Support Laura's Return to the Iditarod Trail Invitational

Hi y’all—we’re skiing to McGrath. Again. For the first time. Wait…let me start over.

Hello,

I’m Laura.

You may know me as @lrushfeldt on social media, or TypeTwo on the trail. I live in the city but my heart lives in the woods. In 2024, I attempted to ski the Iditarod Trail Invitational 350–a Winter Ultramarathon in Alaska known as the “people-powered Iditarod”. I unfortunately wasn’t able to finish due to an absolutely epic mountain pass crossing that resulted in frostbite damage to my hand. So, after volunteering for the race this year , I’m heading back next February to finish the job.

Unfortunately, while my year off gave my fingers sufficient time to heal, the same cannot be said for my wallet. Squirreling aside spare cash these days is not easy—with one income and two dogs who have grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle, in an expensive Eastern Seaboard city, I’m still working on paying off the 2024 race.

This is not an emergency. On a scale of priorities of things on fire, I should hope and expect my expensive hobby and travel is VERY LOW on anyone’s list. That said, if you feel inclined to contribute and be part of this year’s pit crew getting me to the starting line…thank you. I know folks had a lot of fun following along and taking part in the process last time—I always have a lot of fun sharing my training, prep, and stories after the fact on my blog and social media, and I’ll be sure to share updates from here as well. I’ve outlined what I am fundraising for below. Any financial help removes some of the stress and lets me focus on the business at hand, which is the absolutely ludicrous proposition of skiing 30+ miles a day for ten straight days through the bone-chillingly-cold Alaskan backcountry. Real Type Two fun.

Welcome to the team! McGrath or Bust.

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Expenses being fundraised:

Registration cost

1,550

Flights to/from Alaska (incl. gear)

800

Flight from McGrath

200

Little Su 50k “warm up race” registration and day-of expenses

400

Week in AK prior to race (incl. accommodations and transportation)

1000

Athlete dinner at Rainy Pass Lodge (a fun one!)

100