By: Nikki Allen 2010 Teacher on the TrailTMFinalist
The Iditarod is in his blood. For Ray Redington, Jr., the Last Great Race is something that he has been raised in the midst of. Being the grandson of Iditarod founder Joe Redington, Sr., Ray comes from a line of Iditarod mushers. Not only did his grandfather found the race, his father Raymie was an Iditarod musher and now Ray and his brother Ryan are following in their footsteps. Born and raised in Knik, Ray began racing at the age of seven or eight where he ran one-dog races. He says that having family support throughout the year and during race time is extremely important. Of course, Ray’s father Raymie is always there to lend a hand or give advice along with his mother, brother Ryan, and wonderful wife Julia who energetically support his racing. Ray also has two children, three-year-old Ellen and three-month-old Isaac. When asked if Ellen and Isaac would follow in the family footsteps, Ray says that he would love to see his children race, but it would also be fine with him if they wanted to do something else. And does Ray feel any pressure to always have a Redington in the race? He says no, but he “feels that when he is in the race it is nice to have a good dog team and a good showing.”
In preparation for the Iditarod Ray typically runs at least two races. Usually a 200 and 300 mile race. This year he finished second in the Knik 200 and fourth in the Klondike 300. After all of the excitement of the ceremonial start and restart of this year’s Iditarod, Ray says that he will really enjoy just getting out there on the trail with his team. According to Ray, his favorite thing about racing is “being able to get the dog team into a rhythm with each other. It is definitely a team sport. You have to have them working together.” Getting to Nikolai in one piece (with a healthy team and no broken sleds) will be one of the most challenging aspects of the trail this year. Ray also mentioned that the heavy snowfall could pose a problem with moose this year. Moose will travel a hard packed trail if there is heavy snow and can be on the trail as the mushers come through.
Ray is starting 10th in this year’s Iditarod. He and his team are primed and ready to go. With the support of his family, friends, and fans Ray will continue to carry on the Redington family tradition of Iditarod mushers. We wish him safety and the best of luck on his journey to Nome.
