The Iditarod

🗣️ We're back for another installment of 'Voices of the Volunteers' where we shine a spotlight on the amazing folks behind the scenes of the 2026 Iditarod — the dedicated volunteers who return year after year to help make The Last Great Race on Earth® happen.

Today, we're sharing a story from Iditarod volunteer, Kit Kennedy from Palmer, Alaska.

🔵 Years as an Iditarod Volunteer: 1st Year
🔵 2026 Location & Duty: Providing food, drinks and snacks to mushers and volunteers at the Skwentna Checkpoint.
🔵 Tell us something about your experience: "We prepped food in advance, froze it and freighted it to our checkpoint. Most of the volunteers snowmachined to Skwentna, but two of us had to fly in and out for various reasons.

Due to bad weather, the bush pilot we were using kept pushing our flight out - we were going to fly out at 1500 on Friday, then Saturday morning or afternoon, and then maybe Sunday.
Our checkpoint lead worked his magic, the Iditarod Air Force came to the rescue, and we arrived at the checkpoint at 1300 on Sunday. The first musher arrived at about 2100 that night; since we had shifts serving food, I ended up taking what turned into a long nap and missed several of the mushers.

We thought we were going home on Tuesday, but at 1400 on Monday we were told to be ready to leave at 1500! We only ate two of the many great meals we had prepped, and spent 26 whole hours at the checkpoint! Not quite what I expected but it was still an amazing trip and there's not much anyone can do about the weather! I can’t wait to go back."

We are so grateful for every single volunteer who gives their time, heart, and energy to support the race and the sled dogs. We truly couldn't do it without you! 💙🐾

🎉 Congratulations to 25-year Iditarod partner, Alaska Mining and Diving on an incredible 50 years serving Alaska! 🥳

From everyone at the Iditarod, thank you for being such a valued, long-time partner and supporter of The Last Great Race®. Your commitment to Alaska, its people, and the communities you serve has made a lasting impact, and we're proud to have you as part of the Iditarod family.

Here's to celebrating this amazing milestone and wishing you continued success for many years to come! 🎊👏

Happy 50th Anniversary, AMDS! 💛🖤

💥Founded in 1976 by two high school buds we have grown into an Employee Owned company with three unique stores on Commercial Drive serving the entire state of Alaska for FIFTY YEARS!

Help us celebrate by stopping in during the whole month of July and saying hello, signing up to win one of many door prizes, grab some free fiftieth anniversary stickers, free tote bag, and grab great deals on anything from gold pans to mini excavators😎