Ralph R Ray, Eagle River, Alaska Ralph Ray, originally from the state of Washington, came to Alaska for a wedding and fell in love with the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness and the warmth and friendliness of the people. They went back home, packed up and moved to Alaska in 1994. After being introduced to the state sport of dog mushing, Iditarod visions began to dance through his head "dazzling him like the Northern Lights." He has spent the last year putting together his team and preparing for "The Last Great Race." "My goal is to finish the face and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation with my faithful four-footed friends." The 44 year old investor says his hobby is mushing. He began mushing in February of 1995 and says he was drawn to the Iditarod as soon as he heard about it. "It’s such a challenge and I want to do it," Ray said. He has four children, Amy, 19, Becky, 17, Grace, 16, and Sarah, 13.

Kjell Rising, Kasilof, Alaska Kjell Risung was born in Norway in 1962. A physical therapist, Kjell worked at a hospital in Bemidji, Minnesota before coming to Alaska for a job in 1990. He is currently a physical therapist in Soldotna. He began mushing when they came to Alaska and ran the Iditarod in 1995. He plans to run a veteran team in this year’s race, with dogs from his kennel and from Jerry Austin’s kennel. He says that last year he completed all three of his goals: to finish in 14 days, to finish with a large team, and to have healthy happy dogs." In ‘96 his goals remain the same, but he hopes to make the top 20. Kjell is married. They have three children, Katrine, 6, Karissa, 4 1/2, and Kai, 2 1/2. Kjell lists his hobbies as dogs, wood working and singing.

Cliff Roberson, Seattle, Washington Cliff Roberson of Seattle, Washington, has been mushing dogs since 1990. Born in Washington, DC, the 47 year old neuro-surgeon became interested in the Iditarod while on a guided trip to the Gates of the Arctic Park in 1990 which was lead by Bill Mackey (brother of Rick Mackey). Cliff says that "when I developed an addiction to sled dogs and mushing, I had to cut back on my neuro-surgical practice considerably." His first Iditarod was in 1992 when he finished 51st. He is single and the father of a 4 1/2 year old daughter.

Randy Romenesko, Nome, Alaska Thirty-seven year old Randy Romenesko was born in Wisconsin. He came to Alaska in 1982. He began mushing soon after his arrival and was a KNOM volunteer at the Safety checkpoint during the 1983 race. Randy is a veteran of the Yukon Quest and numerous mid-distance races in northwest Alaska. A professional engineer, employed by the city of Nome, and dog hobbyist, Randy’s kennel of 24 dogs are from many Nome mushers and his own kennel of 14. The adventure of racing through Alaska by dog team is his attraction to the Iditarod Trail. Randy is a member of the Nome Kennel Club and lists his hobbies as youth softball, renewable energy and fly fishing. Randy and his wife, Terry, have two sons, Banner, 5, and Taylor, 3.