Biography:
Aliy Zirkle, born in 1970 in New Hampshire, is an American champion of sled dog racing. Her passion for mushing led her to become one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the sport. Zirkle’s journey to becoming a renowned musher began when she moved to Bettles, Alaska at the age of twenty. The remote nature of the town and the allure of the Alaskan wilderness ignited her love for dog sledding.
In Bettles, Zirkle adopted six sled dogs and embarked on a remarkable learning journey. She dedicated herself to mastering the art of dog racing and training, immersing herself in the intricate world of sled dog culture. Fueled by determination and an unwavering bond with her canine companions, Zirkle quickly made a name for herself in the competitive arena.
In 1998, Zirkle competed in her first Yukon Quest, one of the most grueling long-distance sled dog races. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career as a racer. The following year, she made her debut in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a challenging 1,000-mile event that traverses the unforgiving Alaskan terrain.
Zirkle’s breakthrough came in 2000 when she became the first woman to win the prestigious Yukon Quest. With a time of 10 days, 22 hours, and 57 minutes, she showcased her exceptional skills and tenacity. This historic victory solidified her position as a trailblazer in the world of sled dog racing and served as an inspiration for aspiring female mushers.
Although Zirkle has been the runner-up in the Iditarod three consecutive years, from 2012 to 2014, her accomplishments in the race are exceptional. In 2014, she achieved her best time, finishing the race in 8 days, 13 hours, 6 minutes, and 41 seconds. This remarkable feat highlighted her unwavering determination, skill, and deep bond with her sled dogs.
Throughout her career, Zirkle has participated in numerous shorter dog sled races, including the Two Rivers 100, the Copper Basin 300, and the Yukon Quest 300. These races have allowed her to showcase her talents and consistently test her limits. Each race serves as a testament to her endurance, agility, and deep connection with her team of loyal sled dogs.
Zirkle’s exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed by her fellow mushers and the wider dog sledding community. She has received various prestigious awards throughout her mushing career. The Yukon Quest Challenge of the North award, bestowed upon the musher who embodies the spirit of the Yukon Quest, is one of the accolades she has earned. Zirkle’s unwavering spirit, determination, and success in challenging the Alaskan wilderness have made her a true ambassador for the sport.
Moreover, Zirkle has also been recognized for her exemplary care of her dogs. She was honored with the Iditarod Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award, which acknowledges her commitment to the well-being and welfare of her canine companions. This recognition not only reflects her skills as a musher but also showcases her genuine love and respect for her team.
Zirkle’s path in life intersected with fellow musher Allen Moore in 1998. The two kindred spirits formed a partnership that extended beyond the sled dog racing world. They married in 2005 and established Skunk’s Place (SP) Kennel in Two Rivers, Alaska. The kennel, named after one of the six dogs Zirkle adopted when she first moved to Alaska, serves as the foundation for their shared dreams and aspirations.
Despite her accomplishments, Zirkle faced a devastating incident during the 2016 Iditarod race. Alongside fellow competitor Jeff King, she was intentionally hit by a man on a snowmobile. This tragic event resulted in the loss of one of King’s dogs, demonstrating the dangers and challenges mushers face. Zirkle’s resilience and determination to persevere in the face of adversity embody the spirit of a true champion.
In 2021, Zirkle announced that she would retire after participating in her 21st and final Iditarod race. The decision came with mixed emotions, as it marked the end of an era for her and the sport. Zirkle’s husband, Allen Moore, retired the previous year after becoming the oldest musher to win the Yukon Quest. Their shared retirement symbolized the closing of a remarkable chapter in their lives.
Zirkle’s influence in the world of sled dog racing, particularly for women, cannot be overstated. Her accomplishments have shattered barriers and inspired countless individuals, both male and female, to pursue their dreams and embrace challenges head-on. With her exceptional skill, determination, and unwavering passion for sled dog racing, Aliy Zirkle has left an indelible mark on the sport and on women’s history.
Awards:
– Yukon Quest Challenge of the North award
– Iditarod Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award