why is joe redington the father of the iditarod
Joe Redington Redington became known as the "Father of the Iditarod" for his work promoting the race, and personally competed in seventeen Iditarods from 1974 to 1997, but never placed higher than fifth. Including a 5th-place finish at the age of 72! He was the honorary musher in the 1997 race, as he was 80 years old when he completed the race. Joe also organized and ran 5 Iditarod Challenges, a guided trip to Nome for paying clients, 1993-1997.