HUMAN

Name: Kimberly Menster

Age: 54

Residence: Cordova, Alaska.

Occupation: Commercial fisherman

Years involved with Iditarod: 12 or 15

Iditarod Roles: I’ve done just about everything. I’ve been a coms. I’ve been a trail person. I’ve been logistics. This year I’m a trail person.

Current Location: Puntilla Lake, Rainy Pass, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 7, 2022

Temperature: 20 F Outdoors 

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

I first became involved with the Iditarod when I was in Anchorage once during the ceremonial start. And I was talked into, coerced into going to the start. And it was a year that Martin Buser had cut off his finger and he stopped where I was and I tried to shake his hand and he gave me a big hug and I was hooked.

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

I’m here today and involved with the Iditarod because first of all, I believe in the history of dog mushing in Alaska. And this is the personification and dog-ification of dog racing in Alaska. It preserves a tradition. And I’m here in Rainy Pass specifically today because it’s the most beautiful place in Alaska, maybe anywhere. And the Iditarod flies me here if I move some hay and some dog food.

What do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is, and I learned this from Bert Hanson, who was the Chief Pilot of the Iditarod for a very long time, is that if it’s not fun, it’s probably not safe.