NUPI is sponsoring the Berington twins who take part in the Iditarod 2020 race in Alaska. What is known today as the Iditarod Trail was largely developed during the late 1800s and early 1900s in the heyday of the Alaskan Gold Rush. Dogs had long been used by indigenous people for work on small family farms and transportation across the rugged, undeveloped Alaska interior. But it was the gold rush era that really made dog sledding a popular staple of Alaskan life, as dog teams were used to get people, mail, and supplies to remote settlements and the resulting gold back out during the winter months. There are many races one can enter that will test the limits of human determination. Some require top-of-the-line running shoes, others call for cutting edge bikes. Whatever the race, they all require a level of dedication and perseverance that sets them apart, that draws the attention, and often admiration, of others. And while we tip our fur-lined hats to all the great races held today, we can't help but agree that the Iditarod stands apart as The Last Great Race On Earth. It is a tribute to the past, a responsibility to the present, and a hope for the future. It pairs the determination of a single musher with the hearts and strength of a team of dogs to try and tackle 1,049 miles of some of the most unforgiving arctic wilderness that can be found today. Anna and Kristy Berington both live in Knik, Alaska. They have been loving life in Alaska since 2007 racing sled dogs, commercial fishing, building and constructing homes, landscaping and competing in sled dog races. They also have a sort of brand name which is Seeing Double Sled Dog Racing. Being able to raise and train dogs together has been a dream come true, and racing the Iditarod is a perfect fit for these endurance racers. These dreams have been made possible through the help and support from friends, family and sponsors. Anna started mushing when she was only nine years old. The twins have come a long way from mushing their pet dog in Wisconsin to giving tourist rides in the Sierra Nevada’s, to training with former champion Dean Osmar, and many mushing friends like Scott Janssen here in Alaska. Now dog mushing is a family affair with visits and help from Mom, Dad, and sister Kat, and of course their fur children, 30 amazing dogs! This is Kristy’s 11^th running of the Iditarod. “I love endurance sports and adventure!” says the ultra-athlete. “What better way to combine those two factors than running sled dogs in the most beautiful place in the world.” Never sitting still, in the offseason Kristy competes in many running races from half marathons to ultra-distances and triathlons with Anna. “Anna and I are always in friendly competition. I’m so proud of her in her mushing and athletic career. And to be part of it all with her is amazing. Thank you to the many fans, friends, family, volunteers and sponsors for making all of this possible. We couldn’t do it without you!”