Famous Mushers

The Iditarod has served as a way for several individuals to make their mark in history. Rick Swenson has been the only five time winner of the Iditarod. He is the only musher to have entered twenty races and never fell short of the top ten finishers. Susan Butcher was the first woman to have finished in the top ten. She went on to win the Iditarod four times before losing her battle with leukemia. In 1985, Libby Riddles became the first woman to ever win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Men and women of all ages, hometowns, and backgrounds enter the Iditarod each year (The Official Site). Cliff Roberson, a four-time racer, is also a neurosurgeon. He enjoys the Iditarod because it is so far from the way he was brought up and it is a real challenge and accomplishment (Roberson). Each musher, whether winner of the Red Lantern or winning first place, has accomplished a feat few dare to attempt. Each musher takes pride in their accomplishments and continues to strive to improve.