THE IDITAROD TRAIL COMMITTEE is proud to announce that the 2009 Seppala Heritage Grant recipient is Wade Marrs from Wasilla Alaska (Home of the Iditarod).  The 18 year old Alaskan musher has been a part of the Jr Iditarod for two years.  Wade received the coveted Humanitarian Award in the 2008 Jr Iditarod.  He raced in five other Jr Sled Dog races during the 2008 season winning three and placing second in two.  Marrs is expected to sign up and run the 2009 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. He will receive the bulk of his $10,000 award after he successfully completes two qualifying races, totaling 500 miles.

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.
The Seppala Heritage Grant was founded by the Seppala Family with a $10,000 donation and a four-year commitment of $10,000 per year per recipient. It is the hope of the Seppala Family and the selection committee that other persons or organizations rise to the challenge and donate to this charitable grant with money or services, thereby increasing the outreach potential of this grant. 2004 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Champion, Mitch Seavey, met that challenge by donating $10,000 of his All-Alaska Sweepstakes winning purse in order keep this very important program alive.  Grant funds are administrated by Iditarod National Historic Trail, Inc., a private, nonprofit organization with 501, C-3 federal tax status.