Some gain, some lose on trail

In the 2003 Iditarod Sled Dog Race, one town's loss will be another town's gain.

With the changes in the race route due to questionable conditions of the trails in interior Alaska, a few of the traditional checkpoints on the trail will be bypassed this season.

The restart was moved from Wasilla to Fairbanks, which skips popular checkpoint sites such as Skwentna, Finger Lake and McGrath.

With the Fairbanks restart, communities such as Manley and Tanana will be stops on the route of the 31st Iditarod.

Manley and Tanana will be part of the Iditarod Trail for the first time. Residents of Manley expect their community in particular to see an economic boost.

"It will certainly be a boost," Manley resident and owner of the Manley Roadhouse Robert Lee said . "It is the first time that a checkpoint will be on the road system, so we have no idea how many people will come."

Manley lies on the end of the Elliot Highway, approximately 160 miles from Fairbanks.

Lee noted that regardless of the number of people who visit Manley for the race, the local business will be greatly benefited by the influx of people.

In addition to the economic impact, the residents of Manley have the opportunity to be a part of Alaska's most prized sporting event.

"This is the most positive thing for Manley to happen in years," Manley resident Sabrina Jervsjo said.

While communities such as Manley are thrilled that the race is going through their area, towns such as McGrath are obviously feeling great disappointment.

According to McGrath vice mayor Edgar Cruise, nearly 300 people visit the small interior Alaska town each year for the Last Great Race.

"At least 100 tourists come per year and over 100 people involved in the race stay in McGrath," Cruise said.

The loss of the tourists will prove to be of significant economic impact according to McGrath residents.

"It is going to impact most business in town," Crusie said. "The airline, hotels, restaurants and taverns will be directly affected."

Cruise estimates a loss of about $100,000 to local businesses.

"It is frustrating," Cruise said. "It is our biggest seasonal economic impact."

Cruise noted that cancellation of the Iron Dog snomachine race is also cause for concern.

"I think as far as pleasure from the race, the Iron Dog draws more interest," Cruise said. "Everyone here is on a snowmachine. Adult men and children can relate to it.

"There is a minority of people locally with a long tradition of mushing," Cruise added. "There is a lot of excitement for the Iditarod. The real young kids get excited about the dogs."

Cruise noted that the McGrath school usually lets out for a mini-vacation for the race. Also a Chinese auction is normally held with the proceeds going to the school and local activities.

Despite the loss of tourism and revenue, Cruise said that the community is understanding and supportive of the route changes.

"We totally understand that is has been such a strange winter," Cruise said. "Most realize that the race is tough to put on. The warmer weather has made local conditions

treaturous."