A New Champion (and Many Years of the Same One?)

13 March 2012
9:07 PM


Dallas Seavey, 25 years old, crossed under the Burled Arch at 19:29:26 (7:20 PM AKDT).  That young man has a lot of grit and determination to accomplish what he did at such a young age.  Dallas has not had an abundence of money or resources to set himself up for this accompishment.  People say his team is second string with a few strong leaders from Aaron Burmeister's former team.  Folks say he has capitalized on his personal strength, stamina, and drive to win.  I have respect for him; he and Aliy Zirkle made this race one of the most interesting Iditarod to follow in a long while.  They dueled it out fair and square and both showed grit, determination, and good planning.

A lot of speculation will go into why Aliy did not keep the lead and, thoughtful person that she is, she made a few observations herself - such as the run from Kaltag to Unalakleet where she broke trail in soft snow for hours.  Be that as it may,  I think the days of the pundits saying she and her teams can't maintain over the long haul are gone.  She ran a good race.  There is no question about it.  They both ran spectacular races and I have respect for both Aliy and Dallas.

I have respect for Dallas ... and I admit to a sinking feeling.

My first few years in Alaska were dominated by Mackey winning four consecutive Iditarods.  Dallas is young and not likely to wear out as quickly as previous champions.  Commentators are already speculating that due to his youth, athleticism, and vigor, he is the odds on favorite for next year.  Are we going from one super star to another?  Will this become another boring string of wins for one individual?

In general, folks do love a super hero, though.   There is a thrill in rooting for a sure winner, isn't there?  You can go home at the end of the day feeling really good about things because your team won.  Heck, I feel great and my team came in second!  But a person who wins becomes an instant celebrity and his or her life is explored and promoted throughout the media.  Due to the exposure, race followers can feel they get to know the person a bit; they have a part of that prominence.

I admit it, I am not one to live in awe of super heroes.  For a few of us odd folks,  this could become a very boring few years.  I think this must be a personality flaw - that I become bored with the same winner each year.  The race isn't boring and there is always a lot of drama through out the race.  For example, there is a raging ground blizzard across Norton Sound.  Several teams holed up in Shaktoolik and finally ventured in groups across the ice.

Lance Mackey, former Iditarod champ, carefully marshaled several teams along the right trail with his outstanding and intelligent leader, Maple.  Then Jim Lanier and rookie Mike Santos left followed within 20 minutes by Kelly Maixner and Cym Smyth.  The latter two caught up with Jim, but Mike got separated somehow.  He has gone into the jumble ice with no clear way back, no marker, so indicator of where to go.  He sits there as I type, waiting for the wind to stop blowing - waiting for the dawn ... waiting.

But many race viewers have long since turned off the TV, closed down the computer screen and gone on about their business.  A super hero may have been born tonight while another, a rookie, may well be fighting for his life and that of his team.  I admit it, I am not one to live in awe of super heroes,  but I am in awe of anyone who mushes from Willow to Nome.

PS  11:02 PM - Mike Santos is a few miles outside of Koyuk now.  Life is good