Officials

Race Marshall - Mark Nordman

Mark Nordman lives at Denali National Park, Alaska where he cares for his own kennel. Sled dogs have been a part of his life since 1976. Over the years he competed in distance events in North America, South America and traveled nationally and internationally to Scandinavia, Europe and South America to officiate at countless racing events.

Mark has experienced the sled dog world from every angle. At present, his primary job is director of competition and logistics for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race along with village relations associated with that event. He has served as Iditarod's race marshal repeatedly for many years. In years past, Mark developed and managed sales of mushing equipment worldwide and served as a sled dog consultant to a large dog food company. Scientific investigators have sought him out for his unique expertise to assist in designing studies utilizing the distance sled dog as a model for endurance.

All of these experiences have contributed to making Mark a knowledgeable and well-rounded expert in the field of mushing.

First Judge - Ray Gordon

A Wyoming native, Ray is a veteran musher who has been mushing since 1962 and has participated in the Bear Grease, Iditarod and Race to the Sky. Ray competed in the 1996 and 1997 IPSSSDRs, and for the past three years has served as a judge for the race. He owns 15 dogs—six of them are yearlings.