We Have a Starting Order!

At the banquet last night, the mushers were called to the stage one at a time in the order in which they signed up for the race.

Ken Anderson Comes to the Stage

They walked to the ceremonial mukluk, reached their hand in and drew a chip out.  At least it looked like a chip - I'll check with Angie about what it really was when I see her today.

Martin Buser reaches in....

They then walked to the podium, gave a little speech - mostly to thank their sponsors and announced their number to the press and audience.

Dallas Seavey gives his thanks...

The exited the stage and went into the "chute" where fans could wait to get autographs.

Autograph Chute

It was a really long process!  They started drawing about 7:30 and didn't finish until nearly ten.

Spot number one is reserved for a ceremonial musher, so Ray Redington Jr. will be the first out of the starting chute in position #2.  This year's ceremonial musher is Dave Olson of Knick who was one of the original Iditarod trail busters.  Dave Olson has finished the Iditarod four times himself!   Ryan Redington, Ray's brother, drew the last starting number.  It's somehow fitting that in the 40th anniversary, the Redingtons will start and end the opening ceremonies!

Some people I'm sure you are wondering about:
Jeff King - #10
John Baker - #11
DeeDee Jonrowe - #17
Lance Mackey = #18
Dallas Seavey - #34
Ken Anderson - # 39
Jan Steves (with Angie's dogs) - #40
Martin Buser - #41

Their starting numbers are also their bib numbers for the race.  So the sign-up numbers don't matter anymore!

You can check out all of the starting numbers on the Iditarod Home Page - it's linked from my Moodle Page - but here it is again:

http://iditarod.com/race/musher-listing/