HUMAN

Name: Susie Thennes

Age: 69
Residence: Dallas, Texas
Occupation: I’m a professional costumer. I design and fabricate costumes for the entertainment industry.
Years involved with Iditarod: 3
Iditarod Role: I check in the volunteers in the race headquarters.
Current Location: Coast Inn, Anchorage, AK

Date of Photo: FEBRUARY 27, 2025
Temperature: 68F

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

I got involved with the Iditarod after reading a book by Gary Paulson called Winter Dance, and I was enthralled with the idea of this last great race on Earth and I wanted to be involved behind the scenes.

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

I’m here today and involved with the Iditarod because this type of life in Alaska is so much different than what I experience in my normal life in Dallas, and I just want to help celebrate the athletes, both human and dogs that take all the chances to participate in this event.

Tell me about your most memorable Iditarod experiences?:

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was in 2019 when I got to attend the restart where the mushers were coming down the chute and taking off on the frozen lake at Willow. It was just very inspiring to be there and watch them go after their dream of finishing the Iditarod.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that I’m a child of God and that he loves me.