The Iditarod alone means about $3.1 million for Anchorage."

- Rebecca Palsha, KTUU-TV, March 12, 2008, website article


"The study done for the visitors bureau in the winter of 1999-2000 by the Juneau-based McDowell Group concluded that the Iditarod accounted for one of every 10 Outside tourists who came to Anchorage in the winter."

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, March 4, 2005


"This sick marathon is operated by masquerading mercenaries who romanticize the race as some sort of noble man vs. nature test of endurance. It's really shameful marketing carried out on the backs of defenseless animals."

- Jon Saraceno, USA Today, March 5, 2001


"Commerce has so come to dominate the race that you can tell who has a chance to win by the number of sponsor insignias he or she wears. Even the handlers of last year's winner, wore matching jackets sporting a sponsor's logo. Lots of people are anxious to turn myth into money."

- Mike Dugan, Anchorage Daily News, March 5,2000


"The show start in Anchorage is done for television, and to give Anchorage publicity."

- Gary Paulsen discussing the ceremonial start of the race
- Paulsen, Gary. Woodsong, New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1990

"Mostly it's all marketing for the Iditarod and the city of Anchorage." "We're trying to get as much exposure as possible...."

- Iditarod race start coordinator Rick Calcote
- Doug O,Harra, Anchorage Daily News, March 5, 2000


"Anchorage gains about five and a half million dollars from visitors and locals during the Iditarod....."

- Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Radio Network, website, March 10, 2006

"Economics are a big reason why the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will remain anchored in Anchorage come drizzle, chinook or -- God forbid -- another Hawaiian express.

Not only is the world-famous sled-dog race good for Anchorage's slow winter economy, but race officials say Anchorage is good for the race's bottom line.

The Iditarod sales outlet at the Regal Alaskan Hotel usually moves about $60,000 in merchandise during the three weeks Iditarod activities are centered there, Iditarod president Rick Koch said."

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, February 12, 2003

(Due to warm weather, the restart of the 2003 Iditarod was changed from Wasilla to Fairbanks, but the 11 mile ceremonial start was kept in Anchorage.)


"Baker knows, like every Iditarod musher, that each move up or down in rank means thousands of dollars in prize money. If he holds his current standing of sixth, Baker wins $32,476. If he moves up a place, he earns $35,619. Down one, the prize money drops to $29,857."

- Elizabeth Manning, Anchorage Daily News, March 13, 2001


"'It just so happens I make my living winning this race,' said [Rick] Swenson."

- Colin Nickerson, Boston Globe, February 5, 1984


Back to the top


Mushers profit from giving sled-dog tours and rides

Martin Buser:

"Big Lake, Alaska - Four-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser is far from retirement. In fact, he’d like to add two more trophies to his collection in the next few years.

But, in the meantime, he’s thinking about his financial future. Summertime tours at his Happy Trails Kennels are part of that future."

"Aside from Iditarod wins, Buser’s yearly income comes from several sources, including major sponsors that pay an income and others that provide goods and services. He says the summer tours are part of an overall plan to diversify.

'After 22 Iditarods, we gotta look at broadening our income base,' Buser says. 'What if I am deciding not to, or if my body doesn't hold up to running Iditarod anymore? How are we going to sustain our lifestyle, how do we pay the bills and how do we have fun and what can we do?'"

"Tours cost $35. It’s $15 for those 12 and under. Right now, the Busers are working with four of Alaska’s tour planners, companies that plan Alaska vacations for tourists."

- KTUU-TV website, June 20, 2005


Jeff King:

"Step back from the crowds and join an intimate group for a personal tour of the homestead and kennel of three-time Iditarod champion Jeff King and his wife, well known wildlife artist Donna Gates King.

Meet champion sled dogs
Visit with puppies and see summer training in action
1 ½ hour narrated kennel tour"

"$49.00/adult
$29.00/children under 12 years"

- Husky Homestead Tours, Goose Lake Kennel, website, 2010


Bill Hall made arrangement with Princess Lodges to advertise tour:

"Discover everything you've always wanted to know about the Iditarod - Alaska's great dog sled race. When the elements allow, the south face of Mt. McKinley graces your route to the Danly-Hall dog kennel. Meet Iditarod musher Bill Hall for an in-depth look at the pursuit of dog mushing. Learn typical feeding routines used along the Iditarod race trail and how to harness and hitch up a dog. See a demonstration of how the dogs are taught voice commands using a summer training cart. Find out about training, racing and breeding sled dogs and receive autographed musher cards and dog booties as a souvenir of your delightful visit.

Price $50 per person"

- Princess Lodges website, 2005


Ryan Redington:

"He [Ryan Redington] works with dad Raymie giving tourists sled-dog rides at Iditarod headquarters."

-Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News, February 9, 2001


Linda Joy:

"...Linda Joy, a 42-year-old grandmother who runs dog tours at a bed and breakfast just down the road from me."

- Bowers, Don. Back of the Pack, Anchorage: Publication Consultants, 2000


Many mushers:

"Many mushers earn additional income by offering (sled dog) rides to tourists."

- Hood, Mary. A Fan's Guide to the Iditarod, Loveland: Alpine Publishers, 1996


Joe Redington:

"Since 1993, Joe Redington [race co-founder] has guided a group of tourists along the length of the Iditarod Trail behind the race competitors." "The price per person for this outing is $15,000."

- Hood, Mary. A Fan's Guide to the Iditarod, Loveland: Alpine Publishers, 1996


Seavey family:

- IdidaRide Sled Dog Tours in Seward, Alaska

Adult: $59.00
Child: $29.00

"Your real Alaskan adventure begins with a two-mile dog sled ride. Feel the power, excitement, and energy of our amazing sled dogs as they are harnessed to our comfortable wheeled sleds."

"Upon return to the kennel, tour our beautiful kennel facilities, laugh as a guest is dressed up as an Iditarod musher, and cuddle adorable husky puppies."

- Seavey's Iditarod Racing Team, website, 2010


Linda Plettner:

"Individual traveler/small groups - $20.00 per adult admission fee - $10.00 per child admission fee (Free for children under 6 years old) Rides are an extra charge of $20.00 per person."

"Plettner Kennel Sled Dog Rides - pricing: Winter rides and kennel tours start at $100"

- Linda Plettner Kennel website, December, 2007


"Plettner sends her dogs to the cruise ship tours in the summer, and she offers tours of her kennel as well."

- Todd L. Disher, Frontiersman, March 6, 2010


Vern Halter:

Summer Season and Pricing - May 15th - Sept 15th
Summer Prices: (Transportation not included) - $74 for singles - $139 for two - $69 pp for three or more - Children under twelve half price

Fall Season - Sept 16th - Nov 30th
Fall Prices: (Transportation not included) - $149 for singles - $219 for two - $79 pp for three or more

Summer Iditarod Tour with Transportation and Lunch Included
Pricing: - Groups 6 - 10 people $129 pp - Groups 3 - 5 people $149 pp 2 people $225 pp

- Vern Halter's Dream a Dream website, 2010


Joe Redington, Jr.:

$25 / Adults $15 / Kids (7 - 12) Free (6 and under)

"Meet Joe Redington Jr., world renown sled dog racer and his wife Pam. They will guide you on a tour of their kennel, sharing their knowledge about dogs, equipment, sleds and strategy."

- Joe Redington's website joeredington.org, 2010


Aliy Zirkle:

"Yukon Quest Champion and Iditarod Musher Aliy Zirkle shares her knowledge and love of the Arctic on these unique adventures. Whether you are interested in a workshop on dog mushing, a trip on old gold trails near Nome on the Seward Penensula or a trip to the unequalled beauty of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, you will be challenged to see the world in a different way."

2010 Seward Peninsula Dog Sled Trip:

"Our plan is to mush to Pilgrim Hot Springs, about 50 miles out of the historic gold mining town. We would have a "day off" at the hot springs and then we would mush back. Overall, we will have a "introduction to mushing day" based in Nome, 4 days of mushing on the trail, a day at the hot springs and a "recovery day" in Nome - at the finish line. The trip will be 7 days plus travel days - 8 days total."

Cost: $3,500 per person

- Natural Extremes Trips, website, 2010


Rachael Scdoris:

"Oregon Trail of Dreams, featuring Rachael Scdoris, a four time Iditarod musher, and her father-trainer Jerry Scdoris, share their amazing Iditarod Sled Dogs with summer visitors and residents of Central Oregon alike. See Iditarod memorabilia, sleds and other winter equipment up close and in person. Join the Scdoris’ for a summer sled dog ride on a comfortable dry-land cart. Then stay and help Rachael with the care and feeding of the dogs. Sled dog “camp” is located in front of West Village Lodge and rides are offered on a first come, first served basis. Adults are $25; children under 12 years are $15."

- Mt. Bachelor, press release, June 29, 2010


Mushers profit from selling and leasing dogs

"Dallas [Seavey] purchased the 16 dogs that started last year for Aaron Burmeister and carried the Nenana musher to a seventh-place finish."

- Mike Campbell, Anchorage Daily News, March 11, 2010


Laureli Kinneen: "I'm Laureli Kinneen here at the Takota checkpoint with Aaron Burmeister who is not racing the 2010 Iditarod-- sold your team. You have some dogs though in the race with Middie Johnson and some other folks."

Aaron Burmeister: "Yeah, Lachlan Clarke's got a few, Dallas has some, several teams are scattered. I think we have a total of 26 dogs that we raced in our kennel there running the Iditarod this year."

- Laureli Kinneen interviewed Aaron Burmeister at the Takota checkpoint on March 11, 2010.


"She [Lynda Plettner] said she still likes training “superstar” dogs, and will sell them for as much as $3,000."

- Todd L. Disher, Frontiersman, March 6, 2010


"Titan, Sussex, Ross and Alamo are headed to Northern Sweden to no doubt learn a few new words in a different language as they join a top Scandinavian race team. Berkeley is headed into the maternity ward for a young musher here in Alaska who has plans to raise Husky Homestead puppies for his future racing team. Young musher Pete Kaiser from Bethel, Alaska has made a huge commitment to acquire Dollar, Shannon and Snoopy for his young race team."

- Jeff King is talking about dogs he raced in the 2010 Iditarod.
- Jeff King, Husky Homestead blog, March 20, 2010


"Mr. McDonald's sled dogs will be provided by former Iditarod champion, Dean Osmar."

- Press & Journal, December 21, 2009
- Wattie McDonald lives in Criggie Smithy, Scotland.


"At the Iditarod, [Newton] Marshall will use one of four teams from Mackey's Comeback Kennel, said Theresa Daily, who runs a mushing Web site in Chugiak and handles public relations for Mackey and other mushers.

'The team Newton is leasing will likely include dogs that helped win the Iditarod each of the past three years,' Mackey said."

- Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, November 30, 2009


"Mackey took Kwethluk musher Harry Alexie under his wing in October, leasing him 24 dogs and giving him daily expertise."

"What Mackey gets in return for training Alexie is a deal worth $50,000 from the Alaska Army National Guard, which Alexie has belonged to for 13 years."

- Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News, January 9, 2009


"Mackey in October leased 24 dogs and offered daily expertise to Kwethluk musher Harry Alexie. In return, he will receive $50,000 in money and expenses from the Alaska Army National Guard, which Alexie has belonged to for 13 years."

- Associated Press, SI.com, January 10, 2009


"Two weeks off the Iditarod Trail, Mackey already has a list of request from mushers anxious to dip into his kennel's bloodlines.

Among them is former Yukon Question champion Aliy Zirkel of Two Rivers, who has two females in Mackey's dog lot. Mitch Seavey of Sterling, the 2004 champion, bought a female from Mackey last year and brought it back to breed with another dog this year."

- Lance Mackey won the 2007 Iditarod
- Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News, March 28, 2007


"I went down the line pulling dogs and snapping them on the drop chain. The next dog was Eyes, an eight-year-old I was leasing from Dean Osmar for this race."

- Rachael Scdoris talking about a dog she leased for the 2006 Iditarod
- Scdoris, Rachael and Steber, Rick. No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer, New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007


"She [Kim Franklin] leased a dog team from my neighbor Dean Osmar who is the 1983 Iditarod champion."

- Bruce Linton, Diary of my Iditarod Journey 2008, website article, 2008


"Swingley is a four-time Iditarod champ, and [John] Stewart is one of three mushers who entered this year's Iditarod with teams out of Swingley's kennel in Lincoln, Mont. The other two drivers -- Warren Palfrey from Quesnell, B.C., Canada, and Tom Thurston from Oak Creek, Colo. -- have already scratched."

- John Stewart is from Scotland.
- Craig Medred, Alaska Dispatch, March 18, 2010


"The income allowed [John] Stewart to spend $40,000 leasing a dog team from and training with four-time Iditarod champ Doug Swingley in Lincoln, Mont."

- Craig Medred, Alaska Dispatch, March 20, 2010


"[Wattie] MacDonald, an oil field worker who keeps 11 Siberian huskies at home in Scotland, had raised and/or fished out of his pocket a reported $85,000 to lease the team."

- Craig Medred. Graveyard of Dreams: Dashed Hopes and Shattered Aspirations Along Alaska's Iditarod Trail, Anchorage: Plaid Cabin Publishing, 2010


"Good dogs for a competitive Iditarod team might cost upwards of $2,000 and a fine leader may be worth $7,000-$10,000 or more."

- Rennick, Penny, ed. The Iditarod, Anchorage: Alaska Geographic, 2001


"Many dogs in the kennel are worth $2,000 or more, and this figure increases to more than $8,000 for a fully trained lead dog."

- Mattson, Sue. Iditarod Fact Book, Kenmore: Epicenter Press, 2001


"...Leaders can cost thousands of dollars."

- Freedman, Lew and Jonrowe, DeeDee. Iditarod Dreams, Seattle: Ecpicenter Press, 1995


"I've got to win. That would be the turning point in a guy's career, to win the Iditarod. Everything would go well after that. Being able to sell dogs, to get sponsors...."

- Musher Tim Osmar
- Freedman, Lew. Iditarod Classics, Seattle: Epicenter Press, 1992


"Winning gives you credentials...." "It's good for business, definitely good for dog sales."

- Musher Joe Runyan
- Freedman, Lew. Iditarod Classics, Seattle: Epicenter Press, 1992


"The dog is leased from Dean Osmar."

- Jon Little, Cabela's website, March 8, 2005
Little formerly reported for the Anchorage Daily News
He is discussing a dog DeeDee Jonrowe leased for the 2005 Iditarod.

"[Frank] Winkler, whose team is leased from Raymie Redington...."

"He [Guy Blankenship] has borrowed and leased dogs to fill out the team...."

- Lew Freedman, Anchorage Daily News, March 2, 1989


"It was Plettner's Big Lake kennel that supplied the dogs for [Domenico, "Dodo"] Perri, the one-time winner of the Italian mushing championships, when he ran the Iditarod in 2005."

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, July 18, 2006


"He [Ken Anderson] of course was talking about Jango the 2 year old female that I had leased from him at the beginning of the race."

- Jessie Royer, Jessie's Sled Dog Page, website, 2005


Lance Mackey lists his dogs for sale:

- Mackey's dogs for sale in 2009

Foster - Age 7 - Male - Price: $1,500 - Description: Yukon Quest- 4x Neutered/Large dog Iditarod 5x Good solid dog lost of mid distance races great attitude team/swing

Hansel- Age 5 - Male - Price: $3,500 - Description: Iditarod 3x Good solid lead dog lots of mid distance races all Alaska Sweepstakes 2/Jr Iditarods great attitude team/swing

Winner - Age 5 - Female - Price: $2,500 Description: Iditarod 07/08/09 losts of mid distance races - Kobuk 440 2x Jr Iditarod 2x Good dog! Team/Wheel

Tease - Age 5 - Female - Price: $2,500 - Description: Iditarod 07/08/09 lots of mid distance races - Copper Basin Kobuk 440 Tustemena Jr Iditarod 2x Good Dog! Team/Swing small dog but all there

Styies - Age 3 - Female - Price: $2,000 - Description:Large female not much race experience brother is "Dred" one of my good leaders throws great pups - Sheep Mt. T-200 Copper Basin

Battel - Age 5 - Male - Price: $3,500 - Description: Yukon Quest 3x Leader Neutered Iditarod 3x solid dog lots of mid distance experience

Crown - Age 2 - Male - Price: $1, 500 - Description: Hobo/Pauly pup - nice dog no race experience

Thug - Age 2 - Male - Price: $1,500 - Description: Good potential

Zeus - Age 2 - Male - Price: $1,500 - Description: Has potential loves to go short races only

Donny - Age 2 - Male - Price: $1,500 - Description: Has potential - small but loves to go - Gin Gin 200 Chatanika Solstice 100

Bishop - Age 2 - Male - Price: $1,500 - Description: Has potential - A bit shy but loves to go - nice size good all around dog

Zit - Age 2 - Male - Price: $2,000 - Description: 2nd Place Quest (Hugh Neff)

Buddy - Age 2 - Male - Price: $1,500 - Description: Nice Trot - Great Eater!

Ray - Age 2 - Male - Price: $1,500 - Description: Probably making a mistake selling this one lots of energy eats everything!

- Lance Mackey's website, April 11, 2009


- Mackey's dogs for sale  in 2010                                 

"Ray" - $1,850 - Male - two year old. Out of Ross/Roxy - 55 lbs. Team/wheel dog. Ran the 2010 Iditarod/Gin Gin 200/ Tustumena 200/Copper Basin 300

"Donny" - $1,850 - Male - three year old. Out of Dred/Zorro/Tease - 50 lbs. Swing/Team dog. ran the 2010 Iditarod/Gin Gin 200 (2x)/Tutumena 200/ Soltice 100/ Copper Basin 300                                       

"Toy" - $750 - Male - Three year old. Out of Zorro/ Lil Red - 55 lbs. Team/Wheel. ran Gin Gin 200/Soltice 100/Tustumena 100/ Copper Basin 300.  

"Zuess" - $750 - Male - Three year old. Out of Rapper/Zorro/Zena/Zorro. 55 lbs. Team/Wheel. Ran the Gin Gin 200/Soltic 100/ Tutumena 200/ Copper Basin 300 Iditarod (dropped in Cripple).

"Rumba" - $1,500 - Female - Three year old - Ran the Gin Gin 200/ Knik 200/ Klondike 300
                     
"Zema" - $1,000 - Female - Three year old. Ran the Knik 200/Klondike/300/ Tug 120/ Sheep Mountain 150                                            

"Battel" - $2,000 - Male - Seven year old. Out of Pilgrim/Butter/Reba (Zorro's sister). 07/08/09 Iditarod - 06/07/08 Yukon Quest - Copper Basin 300/ Kusko 300/ Tutumena 200/ Sheep mountain 150. Leader

"Crystal" - $1,000 - Female - Two year old. Out of Nikoli/Dot Ran the Gin Gin 200/Chatanika 200/Soltice 100/ Quest 300. Team/Swing dog.

"Rhubarb" - $1,500 - Female - Five year old. Out of Rex/Blackie/Zorro. Ran the Sheep Mountain 150/Tug 120/ Knik 200/Klondike 300/ 2008 Yukon Quest
                                           
"Smoke" - $1,200 - Female - Four year old Out of Hobo/Dolvin/Zorro . Ran Sheep Mountain 150/ Tug 120/ Knik 200/Klondike 300/2008 Yukon Quest

- Lance Mackey's website, April 15, 2010


Jeff King lists his dogs for sale, including pregnant pups who ran in 2010 Iditarod:

"Call (M) - Jenna X Yuksi 6.5 Years; 55 lbs.; Neutered Jeff's 'A' Team Iditarod Finisher $2000 **sold**

Beetle (M) - Shannon X Zorro (Mackey), 2 Years; 48 lbs; Neutered Dave's 'B' Team Iditarod Finisher, Turning 3 years old this summer, Beetle and Cricket are two of the 12 puppies we got when we bred Lance's 'Zorro' to 'Shannon'. Wow - did we hit the jackpot on that one! Several in this litter already leading other race teams as well as our own. Beetle was neutered to help him hold his weight. According to Chief Dog Trainer Dave DeCaro 'he showed a lot of promise as a leader during training and he turned on his performance on the coast [of Iditarod] and had a very strong finish. Motivated on the tow line.' $1000

Cricket (F) - Shannon X Zorro (Mackey), 2 Years; 38 lbs; Spayed Dave's 'B' Team Iditarod Finisher, Turning 3 years old this summer, Beetle and Cricket are two of the 12 puppies we got when we bred Lance's 'Zorro' to 'Shannon'. Wow - did we hit the jackpot on that one! Several in this litter already leading other race teams as well as our own. According to Dave's post-race report card 'somewhat picky eater, would skip every 4th meal or so. Knows gee-haw commands well and was a good help to the leaders as she ran in swing most of the race.' $1000

Dave (M) - Demi X Yuks, 2 Years; 48 lbs; Neutered Dave's 'B' Team Iditarod Finisher, A preferred gait pacer, Dave strikes me as bigger than 48 lbs. Tall and leggy. Dave's post-race report: 'A quiet dog that didn't really stand out, but did a great job. Happy to run next anyone, always ate and always had a tight tug. Did better towards the back of the team.' $750

Schilling (F) - Dollar X Solomon (J. Little), 1 Year; 46 lbs; Intact & currently pregnant - bred by 'Coltrane,' Dave's 'B' Team Iditarod Finisher, I just ran this beauty 40 miles this morning. Gorgeous gait, beautiful coat, calm disposition. Awesome, fast trotter and according to Dave 'seemed completely at home on the race trail. Ate a ton and was always looked like a playful pup. Never once did I see a slack tug-line on Schilling.' Her pups are due in early May and are part of the deal. All the pups born by this pregnancy are included in the purchase price. However I would like to keep her and the pups at no charge to the buyer until approximately July 1st. Price bred including pups $1500. [Emphasis added.]

Opel (F) - Berkeley X Viper, 2 Years; 43 lbs; Intact & currently pregnant - by 'Suspect' Dave's 'B' Team Iditarod, Dropped in Shaktoolik, Opel has been a stand-out from early on. She finished the Kusko 300 in 2009 with Dave and ran on my team in the 2009 Stage Stop Race. According to Dave 'she ate great and was a happy dog. She was coming out of heat and had been bred a few days before the race, and it seemed to affect her performance. I would have expected her to do a lot of leading had she been up to par for the Iditarod.' Her pups are due in early May and are part of the deal. All the pups born by this pregnancy are included in the purchase price. However I would like to keep her and the pups at no charge to the buyer until approximately July 1st. Price bred including pups $1500. [Emphasis added.]

Baker (M) - Spaniel X Salem 1 Year; 41 lbs; Intact Dave's 'B' Team Iditarod Definitely one of Dave's favorite dogs in training, Baker was #17 for the race roster. However, his performance throughout training surpassed most all other team members. we were unable to get Baker to pack on the extra pounds we thought prudent for the start of the Iditarod. Tremendous personality, tremendous sled-dog. So far energy output has exceeded energy input. This dog needs to be fed a lot and often. $500

The following are 12-18 month old harness-broke pups. Unless noted, all have been more than satisfactory to date. $500/each

'European Cities' Littermates: Vienna (F) - Gypsy X UConn 1 Year; Venice (F) - Gypsy X UConn 1 Year; Dijon (F) - Gypsy X UConn 1 Year; Oslo (M) - Gypsy X UConn 1 Year

'Crimes & Misdemeanors' Littermates: Treason (F) - Berkeley X Solomon (J. Little) 1.5 Years; Pilfer (F) - Berkeley X Solomon (J. Little) 1.5 Years

'Wine' Litter Rose (F) - Klarney X Solomon(J. Little) <1 years>; Ringer (a.k.a. Snowflake) (M) - Ruble X Suspect 1 Year

- Jeff King's huskyhomestead.blogspot.com, March 28, 2010

"Snoopy (Spaniel x Salem)Top twenty in the kennel. Great 3 year old neutered male. Loves to lead. 46 pounds. Never hurt. Light coat. $3,000"

- Jeff King's huskyhomestead.blogspot.com, April 19, 2010


Hugh Neff lists his dogs for sale:

ZURIL -  $600; SCOTTY -  $500; DIXIE -  $500; BULLOCK - $1000; GUTHRIE -  $400; MOLLY -  $500; LEFTY - $500; DENALI -  $500; OSCAR - $500; DOZER - $400; SCRAPPY -  $300; SNOW -  $200; JIM - $200; FRIDAY - $200; CLYDE - $200; PAYTON - $100; AXLE - $700; BLAZE - $400; BLONDIE - $500; AMOS -  $700; MISCHIEF -  $400; OMEN -  $600; TITAN - $600; FLAME -  $500; TUTSHI -  $600; SYDNEY - $600; BOGART -  $500

- Hugh Neff's website, 2010


Mushers get royalities from books they've written about Iditarod

Examples of those who have written books:

Mushers who have written books about the Iditarod include Gary Paulsen, Libby Riddles, Brian Patrick O'Donoghue, Joe Runyan, DeeDee Jonrowe, Jeff King, Rachael Scdoris,
J.B. Jones, Lisa Frederic, Don Bowers, James Warren, Lance Mackey and Dick Mackey.


Daytona Dayton plans to write a book:

"Daytona plans to broadcast her radio show from each checkpoint, writing a book and spending the next nine months training for the race in Alaska."

- Daytona Dayton is host of the "Daytona & Friends National Radio Show"
- Boise Weekly, June 22, 2005


Mushers advertise to be speakers

Rachael Scdoris:

"Rachael [Scdoris] is available to deliver inspirational speeches at special events and corporate meetings across the U.S. For more information about booking Rachael to speak at an upcoming event, please contact Sports Unlimited Management & Promotions, Inc."

- The Official Rachael Scdoris website, 2004


Susan Butcher:

Here are just some of the speakers bureaus Susan Butcher is registered with, and the 2004 fees for having her speak (fees are normally for the US, and do not include travel and accommodation expenses):

Bill Borden:

"Bill [Borden] will be accepting speaking engagements (prices will vary) to talk about his adventure beginning in May 2002."

- Bill Borden's website Cooldreams.net, 2002


Karen Land advertises to speak at schools and libraries:

"Dear teachers and Librarians: I am once again planning a trip back to Indiana to do Iditarod Dog Mushing Talks. I will be in Indiana in May. I will also be available to do talks in other states."

"The cost for the talks this year will be $350 per talk. If you can organize other talks in your area for the same day, I will do them for $300 a piece."

- Iditarod musher Karen Land
- Cabela's website, Cabela's Teacher Talk Forum, March 5, 2006


Laura Daugereau:

"More money will come from speaking engagements — she [Laura Daugereau] has 20 lined up through the middle of June, with some as far away as Michigan and New York."

- Sue Edwards, The Kitsap Sun, May 1, 2008


Dewey Halverson:

"Dewey's programs are flexible. Normally they last about 1-1/4 hours but can be tailored - longer or shorter - to fit your schedule.

Each program is $400, or $600 for back-to-back sessions. A back-to-back session is two programs done on the same day in the same location.This is a flat rate. There are no additional costs or per diems.

Yana DeMyer, Booking Agent - 920-621-2163 Fax - 920-227-4152"

- Dewey Halverson's website experienceiditarod.com, 2010


Lance Mackey:

"Topics - Mushing 101 & Kennel Management, Training for Mid-distance races, Success is all about appetite and attitude, Turning your life around (inspirational for teens in trouble), Looking beyond cancer

Lance travels From: Fairbanks, Alaska

Dates Available: April through September

Speaking Fee Range: $500-$1,500 per day

Transprortation Expenses In addition to the speaking fee all transportation expenses to and from events must be paid by you.

Lance is also available for appearances for grand openings, autographing & promotions.

Fees vary depending on the amount of time, distance of travel, demand and schedule."

- Lance Mackey's website comebackkennel.com, 2010


DeeDee Jonrowe:

"Interested in inviting DeeDee to speak at your event? DeeDee is available for speaking engagements, appearances and sposor opportunities throughtout the summer (usually from April to September).

FOR ALL INQUIRIES REGARDING DEEDEE'S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, APPEARANCES, & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Please contact DeeDee directly via e-mail."

- DeeDee Jonrowe's website deedeejonrowe.com, 2010


Pat Moon:

"Presentations and public speaking prices (for education, civic, religious, or community) start at $350 plus mileage or travel.

The 'Leading From the Rear' presentation starts at $500 plus mileage or travel."

- Pat Moon's website, 2010


Companies profit from selling trips to see Iditarod

Sky Trekking Alaska:

The Iditarod Start Trek--

"4 days/4 nights beginning and ending in Anchorage. Available beginning the first Saturday each March $5,220.00 per person."

Iditarod Expedition Trek--

"12 days/12 nights beginning in Anchorage and ending in Nome. Available beginning the first Saturday each March $13,775.00 per person."

The Iditarod Winners Trek--

"4 days/4 nights beginning and ending in Nome. Available beginning the first Saturday each March $4,500.00 per person."

- Sky Trekking Alaska, website, 2010


Cabela's:

Cabela's Iditarod Adventures:
$2595.00 per person double, $2995.00 single (fuel supplement charges may apply)
Dates: March 3-9, 2010
Not Included: Airlfare to Alaska

Cabela's Ultimate Iditarod Adventure:
Rates: $11,275 per person
Dates: March 6-18, 2010
Not Included: Airfare to Alaska

Cabela's Iditarod Winner's Trek:
Rates: 5 days/4 nights - $4,500 per person double
Dates: March 14-18, 2010
Not Included: Airfare to Alaska

- Cabela's website, 2010 [Cabela's sponsors Iditarod musher Jeff King.]

Mushers get prize money

"A $795,000 purse awaits this year's top 30 finishers. Another $40,000 will be divvied up among the remaining arrivals to Nome. The winner will earn $69,000 and receive a new pickup valued at almost $45,000."

- Jeannette J. Lee, Associated Press, March 6, 2006


"The restart, where the mushers get serious about getting a piece of this year's about $795,000 purse, begins Sunday in Willow."

- Mary Pemberton, Associated Press, March 2, 2007


"The total purse this year is $590,000 — down from a high of $925,000 in 2008."
"The winner still receives a new Dodge truck."

- Rachael D'Oro, Associated Press, March 5, 2010


Speed pays

Mushers get rewards for being the fastest:

First to Nome: $49,000 and a 2010 Dodge truck

First to McGrath checkpoint: "Spirit Mask" and $500 credit on PenAir

First to Iditarod/Cripple checkpoint: Trophy and $3,000 in gold nuggets

First to Anvik checkpoint: Seven course dinner and $3,500

First to Unalakleet checkpoint: Gold cup and $2,500 in gold nuggets

Fastest time from Safety checkpoint to Nome: $500

Fastest rookie to Nome: Trophy and check for $1,500

- Iditarod website


Mushers profit from improved race times:

This person is awarded a satellite phone to use for a year, a 500 minutes prepaid card and an engraved trophy.

- Iditarod website


A drop in position is costly:

"For each position a musher drops in the top five, there is a loss of about $7,000 in prize money. For each drop in position in the next five, there is a loss of $3,000 to $4,000."

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, March 15, 2005


"The purse is set at $630,000, with $610,000 paid out to the top 30 finishers, and $1,049 apiece for the rest of the pack."

- Diana Haecker, KTNA 88.9 FM, website, June 29, 2009
- Ms. Haecker is talking about the purse for the 2010 Iditarod.


Mushers win thousands of dollars:

"King collected $69,000 and a new truck for the win."

"But Swingley's move just as surely secured second place and a $64,000 chunk of the 2006 Iditarod purse...."

"Gebhardt got third and $59,800."

"Jonrowe won $55,600."

"Baker won $51,700"

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, March 16, 2006


"Where they finsih has a big bearing on how much they win. Third place pays $57,000; sixth pays $40,000."

- Anchorage Daily News, March 14, 2007


Prize money payout totals for some mushers

(The totals are from the Anchorage Daily News website, March, 1, 2010, and do not include winnings from the 2010 Iditarod.)

Jeff King............$765,520
Paul Gebhardt.....$375,121
Lance Mackey.....$287,093
Mitch Seavey......$430,754
John Baker..........$420,433
Rick Swenson......$593,676
Martin Buser........$714,220
Ramey Smyth.......$346,153
DeeDee Jonrowe...$464,848
Lindwood Fiedler...$196,693
Hans Gatt............$149,793
Cim Smyth...........$150,502
Sonny Lindner......$148,897


Profits from selling Iditarod artwork and trinkets

"I wanted to paint it [the Iditarod]. I did twenty paintings about the race and had a show at The Gallery in Anchorage."

"It just went on from there. The twenty-eighth poster will be out for the 2004 race."

- Iditarod musher Jon Van Zyle
- Freedman, Lew. More Iditarod Classics, Kenmore: Epicenter Press, 2004


"Her images depict...dog mushing. Since a kennel of over 50 sled dogs fills her back yard, Donna's knowledge of mushing is firsthand."

- Donna Gates King's art gallery website
- Donna Gates King is married to Iditarod musher Jeff King


Iditarod administration sells Iditarod posters and trinkets.

- Iditarod website


Money motivates the city of Wasilla

"Metiva said no one has formally studied how much money the Iditarod restart brings to Wasilla, but she estimates the city makes roughly $500,000 from the event."

- Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News, March 16, 2005
- Cheryl Metiva is executive director of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce


Iditarod boosts Nome's economy

"Bed taxes bring in an extra $109,000 in March, said Cussy Kauer of the city's finance department, who has seen the finish of every single Iditarod race."

- Margaret Bauman, Alaska Journal of Commerce, published by Siku News on 3/24/05


"Iditarod dog teams mushing under the finish line arch in Nome in the third week of March will be a welcome sight for race fans - and a $1.1 million shot in the arm for local merchants."

"And after a very slow winter, this is a big shot in the arm. 'This will be a good one, because there are so many mushers involved, and everyone has their favorite,"[Mitch] Erickson said.'"

- Mitch Erickson is the executive director of the Nome Chamber of Commerce
- Margaret Bauman, Alaska Journal of Commerce, March 20, 2005

The population of Nome:

"Nome's population in 2000 was 9,196."

- US Census Bureau website, 2005


Rachael Scdoris markets herself

"The marketing hook in all of this is her blindness. She has been sold as the little blind girl who could. This is why at the age of 20 she has a biography in print, her own marketing agent, and a budding career as a motivational speaker.

On the trail, Scdoris maneuvers around quite well, despite her limited vision. More than once, I found myself wondering what the media take on the "blind musher" would be if she were a middle-aged white guy. It would be easy to portray the whole Scdoris affair as something of a scam.

The gap between 'blindness' and 'legal blindness' is obviously large. Rachael is one of some 1.3 million Americans, including 13 out of every 100 people older than 65, in the latter category.

This distinction often is overlooked in stories about Rachael, although www.Cabelasiditarod.com reporter Jon Little, an accomplished musher himself, has steadfastly pointed out that 'her peripheral vision is excellent. She has 20-200 vision, is near- and far-sighted and color blind.'

She is also generally perceived as 'blind,' a perception the Scdoris camp has never really tried to counter.

I understand the marketing. Running the Iditarod is costly, and you have to raise money however you can. The Scdorises sold Rachael's vision problems to gain exposure."

- Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, March 27, 2005


How well can Rachael Scdoris see?

Rachael Scdoris says she's legally blind. But how well can she see?

Some legally blind people can barely see anything, but others can see a lot.


Rachael Scdoris has congenital achromatopsia:

"'Without a doubt Rachael has a rare disease called congenital achromatopsia."

- Richard Weleber, M.D. giving his diagnosis
- Scdoris, Rachael and Steber, Rick. No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer, New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007

- - What's congenital achromatopsia?

"The eyes of achromats, lacking normal cone vision and having only rod vision, are not able to adapt normally to higher levels of illumination. Rods do not provide color vision or good detail vision. Therefore, persons with achromatopsia are either totally colorblind or almost totally colorblind, and they have poor visual acuity. There are many variations in the severity of these manifestations among individual achromats." "Congenital achromatopsia is not progressive, and it does not lead to blindness. Some doctors refer to it as "stationary cone dystrophy."

- The Achromatopsia Network, website article, 2008

"There are many degrees of severity of symptoms among achromats."

- MedicineNet.com article, 2008


Rachael Scdoris runs 26 miles to high school:

Rachael Scdoris attended Richmond High School. It's located at 17272 NE 104th St., Redmond, WA in a densely populated area. The school is surrounded by many intersections and major roads.

"I arrived at school as the bell rang for last period. My friends crowded around and wanted to know, 'Where have you been?'

'Missed the bus,' I told them.

'How did you get to school?'

'Ran'

'From your mom's place?'

'No from Dad's'

'How far is that?'

'Twenty-six miles. Something like that.'"

- Scdoris, Rachael and Steber, Rick. No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer, New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007


Rachael Scdoris explores Anchorage airport:

"Dan MacEachen was supposed to meet me, but I got in a little early and had the opportunity to explore the airport. I found the baggage claim area and located my bag."

- Scdoris, Rachael and Steber, Rick. No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer, New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007


Rachael Scdoris catches loose dog, walks around Cessna 185 without bumping it:


"In his latest story he [Craig Medred] would point out that I had enough visual ability to catch my dog after it got loose, leash it, and walk around a Cessna 185 without bumping into the propeller or the strut beneath the wing."

- Craig Medred is the outdoor editor of the Anchorage Daily News.
- Scdoris, Rachael and Steber, Rick. No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer, New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007


Without help Rachael Scdoris guides team across treacherous terrain:

- - Tim Osmar served as her visual guide or interpreter in the 2006 Iditarod:

"Musher Tim Osmar of Ninilchik will serve as Rachael Scdoris' "visual interpreter" for next year's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race."

"Osmar is a 20-time Iditarod veteran. He will travel ahead of Scdoris on a separate dog sled with a two-way radio to warn her about trail dangers ahead."

- Associated Press, Anchorage Daily News, June 25, 2005


- - Scdoris arrived at checkpoint 15 minutes BEFORE her visual guide:

The 2006 Iditarod website and Cabela's Iditarod Coverage website said Scdoris arrived at the Koyuk checkpoint 16 minutes BEFORE Osmar, her visual guide:

Rachael Scdoris: arrived at Koyuk checkpoint on March 16, 2006 at 04:54:00
Tim Osmar: arrived at Koyuk checkpoint on March 16, 2006 at 05:10:00


- - Rachael Scdoris veers off trail; goes to Koyuk without Osmar:

"He'd noticed her headlamp was pointing down at her feet for minutes at a time, a sure sign a musher has fallen asleep standing up.

With four miles to go, Osmar stopped his team to let her catch up a little closer. But suddenly she was no longer in sight. Forty minutes later, Dan Seavey rolled up and said he hadn't seen her.

'My only choice was to haul to Koyuk, and go find some snowmachines,' he said. He had no idea where her team was, but obviously they'd trotted off the marked trail - not good when you're crossing a crust of frozen salt water with open leads and open water to the west. 'It wasn't a real peaceful, easy feeling,' Osmar said.

'By the time we got there, she was already there, bedded down and everything,' he said."

- Jon Little, Cabela's Iditarod coverage, Cabela's website, March 21, 2006
- Jon Little formerly wrote for the Anchorage Daily News.

A lead is "A channel of open water created by a break in a mass of ice." - dictionary.com

- - Scdoris guides team over jumbled ice and open leads into Koyuk:

"Scdoris said she had fallen asleep on the sled, as many mushers do, and veered off the trail.

'It was so flat and so early in the morning, it was hard not to doze,' Scdoris said. 'I woke up in jumbled ice and no other dog tracks.'

As it turned out, Scdoris was close enough to Koyuk to make out the lights of the village and guide her dog team there."

- Jeannette J. Lee, Associated Press, March 19, 2006

Rachael Scdoris said that when she woke up there were no tracks from other dog teams. Consequently, her dogs had no scent from other dogs to follow into Koyuk.


Rachael Scdoris snaps dogs onto drop chain:

"I went down the line pulling dogs and snapping them on the drop chain."

- Rachael Scdoris is describing what she did before the ceremonial start of the 2006 Iditarod.
- Scdoris, Rachael and Steber, Rick. No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer, New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007


Rachael Scdoris notices her hands trembling:

"When I glanced at my hands I noticed they were trembling slightly."

Scdoris, Rachael and Steber, Rick. No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer, New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007


Martin Buser markets himself

"No longer can Buser think only about his dogs and preparing for races. He has an image to manage. He is the poster boy for his sport, mushing's de facto ambassador.

Besides doing television commercials for his sponsors, he makes appearances to promote mushing. He attends Rotary Club meetings in Wasilla. This year, Buser has started going on-line, answering questions sent to him by computer from people across the country."

"An hour before the restart of the Copper Basin 300 Sled Dog Race last month -- a critical pre-Iditarod tuneup -- mushers were tramping around the frozen surface of Lake Louise, sorting through their gear, cooking food, checking feet.

Buser was talking faxes.

'Did the Alaska magazine people ever get back to us?' he asked Kathy [Buser], as he loaded his gear into his royal blue sled bag. He'd been planning to run an ad in the magazine's Iditarod issue to thank his sponsors.

'That's the only unfinished business at this point,' she told him, promising to contact the magazine again when she got home."

- Peter S. Goodman, Anchorage Daily News, February 22, 1995


- Buser promotes himself in DVD:

"For the Love of Dogs DVD/Martin Buser: Documenting Martin's relationship with his dogs and the Iditarod. For the Love of Dogs takes you from the puppy pens at the famed Happy Trails Kennels to the renowned Iditarod sled dog race finish line, in Nome. If you love dogs, you'll love this film. An hour of fun for the whole family."

Priced at $24.95 on gomush.com; $40.00 when bought from the Iditarod.

- gomush.com, 2010; Iditarod.com, 2010


Lance Mackey markets himself

- Lance Mackey markets himself as guest speaker:

"Speaking Fee Range: $500-$1,500 per day

Transprortation Expenses In addition to the speaking fee all transportation expenses to and from events must be paid by you.

Lance is also available for appearances for grand openings, autographing & promotions.

Fees vary depending on the amount of time, distance of travel, demand and schedule."

- Lance Mackey's website


- Lance Mackey promotes himself in his book:

"How My Obsession with Dog Mushing Saved My Life By Lance Mackey; Foreword by Joe Runyan; Edited by Tricia Brown Illustrated by Jon Van Zyle. $24.95."

- Lance Mackey's website


- Mackey promotes himself in his DVD:

"Appetite and Attitude: A Conversation with Lance Mackey, $25.00"

- Amazon.com


Lance Mackey promotes himself as someone who listens to his team:

"I always go by what the dogs tell me they are capable of doing."

- Lance Mackey talking about his dogs after the 2009 Iditarod
- Kevin Wells, KTUU-TV, KTUU-TV.com, March 18, 2009


Does Mackey go by what his dogs are capable of doing?

- Mackey admits he makes demands on his dogs:

"I think this team is capable of just about anything I ask it to do."

- Lance Mackey talking to KTUU-TV interviewer at Eagle Island checkpoint
- KTUU-TV, KTUU.com, March, 2009


- Mackey wakes up his sleeping dogs:

"Off the straw, come on, come on. Wake up, wake up"

- Lance Mackey talking to his dogs at White Mountain checkpoint
- KTUU-TV, KTUU.com, March, 2009


Did Disney pay Butcher and Monson for advice?

Disney's movie Eight Below names Iditarod mushers Susan Butcher and Dave Monson as advisors in the credits shown at the end. Were they paid for their advice?


Mushers profit from being ad models

The Anchorage Daily News publishes an Iditarod section. In the 2006 section, Jeff King was featured in Cabela's one-page ad. Martin Buser was featured in MTA's half-page ad.

- Iditarod 34, Anchorage Daily News, February 26, 2006


BLOATED: Iditarod executive's salaries and phone charges

IRS filing for 2004 shows top execs making almost a quarter-million dollars:

"The Daily News reported that the Iditarod is losing so much money that it needs to borrow about a half-million dollars to make ends meet ("Iditarod scrambles to recoup its losses," Nov. 29). I draw your attention to the organization's 990 filing with the IRS for tax year 2004 -- a public document showing income, expenses and salaries of employees compensated more than $50,000.

The Iditarod's top two executives made almost a quarter-million dollars in compensation combined. The development director, Greg Bill ($117,837), and executive director, Stan Hooley ($118,422), each earned more than double the salary of Joanne Potts ($56,275), the race director. Similarly sized nonprofit organizations do not have such a pay disparity between program staff and executives. Program staff are the people on the ground doing the legwork of the organization -- running the race.

Bringing the two high salaries down to a more reasonable level, say, $80,000, would have saved the organization $76,259, more than enough to cover losses in unsold raffle tickets. I have a hard time sympathizing with Mr. Hooley's organization when he is paid so lavishly.

Next time you report on the woes of a nonprofit organization, I encourage you to look into executive pay. May I also mention that the Iditarod spent a bloated $197,437 on "telephone."

- Britt Constantine, letter to the editor, Anchorage Daily News, December 7, 2006
- Ms. Constantine lives in Anchorage.


Profit from Iditaread program

Musher Kevin Morelock charges $385:

"This exclusive Team Michigan Iditaread program offers:
- One to one correspondence with Kevin Morlock....
- Personal access to training updates, qualifying races....
- After the race a school assembly lead by Kevin Morlock and his team as they come to your school and present the complete Iditarod experience to the students.
- Cross Curriculum ideas and resources for the and school...."

"Please send the registration from below along with a check for $385 to...."

- Kevin Morlock's website, December 19, 2006


Mushers profit from giving sled dog shows

Mitch Seavey and sons run Wildride Sled Dog Show:

"The Seaveys, one of Alaska's dog racing families, have created a live show in downtown Anchorage next to the railroad tracks to entertain and educate tourists about sled dog racing.

The show -- which is still evolving -- was envisioned by Mitch Seavey, the 2004 winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. His sons are in charge of running the show, which is packed with goofy incidents, mock races around a small track and lively tales about the origins of the race."

"Their Wildride Sled Dog Show started up May 26. Every day since, it has changed a little bit -- sometimes by accident. "We're hoping by the end of the summer to have a killer show," said Danny Seavey, 25, who runs the business operation."

- Elizabeth Blumink, Anchorage Daily News, June 2, 2007

Wildride Sled Dog Show prices:

Adult: $24.00
Child: $12.00

- Seavey's Ididaride.com website, June, 2007


- Sled dog show and dinner in Anchorage

"Experience all 1,049 miles of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in one action-packed, laugh-out-loud, dog-powered performance in downtown Anchorage! Unlike anything else you will see in Alaska, this show offers 50 minutes of non-stop dog action going through all aspects of dog mushing."

"Join us for the dinner show and get even more. Eat dinner with Dallas Seavey, the youngest musher to ever run the Iditarod."

Adult: $19.00 matinee, $24.00 evening, $55.00 dinner show
Child: $9.50 matinee, $12.00 evening, $27.00 dinner show (ages 2-11)

- Seavey's ididaride.com website, 2010


DeeDee Jonrowe markets herself

"FOR ALL INQUIRIES REGARDING DEEDEE'S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, APPEARANCES, AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - PLEASE CONTACT: Michael Barnes - BSG (636) 933-0041 office (636) 933-0048 fax 10516 Glen Oaks Drive Festus, MO 63028"

- DeeDee Jonrowe's website


Jon Van Zyle, official Iditarod artist, advertises his Iditarod items

Jon Van Zyle advertises his prints, posters and book:

"Get your 2008 Iditarod prints and posters—available here first—coming in December 2007. A souvenir of Jon's many, many years of Iditarod art can be found in the book, IDITAROD MEMORIES on our bookshelf page."


Jon Van Zyle advertises his Iditarod kit for teachers:

"Iditarod classroom kits for grades 3-4-5: Classroom Kit #1 Price $99; Classroom Kit #2 Price $149"

- Jon Van Zyle's website, 2007


Mushers profit from selling merchandise

Examples of the items mushers sell:

Jeff King--

Adult T-Shirt - $15.00
Hooded Sweatshirt - $40.00
Long Sleeve Adult T-Shirt - $25

- Jeff King's website, January, 2008


Martin Buser--

Adult short sleeve tee - $20
Adult long sleeve tee - $25
Record Run Sweatshirt: $25

- Martin Buser's website, January 2008


Lance Mackey--

Lance Mackey print - $58
Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt - $31.19
Mackey 3.5 Button "Dreams do come true" (100 pack) - $181.99
Mackey Throw Pillow -$20.79
Mackey Messenger Bag - $24.69

- Link on Lance Mackey's website, January, 2008

Video: Appetite and Attitude, a Conversation with Lance Mackey, $20.00 plus shipping and handling

- Lance Mackey's website, March 17, 2008


DeeDee Jonrowe--

Autographed print of Jonrowe - $9.95

- Jonrowe's website, January, 2008


Ramy Brooks--

T-Shirt "Top 10 Things NOT to do on the trail to Nome" $18 ($20 for XXL)

- Ramy Brooks' website, January, 2008

Karen Ramstead--

Got Gas? Classic Thong - $9.99
You want me to pull what? Boxer Shorts - $19.49
Winter Chick Snowflakes Woman's Hoodie - $43.19

- Link on Karen Ramstead's website, January, 2008


Iditarod profits from its auctions

2010 IditaRider Musher Auction:

"On November 1st 2009 The Iditarod Trail Committee will launch its 2010 Idita-Rider Auction on www.iditarodauction.com. Winning Idita-Riders have the opportunity to enjoy the first leg of IDITAROD XXXVIII (approximately 11 miles) from one of the very best vantage points in the race; right behind a team of Iditarod canine athletes!

This year's auction will include the Iditarod's exclusive Ultimate Adventure package for $15,000. The package features a sled of choice and an overnight at Rainy Pass Lodge to watch the front runners come through Rainy Pass Checkpoint in the heart of the Alaska Range.

Minimum bids start at $500 but you can guarantee your sled of choice by bidding $7,500. The closing date for the 2010 Idita-Rider Auction is January 22, 2010."

- Iditarod press release, Iditarod website


2010 Race Bib Auction:

"AUTOGRAPHED MUSHERS' START BIBS ON AUCTION UNTIL MARCH 30TH
Time to bid on a piece of the Race.
A 2010 musher autographed race bib worn from the Iditarod Start Line.
Musher's number matches the bib number."

- Iditarod website


Iditarod decides to hold monthly auctions:

"New Auctions Monthly - See what exciting things are up for bid today!"

"ANOTHER EXCITING - ONCE IN A LIFETIME - OPPORTUNITY AT THE 2009 IDITAROD BID ON AN AUTOGRAPHED MUSHER BIB WORN - FROM THE START LINE IN ANCHORAGE. DISCLAIMER: DUE TO AN ERROR IN CONFIGURATION, SOME BIBS HAD A BUY PRICE OF $500. THE REMAINING BIBS NOW HAVE THE CORRECT PURCHASE PRICE OF $5000."

- Iditarod website, March 30, 2009


Iditarod hired Gere Donovan advertising agency

"Gere Donovan Creative hired Lauren Agni as account executive. Agni was formerly marketing director at Carr Gottstein Properties. She will be handling accounts including the Iditarod Trail Committee, Katmai Government Services and Cook Inlet Housing Authority."

- Anchorage Daily News, March 6, 2008


Iditarod and mushers market their DVDs

"What they did is it make the DVDs available for the tourist season in Alaska during the summer instead of not being available until September. Traditionally, they'd always missed the tourist season and this is a big advantage to them so they saw an increase in sales because they produce the stuff quicker."

- Dan Montgomery, President Image Products, interview video, Inside Indiana Business, website, March 2, 2008
- The Iditarod used the company's software to help reduce editing time


Mushers and Iditarod profit from selling DVDs they've made:

Iditarod's DVDs:

2006 Iditarod - $19.95
2007 Iditarod - $19.95
2008 Iditarod - $19.95
2009 Iditarod - $24.95
2010 Iditarod - $24.95

Iditarod History - $24.95


Musher DVDs:

Sven Haltmann: "See You In Nome! An Iditarod Rookie Journey," price $20.00

Lance Mackey: "Appetite and Attitude" A Conversation with Lance Mackey," price: $25.00

Martin Buser: "For the Love of Dogs," prices: $40.00 on Iditarod.com; $24.95 on gomush.com

- Iditarod website, 2010; Amazon.com, 2010; gomush.com, 2010


Veterinarians profit from doing research on Iditarod dogs

He [Dr. Michael Davis] is pursuing the research for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which gave him a $1.4 million grant in 2003 to study the physiology of fatigue resistance of sled dogs.

Dr. Davis, who is teaming with researchers at Texas A&M in a $300,000 Darpa grant, awarded last fall, has been traveling to Alaska for years to learn why the sled dogs are “fatigue-proof.”

- Douglas Robson, New York Times, May 6, 2008

[Dogs DO get tired racing in the Iditarod. They are NOT "fatigue-proof."]


Iditarod charges for GPS tracking and Iditarod Insider

"The Iditarod contends being able to monitor this makes the race more interesting, but there is also a profit motive. Iditarod charges fans to download the GPS intel obtained from IonEarth tracking devices."

"The race...collects $19.95 for each individual subscription, $39.95 for classrooms and $99.95 for schools."

- Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News, March 14, 2009


"[Don] Patterson reported there were approximately 1,800 GPS Tracking only subscriptions and about 3,000 Insider subscriptions."

- Don Patterson is the Iditarod's Finance Director.
- Iditarod Trail Committee Board of Directors Meeting, Summary, April 24, 2009


"GPS Tracking - $19.95 individual subscription, $39.95 class subscription, $99.95 school subscription

Iditarod Insider - $19.95 individual subscription, $39.95 class subscription, $99.95 school subscription

Video + GPS - $33.95 for an individual subscription, $67.95 for a class subscription, $169.95 for a school subscription"

- Iditarod website


Iditarod asks people for $25,000 to do trail upkeep (Trail Sweep)

Riding behind all of the competition, the Trial Sweeps have three main tasks:

"• Pick up inorganic litter. (We don’t get it all but we try). • Assist mushers who have decided that their race is over. If the end of their race comes between checkpoints, we move the dogs, drivers and gear to the closest checkpoint or the closest place a plane can land to fly them out. • The Trail Sweeps also help break down remote checkpoints and have helped non- Iditarod travelers along the trail."

"Experience the race first hand while driving a snowmachine and traveling with the Iditarod Trail Sweeps during the 2010 Iditarod. This unique fundraiser will be offered to 3 individuals willing to brave the elements of climate and trail conditions on the adventure of a lifetime.

During the race, Trail Sweep, a team of important race volunteers, play a major role in the upkeep of  the Iditarod Trail. 

Be a part of this team. This adventure sells for $25,000 per person and will provide 3 individuals with experiences that are priceless."

- Iditarod website, December, 2009


Mushers profit from stud fees

Stud fees from $500 and up:

"This is the culmination of Doug Swingley's work in the mushing world. Enjoy the efforts and work put into the creation and selective breeding program of this old Alasken husky gene pool. Stud fees from $500 and up."

- Warren & Kate Palfrey's Northern Star Kennels website, 2009


Back to the top

Articles about the Iditarod

Dog deaths

Poor veterinary care

Mushers mistreat their dogs during race

Dog injuries, sicknesses and extreme stress

Problems with Iditarod rules

Abuse in kennels

Cruel dog training

Iditarod history

 

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