HUMAN

Name: Joyce Guest
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired from Social Worker, Public Educator, Public Health
Years involved with Iditarod: Since 1992
Iditarod Role: Phone room and more
Current Location: Downtown Anchorage Ceremonial Start, Anchorage, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 1, 2025
Temperature: 30F outside

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?:

I came from Bethel, and I wanted some things to do. And I met a dog musher there and he wanted to know if I wanted to help take care of his dogs, and right on the second sled. And that got me started. 

And I did my Chautauqua race on the Kuskokwim River. I came in second, and it was close. And it was a mass start, so I really fell in love with the dogs, and I’ve taken care of dogs when the mushers go on vacation. And I started volunteering in 1992, and that first job was in the phone room, and then just done all kinds of jobs here. And I just love the sport.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

OK, I am here today involved with Iditarod because it’s the Alaska state sport and I love this sport. And I’ve been on back of sleds helping mushers. And I just want to see it continue, to continue, to continue forever.

Tell me about your most memorable Iditarod experiences?:

My most memorable Iditarod experience was when it went down Knik-Goose Bay Road. And we started out up there in Wasilla, at the old airport, and we just traveled along Knik-Goose Bay Road. And that was fun, and people would be camping out along the way and it would resume at Knik Lake.

What do you know for sure?:

God is good. And that Iditarod will continue forever.