Wasilla Alaska, THE IDITAROD TRAIL COMMITTEE is proud to announce that the 2008 Seppala Heritage Grant recipient is Melissa Owens from Nome Alaska. The 17 year old Alaskan musher has been a part of mushing since she was a young child, and has been a part of the Jr Iditarod since she was old enough to run in 2004. Melissa finished in first place in 2005 at the age of 15. She has also completed the Jr Yukon Quest, along with a number of short and mid distance races including the Dow Bowers 200.
The Seppala Heritage Grant is specifically designed to help fund the efforts of mushers who aspire to run the “Last Great Race to Nome” for the first time. Applicants have to demonstrate a commitment to work with, train and race sled dogs, and show value traits of generosity of spirit, courage, integrity and love for the dogs, land and people of Alaska.