Rasmusons are honorary mushers for Iditarod 2019

Philanthropists Ed and Cathy Rasmuson, long-time supporters of the Last Great Race on Earth, are being recognized as honorary mushers for the 2019 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to Nome.

The Iditarod Trail Committee’s board of directors said Feb. 11 that the couple epitomizes what the Iditarod looks for in its honorary musher, whose team leaves the starting line first during the ceremonial start of the race in downtown Anchorage.

The Rasmusons will be out of state during the event itself this year, but other members of their family will be in attendance for the ceremonial start on March 2.

“Both Cathy and I are touched to be named the 2019 Iditarod Honorary Mushers,” Ed Rasmuson said. “This race has been an integral part of both of our lives, and it epitomizes what Alaska is all about. Our family is most excited about the honor too.”

Ed Rasmuson is the chairman of the Rasmuson Foundation. He is also the former president and board chairman of National Bank of Alaska, and has been instrumental in ensuring that both National Bank of Alaska and Wells Fargo have supported the Last Great Race. He still chairs the statewide advisory board of Wells Fargo. His wife, in 1993, traveled with race founder Joe Redington Sr. by dog sled on the “Iditarod Challenge” from Knik Lake to Nome.

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