It’s the first Saturday in March 2023 and Jason is unloading his truck in Downtown, Anchorage.
It can only mean one thing – it’s time for Iditarod.
Jason arrives early, it is still dark. He is only the third musher there, being beaten only by father and son rookies, Gregg and Bailey Vitello from New Hampshire.
Jason takes his two sleds from his trailer. He has two sleds as one will travel behind him today as a “tag sled” which will be operated by Trent Taylor from Taylored Restoration
Jason got to meet up with some of his other sponsors, Dawn & Rick Ressler from Elk River in Minnesota. They kindly sponsored Jason and his team as Bronze Sponsors.
Jason also gets the chance to speak to his Iditarider. She will sit in front of Jason in his sled and go the whole way from the Start line on 4th Avenue to Campbell Airstrip, a distance of around 11 miles. The privilege of being an Iditarider is decided by an auction that happens before the race.
Other teams start to arrive including Brent Sass, Matthew Failor, Christian Turner & Kelly Maixner. It’s starting to get busy down the side streets off 4th Avenue.
Jason’ son, Patrick, stakes the dogs out attached to the truck, whilst Jason gets his sled ready for the day ahead including fixing the logos of his sponsors to the side.
Jason takes the time to catch up with old friend and Iditarod Veteran, Aaron Burmeister, from Nome. Aaron wasn’t running this year but was mentoring rookie, Eddie Burke Jr.
Jason’s brother, Lance Mackey, is this years honorary musher. The Mackey family gather at the start line as Jason cuts the ribbon, which signifies the start of Iditarod 2023. He then rushes back to his team as Bib #1 (the honorary musher), lead by Jr Iditarod winner, Emily Robinson, gets to the start line to be the first team to travel down 4th Avenue.
One of Jason’s handlers, who will help get his team to the start line, is Iditarod veteran, Duane Halverson, who has finished the race nine times, with four top ten finishes and came second in 1985, beaten only by Libby Riddles. That same year John Cooper was third, Rick Swenson fourth and Rick Mackey fifth.
Jason, his dogs, and handlers make their way from the side street on to 4th Avenue downtown Anchorage and line up for the start of this years Iditarod.
The countdown begins. Jason, his Iditarider and Trent are pulled by 12 of Jason’s team along 4th Avenue and the crowds cheer wildly.
The real race to Nome will start the next day in Willow.
3 Responses
Hey Jason
My name is Sandy and I’m from New Zealand. I have been watching with baited breath as you complete the 2023 Iditarod. I had watched and followed Lance for the last 5 year’s. I was extremely sad and shocked to hear of his passing. Having both him and your Mum on this this with you is so special. I wish you all the best for a safe finish.
Now I was wondering if you seek sponsorship for your team or individual dogs. I would really love to be able to help in some way. You never know I might make it over to watch you race .
Once you have finished the Iditarod and had time to catch your breath I’d love to hear back from you.
God speed and be safe.
Hi Sandy
thank you for your kind words
You can see sponsorship opportunities on this page
https://topnotchracingkennel.com/support/
thank you
Hi Sandy it’s Jason Mackey I am home from home safe and sound all caught up on my rest I would love to speak with you via phone or email if you could contact me at 907-521-3310 or J Mackey moc.liamg@912 definitely look forward to hearing from you sooner than later thank you have a great day it is Sunday the 26th sincerely Jason Mackey