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Otto's 2022 Iditarod Run

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The Goal: Iditarod 2022

Hi, my name is Amanda Otto, a dog musher based out of Denali Park, Alaska.


I have the immense privilege of working and training at Husky Homestead , owned and operated by four-time Iditarod champion, Jeff King!  

Two passions have shaped my world since childhood: athletics and dogs. Traversing 1,049 miles of wilderness by dog team might sound bizarre, but it's the pinnacle of my mushing endeavors. I was first introduced to the sport of dog mushing in 2016 after a freak accident derailed my soccer career. Determined to still participate in a sport I loved, I immersed myself in the world of sled dogs and set me eyes on finishing the Iditarod, The Last Great Race . 

Over the last two years I have earned the qualifications necessary to compete in the Iditarod. Thanks to Jeff and his remarkable dogs, I completed the Copper Basin 300, the Willow 300, the Alpine 200, and hundreds of additional miles across the state of Alaska.

People often ask me, "why Iditarod?" I love dogs and the outdoors. I think that's how most mushers get hooked initially. But the Iditarod (and dog mushing in general) is an extreme metaphor for life. Things rarely go as planned, hardship is inevitable and you need to adapt to survive. I have certainly learned more from these dogs and have grown as a person from the obstacles we tackle together. These dogs are the real athletes - my teammates, coworkers and closest companions. Their insatiable desire to run inspires me everyday. Ultimately, the Iditarod celebrates the indomitable spirit of these dogs and their unique role in Alaskan history .
   

The Cost 

Iditarod is a big investment and we are looking for sponsors! Race day is Saturday, March 5, 2022. Your donation provides each dog (and myself) with the nutrition, medical care and gear required for the race. 

Our fundraising target: $20,000

Here's a "bare bones" estimate for a musher and team running the Iditarod: 

- Iditarod Entry fee: $4,000
- Pre-race Vet Checks: $350
- Dog Booties: $1,800
- Dog Food: $3,000
- Equipment and gear: $8,000 
- Handler expenses: $1,000
- Travel expenses: $3,500
- Musher's food: $500
- Misc pre and post-race expenses: $1,500

Grand Total: $23,650

Join the Team

Behind every successful individual is a village of remarkable people. Anything I have achieved in life is a result of others who have helped me along the way.

Thank you for your interest in supporting our race and turning my dream into a reality! Your donation - big or small - is greatly appreciated.


Keep in touch

The dogs and I would like to share our Alaskan adventure with you!  Get to know the athletes, hear stories from the trail, enjoy photos and more in our monthly newsletter between now and race day.   

To sign up for the newsletter, please send your contact information to [email redacted]

You can also follow the adventure via social media:
Instagram @otto.upnorth
Facebook  @huskyhomestead

Happy Trails!
Donate

Donations 

  • Julie Schneider
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Michael Rodin
    • $100
    • 2 yrs
  • Dilyn Gregory
    • $90
    • 2 yrs
  • Natalie Cravens
    • $100
    • 3 yrs
  • Rhonda Jones
    • $500
    • 3 yrs
Donate

Fundraising team (3)

Amanda Otto
Organizer
Denali National Park, AK
Leah Otto
Team member
Jim Otto
Team member

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