Junior Iditarod mushers set to compete tomorrow

GENE JANSEN/For the Frontiersman

The 2005 Junior Iditarod Sled Dog Race will begin at the Settlers Bay Golf Course, Mile 9 Knik- Goose Bay Road, tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Of the 21 Alaskans, aged 14-17, six are Valley youth who will compete in the 160-mile race along the Iditarod Trail from Knik Lake across Susitna Landing, to the Yentna Station Roadhouse, where they will take their 10-hour mandatory layover.

After the layover, they will return to Settlers Bay along the same route. The expected finish time for the first mushers will be about 10 a.m. Sunday.

The University of Alaska College Savings Plan will award $11,000 in scholarships to race participants. The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship, with $2,500 going to the second-place musher and $1,000 for third place. An additional $1,000 in scholarships will be awarded for the Sportsmanship Humanitarian Awards recipients.

"The Junior Iditarod Board of Directors is committed to the safety of our young mushers and their dogs. With the help of many dedicated volunteers, we anticipate another successful race," said Lori Henry, president of the board of directors.

Last year, the university awarded Nicole Osmar a $5,000 scholarship for finishing in first place. The second- and third-place participants were Dallas Seavey and Tessa King, who won $2,500 and $1,500 scholarships, respectively.