Iditarod finishers are winners

March 22, 2005

Frontiersman editorial board

On Monday, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially came to a close, wrapping up the 33rd running of the Last Great Race.

The Iditarod symbolizes everything Alaska is - big, vast, rugged, demanding. Over the course of 1,100 miles, dreams are made, and dreams are shattered as the teams make their way to Nome. There are hardships around every corner, forcing mushers to make split-second decisions after not sleeping for a week at a time. The trail can be unforgiving as it winds its way through some of the harshest backcountry in the world.

This year, Norwegian Robert Sorlie put together another winning formula, cruising into Nome ahead of the pack for the second time in his career. Valley mushers were led into Nome by DeeDee Jonrowe, who has long been an Iditarod favorite. She finished in 10th place.

It's refreshing to see DeeDee continue to be near the front of the pack. She has won a battle with breast cancer, and she serves as an inspiration to a large part of the Iditarod fan base. She is one of the most approachable mushers, and that certainly hasn't hurt her in the fan's eyes.

Martin Buser was the second Valley musher into Nome, in 13th place. Buser was challenging for the race's lead as late as the day before the finish. The fact he was on his sled runners at all is pretty impressive - the week before the race, Buser took off half his middle finger in a woodworking accident. Still, Iditarod is in his blood, and he wasn't about to let an amputation keep him from running. That's how legends are born.

Every musher who finishes the race is a winner, because it is one of the most grueling sporting events in the world. It takes an incredible amount of dedication and perseverance to finish the race, whether it be in first place of 60th place.

Alaska's official balladeer, Hobo Jim, said it correctly in his "Iditarod" song - "Just to run that race takes a tough and a hearty breed."

Our congratulations go to not only Sorlie, but to every musher who as able to brave the trail and make their way

to Nome.