Valley mushers call trail home, head to Nome

From defending champion Martin Buser to rookie Frank Sihler, a small portion of the Valley's population is calling the Iditarod Trail home for a few weeks.

The Valley has always had a strong showing in the race that traditionally starts in its own backyard, and this year is no exception. There are 14 mushers from the Valley this year, and they represent a cross-section of the entire Iditarod.

There is defending champion Buser, who is looking to add yet another title to his collection. Then there is fan favorite DeeDee Jonrowe, who has already proven to be a champion in her fight against breast cancer. Annual contender Ramey Smyth will race against his brother, Cim Smyth, for family supremacy. Linwood Fiedler is another top musher from the Valley to watch.

Peter Bartlett, Lance Barve, Russell Bybee, Ted English, Melanie Gould, GB Jones, Lynda Plettner, Sihler and Gerald Sousa are the other Valley mushers who are vying for Iditarod glory. While a championship isn't likely for most, just running the Last Great Race is a victory for all of them.