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Emily Ford Competes in Iditarod: A Journey of Teamwork and Perseverance
Emily Ford, a 34-year-old who originally hails from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, but now resides in Duluth, recently completed the Iditarod race in Alaska. This challenging event, which took place over a span of 13 days, involved her mushing a team of dogs along the Yukon River.
Ford reflects on the experience, describing the course as both demanding and serene. She described the unique bond formed with her dogs during the trek, noting, “You [and the dogs] are an entire team moving together across the landscape. It’s not like you’re running a machine, or you have a motor. These dogs are near silent going across the land. It’s kind of mesmerizing. It’s such a cool way to move around the world.”
This year, the Iditarod route was extended by 120 miles due to insufficient snow cover, creating additional obstacles for the participants. Despite this, Ford achieved a commendable finish, placing 18th out of 33 competitors in her first attempt at the race. She expressed her delight at simply completing the journey, remarking, “A third of the field dropped out or scratched because something happened to them, or they had to leave, so even just to get under the arch felt amazing.”
Observing the strategies of other competitors, Ford noted that those who performed better tended to prioritize rest along the way. This observation resonated with her, prompting her to consider its broader implications. She advised, “Just take it easy, take your time, run your own race, don’t worry about what other folks are going.”
Ford’s motivation to enter the Iditarod stemmed from her partner Anna’s successful completion of the race the previous year. She hopes her journey will inspire other women, particularly those who might feel out of place in such competitive arenas. She encouraged individuals to pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. “If you have a passion for something that feels niche, something that feels like you don’t belong in it, if you have a passion for it, dive in and go for it, find resources you know,” she stated.
In addition to her racing pursuits, Ford chronicles her adventures on her blog Emily on the Trail. Her mission is to encourage people of color to explore the natural beauty of Minnesota. “What I’ve always said is the outdoors is for everybody, and literally everybody,” she emphasized.
The financial aspect of participating in the Iditarod was significant; Ford estimated the cost at around $50,000 to cover travel expenses, equipment, dog food, and veterinary bills. To help meet this financial requirement, she organized a fundraiser in Duluth. Despite facing adverse weather conditions on the day of the event, the community rallied support, allowing her to successfully reach her fundraising goal.
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