Focus on the Family

I don't know if Dr. James Dobson (if you never heard of him, try Google) is even aware of the Iditarod, but he should be because The Last Great Race on Earth is nothing if not a family affair. Here are some examples that could cause one to believe the adage: A family that mushes together stays together. Oh, that's not an adage? Well, if we say it every year it eventually will be.

Example #1:



Musher Mitch Seavey fathered Musher Dallas Seavey, who married Musher Jen Seavey, all of whom raced in the 2009 Iditarod (Jen is still racing at the moment, but she's almost done). Both Mitch (#4) and Dallas (#6) finished in the Top 10.

Example #2:



Musher Aliy Zirkle (#17) is married to Musher Allen Moore (#33).


Example #3:



Veteran Musher Sonny Lindner (#11) fathered Rookie Musher of the Year, Chad Lindner (#30). Thirty-one years ago, Sonny Lindner himself won the Rookie of the Year award. There are no coincidences.

Example #4:



Musher Cim Smyth (#5) and Musher Ramey Smyth (#9) are brothers, and both finished in the Top 10 this year. Their father, Bud Smyth, was one of the founders of the Iditarod.

Example #5:




Musher Ray Redington, Jr (#20) and Musher Ryan Redington (#36) are the sons of veteran musher Raymie Redington and grandsons of Iditarod founder Joe Redington.

There may be more family connections in this year's race than I have noted here, and if I have missed any I assure you it was inadvertent.