HUMAN

Name: Michael Owens

Age: 29

Residence: Madisonville, Tennessee

Occupation: Pilot

Years involved with the Iditarod: 29

Iditarod Role: Volunteer in various capacities

Current Location: Nome, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 16, 2022

Temperature: 68F Indoors at Iditarod Headquarters

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

I got involved with Iditarod through my dad. I grew up with him volunteering and coordinating the Nome end of the race. And I would always help out as much as I could as a little kid. And as I grew up, I got more and more jobs and still come back and help out when I can.

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

I’m here today and involved with Iditarod because I enjoy the sport and I think it’s great for the community. And I want to help out and help keep the race going.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences.

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was watching my sister finish her rookie year in Nome and watching the community come out and support her and congratulate her on her arrival into Nome.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is community is important and Iditarod really helps bring together the community and helps focus the community around something good. And that’s always good to see.