HUMAN

Name: Mary Pignalberi
Age: over 70
Residence: All of Alaska
Occupation: An adventure ambassador for Salmonberry Tours.
Years involved with Iditarod: From 1992.  
Iditarod Role: I’m Martin Buser’s number one fan.
Current Location: Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska. 
Date of Photo: March 7, 2020
Temperature: 15F/Outdoors

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

I got involved with Iditarod in 1992 when I was out in Nome, Alaska, and I saw Martin Buser win his very first of four championship races. That started it, and I decided then that if I ever got a chance to be an IditaRider, it was going to be with him.

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

I am here today and involved with Iditarod because being a 51 year Alaskan and basically being part of the race from the beginning almost, I love it to death. It’s kind of a quasi-addiction. But I do take a big part in all the activities related to it, and I just love coming down to see the mushers and get the race off to the right start.

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

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was in 2005, and I was scheduled to be Martin’s IditaRider. Two days before the race he buzz-sawed his finger, and everyone was freaking out and calling me and wanting to know if I knew about it. And I said, “No, what? No.”
So they told me and I thought, “Oh my gosh, here we go. He’s not going to be able to do the race.” And lo and behold, the IditaRider luncheon, he came in after his doctor appointment and I said, “Oh my God, you look amazing. And he said, “You know what, Mary?” I said, “I can’t believe you’re going to do this race.” And he said, “You know what, you don’t work hard all year long and not show up for payday.” And I’ve always remembered him saying that. So I got to ride as his IditaRider with the Velcro harness up on his shoulder, and it was an amazing time.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that I live in the most beautiful, spectacular place there is. I mean, as all states and countries have shortcomings, Alaska has a few, a minimum number, but I have spent more than half my life here and there’s no place as special as this state.