In his blood: Musher ready for another Iditarod

WASILLA — Ryan Redington is busy making his final preparations for the 2021 Iditarod. He’s braved over a dozen races since 2001, and he works year-round to apply his knowledge and experience for the sanctity of the race and the mushing lifestyle as a whole.

“I’ve learned a lot, and I think I’ve got a good team this year,” Redington said.

Mushing is an all encompassing activity that isn’t just a sport. It’s a lifestyle that demands countless hours of sacrifice.

On top of his regular training, Redington participates in sled dog races in and out of state each year to prepare for the Iditarod. This year, he raced in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Minnesota, and the Goose Bay 150 here in the Valley.

“We’re training almost year round. Wherever it’s cool enough to run, we’re training,” Redington said.

Redington said that he’s looking forward to this year’s Iditarod. He said that it looks like there might be warmer weather and more snow, which will make it interesting.

“I’m excited to be racing in it. I think it’s gonna’ be a lot of fun. I’m excited about the new route,” Redington said.

Redington has mentored numerous young mushers over the last decade. His latest apprentice, Morgan Martens, a 14-year-old musher from Wisconsin, won the 2021 Junior Iditarod earlier this week.

“It’s been fun to watch the juniors that I help turn into great dog mushers, and watch them learn the ropes and become good racers, and watch ‘em grow. It’s been a lot of fun. Lots of them, it’s been their dreams to race in the Junior Iditarod, so I like helping out on that,” Redington said. “It’s a good stepping stone for them to prepare for the Iditarod and learn the process.”

The spirit of mushing and the Last Great Race is in Redington’s blood. His grandfather is Joe Redington Sr., who was instrumental in the race’s foundation and commonly referred to as the “Father of the Iditarod.”

As the Redington family tree widened, so did its chapters of mushers taking up the family tradition each generation. Redington’s father, Raymie Redington raced in the Iditarod 14 times. He said that his own children, Eve and TJ have fostered their own love for mushing, keeping the tradition going.

Redington was born into the mushing world. As time went on, he figured out his own way to apply his upbringing and his experience to his adventures on the trail. His love for the race grew beyond his family name, and even his own goals as a racer, striving to preserve the greater mushing community and the next generation of Iditarod trail blazers.

“There’s a lot that goes into Iditarod… I’ve learned so much from my family over the years,” Redington said. “It’s my life. That’s how I make my living... It means everything. I’m happy and proud to carry on the tradition of racing and the Iditarod.”

For more information about Redington or other mushers in the 2021 Iditarod, visit iditarod.com/race/2021/mushers.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com