Badgers Racing Sled Dogs » Brats & Beer

March 2, 2008
posted under: Anne Capistrant, Iditarod, Jon Korta, Zoya DeNure

Up in Alaska they’re getting ready today to start the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an endurance test pitting man and beast against the elements and 1,100 miles of Alaskan wilderness. Surprisingly, there are more than a couple people with Wisconsin ties taking part in the world’s last great race.

Badger state native Jon Korta went to school in Minnesota before moving to Alaska to open a bed and breakfast with his wife; this is his second year racing the Iditarod. Anne Capistrant, originally from Madison, started training dogs in the Midwest before moving to Alaska in 2003. This is her first year in the Iditarod.

The most interesting story, though, is that of Iditarod rookie Zoya DeNure. Also a native of Madison, she was a fashion model working the runways of Italy before giving up that career to move to Alaska. She’s been raising and racing dogs there for a couple years.

Good luck to all and keep warm!