HUMAN

Name: Robyn Schmidt
Age: 52
Residence: Duluth, Minnesota
Occupation: Veterinarian
Years involved with Iditarod: Since 1999
Iditarod Role: I’m a fan
Current Location: Downtown Anchorage Ceremonial Start, Anchorage, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 1, 2025
Temperature: 30F outside

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

I started working with Iditarod in 1999, and I was dropped dog. I took care of the dogs during the course of the race that were dropped. Wonderful experience, and that’s what got me into veterinary medicine.

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

I’m here today because I came up to see friends and family, and I’m supporting Emily Ford, who’s musher 34 out there on the trail. She’s from Duluth, Minnesota, so I had to come up and support my girlfriend.

Tell me about your most memorable Iditarod experiences?:

One of the most memorable Iditarod experiences that I’ve ever had, there’s so many I can’t tell you, but I remember when Martin Buser became a citizen at the finish. I remember when Denny Albert and Mark Nordman, and Doug Swingley and Melanie got married at the end of the race, and I remember when Jeff King won his fourth Iditarod win. It was amazing.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure is life is short and precious, and we have to enjoy every moment.