HUMAN

Name: Diane Grow
Age: 67
Residence: I was from Pennsylvania. I am now an official resident of Alaska, even though I’ve only been here less than a year. 
Occupation: Retired, but work part-time at REI because that’s where you meet people.
Years involved with Iditarod: First year
Iditarod Role: Dog handler
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 first became involved with Iditarod when I just decided I need to do everything Alaska has to offer, and I volunteered and I’ve already done straw to go to all the checkpoints, musher food to go to all the checkpoints and people food to go to all the checkpoints. 

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

I am here today and involved with the Iditarod because it is just another adventure, and it is truly Alaskan.

Tell me about your most memorable Iditarod experiences?:

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences is when we weigh the bags that the mushers get sent out to every checkpoint, they have to be under 50 pounds.
If they’re not under 50 pounds, when it comes off the scale, everybody says boo. One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences is when the mushers bring their food in to get transferred to every single checkpoint, we have to weigh each bag. If the bag is over 50 pounds, everybody yells boo, and the musher is standing there somewhat embarrassed.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that you take every adventure you can and just keep adventuring.