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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 ˝ 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):
| Speaker
Bureau |
Fee
for having Susan Butcher speak |
| Premiere
Speakers Bureau |
$20,000
|
| Keppler
Associates, Inc. |
$10,001
to $20,000 |
| Speak,
Inc. |
$16,000-$23,000
|
| International
Speakers Bureau |
$15,001
to $20,000 |
| Goodman
Speakers Bureau |
No
fee given on website |
| AEI
Speakers Bureau |
No
fee given on website |
| Speakers
Guild, Inc. |
over
$10,000 |
| Lordly
& Dame, Inc. |
No
fee given on website |
| Speakers-Network
|
No
fee given on website |
| Motivational-Speakers.com
|
No
fee given on website |
| Eagles
Talent Connection, Inc. |
No
fee given on website |
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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PO Box 562061
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FL 33256
The SDAC does not raise money and does not accept funds. Its efforts
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© 2010 SDAC
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