HUMAN

Name: Don Lyrek

Age: 66

Residence: Alta, Norway

Occupation:  Semi-retired

Years involved with Iditarod: Involved with the Iditarod, before I moved to Norway, for 10 years. This is the first time back in 17 years.

Iditarod Roles: Helping the Race Marshall.

Current Location: McGrath, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 9, 2022

Temperature: 32F Outdoors & Snowing

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

I first became involved with the Iditarod through Jeff King. I was living in Denali Park area and was helping him in his kennel. And then asked him if he would like somebody to run his B team in the Iditarod in 1995, which I did.

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

I’m here today and involved with the Iditarod mainly because my daughter, Hanna Lyrek, is running the Iditarod. And then I’ve been lucky enough to be helping on the Iditarod with Mark Nordman, the Race Marshall.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was…I have so many, but I would have to say just standing here, seeing my daughter run the Iditarod, is the most memorable for me.

What in life do you know for sure?

Well I know for sure it is short and you need to enjoy the moment. And I know for sure that my daughters, Hanna and Emma, are the best and most important people in my life.