HUMAN

Name: Sam Maxwell

Age: 64
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska

Occupation: General manager of a helicopter company.

How many years involved with Iditarod: 34

Iditarod Role: Pilot, trailbreaker, musher, board member.

Current Location: Lake Hood in Anchorage, Alaska
Date of Photo: February 26, 2022

Temperature: 33 F Outdoors

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

I got involved with the Iditarod in 1988. Jeff Schultz was a family friend and he was looking for a pilot. And so he was having dinner with my parents and got me involved. And I flew Jeff in 1989, all the way up to probably almost 2000.

Why are you here today and involved with the Iditarod?

I’m here today and involved with Iditarod because Jeff asked me to fly him for the 50th running of the Iditarod and I thought it would be pretty cool because I’ve been involved with Iditarod since the first Iditarod in 1973.

What is one of your most memorable experiences with the Iditarod?

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was running the race in 1998, and being around the volunteers, and seeing what all the volunteers do for Iditarod. That being said, trailbreaking, flying for Iditarod, being a board member, all of those things gave me innumerable experiences that I probably couldn’t even say in 15 minutes. The people of Iditarod are probably the most enjoyable part of the experience.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is life is short. Go out for the experiences when you’re young. I started with Jeff when I believe I was 32 years old and I’ll be 65 this year. Don’t wait until you think you have enough money or you have enough time. Do it now.