HUMAN
Name: Marilyn Mapes
Age: 69
Residence: Knik, Alaska
Occupation: Retired RN
Years involved with Iditarod: Since 1996.
Iditarod Role: Part of the staging crew.
Current Location: Willow Community Center
Date of Photo: March 5, 2023
Temperature: -2
What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?
I first became involved with Iditarod back in the late ’70s, when I was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. And our base vet was Terry Atkins, who was the first veterinarian on the race. And at the time in ’78, ’79, he was actually running Iditarod. So that’s what got me involved in watching.
What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?
I’m here today involved with Iditarod because I enjoy the heck out of this race. My daughter has run it twice. I’ve just been involved with the dog mushing community for 20-plus years.
Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences:
One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was in 2018 when my daughter ran her first Iditarod, and I got to be her tag sled rider.
What in life do you know for sure?
What I know for sure in life is nothing is for sure. Jump in and do it if you want to, and enjoy the heck out of it.