19 March 2018

Awards given out at 2018 Iditarod Mushers' Banquet

Nome, Alaska (KTUU) - The awards have been given out for the 2018 Iditarod and they are as follows, according to a press release from the Iditarod Trail Committee.
PenAir Spirit of Alaska Award: given out to the first musher to reach the McGrath checkpoint.
The musher receives a framed print by legendary Iditarod artist Jon Van Zyle, and 500 dollars in flight credit. This year's winner is Mitch Seavey.
GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award: given out to the first musher to arrive in Iditarod.
The musher receives 3-thousand dollars in gold nuggets and a commemorative trophy. This year's winner is Joar Leifseth Ulsom.
The Lakefront Anchorage First Musher to the Yukon Award: give to the first musher to the Yukon. This year, the award was given at the Aniak checkpoint.
The musher receives a five course, gourmet dinner prepared at the checkpoint by The Lakefront Anchorage executive chef Roberto Sidro and 3,500 dollars in one-dollar bills served on a commemorative gold pan. This year's winner is Nicolas Petit.
Bristol Bay Native Corporation Fish First Award: presented to the first musher to reach the Kaltag checkpoint.
The musher receives a check for two-thousand dollars and a certificate for 25 pounds of fresh-caught, Bristol Bay salmon. This year's winner is Nicolas Petit.
Northrim Bank Achieve More Award: the first year for this award, it's given to the first musher to reach the White Mountain checkpoint.
The musher receives a check for 2,500 dollars and a one of a kind print by Anchorage artist Marianne Wieland. This year's winner is Joar Leifseth Ulsom.
Rookie of the Year Award: presented to the top-placing rookie.
The musher receives a two thousand dollar check and a commemorative trophy. This year's winner is Jessie Holmes, who placed seventh overall with a time of 9 days, 23 hours, 39 minutes and 40 seconds.
Nome Kennel Club Fastest Time from Safety to Nome: presented to the musher with the fastest time from the Safety checkpoint to the finish in Nome.
The musher receives a 500 dollar check and a commemorative check. This year's winner is Nicolas Petit, with a time of two hours and nine minutes between the two checkpoints.
Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Official Truck Award: presented to the Iditarod champion.
The musher receives a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, valued at $40,000. This year's winner is Joar Leifseth Ulsom.
Matson Most Improved Musher Award: presented to the musher who bettered his/her previous finish by the most places.
The musher receives two thousand dollars in cash and a commemorative trophy. This year's winner is Matthew Failor, who went from 59th place last year and 13th this year, improving 46 places.
Donlin Gold Sportsmanship Award: the recipient of this award is chosen by fellow mushers.
The musher receives a three thousand dollar check and a commemorative check. This year's winner is Scott Janssen.
Most Inspirational Musher Award: this recipient is chosen by fellow mushers.
The musher receives the entry fee for the 2019 Iditarod. This year's winner is Jessie Royer.
Northern Air Cargo Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award: presented to the musher for the best attitude on the trail. The recipient is chosen by race staff and officials.
The musher receives 1,049 dollars in "pocket change" inside a Northern Air Cargo jacket. This year's winner is Richie Diehl.

5 comments:

On a Wing and a Whim said...

Congrats to all the winners!

Toirdhealbheach Beucail said...

My goodness Reverend. I had no idea the prizes were so much. That is incentive right there.

Rev. Paul said...

Indeed, Wing. It was a tough race this year, too, with old-fashioned blizzards & subzero temps.

TB, even the first prize of $50K doesn't come close to covering the cost of raising, feeding, caring for & training with the dogs. The $1,049 that the average racer gets is nice, but negligible. It's safe to say the mushers do it for the challenge of the race, and the love of the sport.

Old NFO said...

Congrats to all! I like the fact that the mushers get to award others they think are worth recognition!

Rev. Paul said...

That's a good point, NFO - not just "Mr/Ms Congeniality", but several. :)