HUMAN

Name: Kristin McCarty
Age: 31
Residence: Ely, Minnesota
Occupation: Veterinarian

Years involved with Iditarod: This is my first year.
Iditarod Role: Volunteering to help with the pre-race veterinarian checks
Current Location: Iditarod Race headquarters, Wasilla, Alaska
Date of Photo: March 4, 2020
Temperature: –4 F outside

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

I got involved with the Iditarod because the practice that I work at in Ely, Minnesota, we see a lot of mushers, and a lot of sled dogs. And so I started working at some races around Ely. And then ended up coming up here, of course, being the premiere race. Also, I recently married a musher in Ely, Minnesota. And we’re starting our own kennel, so it’s pretty inspiring to be here working with these veterinarians, and seeing these mushers and these incredible teams. And just having something to work torwards. And just, it’s a very inspirational experience.

What is your Why?.. Why are you here today and involved in Iditarod?

All right. So my most memorable Iditarod experience – again, this is my first race – so I would say just making the drive here this morning, and seeing the mountains out the window; just an incredible view, and being surrounded with a bunch of other veterinarians who are up here for this amazing adventure.

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

All right. So my most memorable Iditarod experience – again, this is my first race – so I would say just making the drive here this morning, and seeing the mountains out the window; just an incredible view, and being surrounded with a bunch of other veterinarians who are up here for this amazing adventure.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know in life for sure is that it’s incredibly important to be kind to others, and just always try to understand where other people are coming from, and just always remember be kind, be kind, be kind.