Dashing doctor and his dogs

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tommie Baker
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 34th annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of 4th Avenue and D Street in downtown Anchorage. 

Thomas Knolmayer, 3rd Medical Group chief of surgery, will guide his team for the second year through the nearly 1,150-mile course, roughly the distance between New York City and Orlando, Fla.

The doctor, like last year, is the only active-duty member running in the race.

“It’s colder this year than last, which is good for the dogs,” he said. “Our training has been better and the entire team is more experienced.”

A rookie musher in 2005, Knolmayer finished the race in 13 days, 22 hours, 13 minutes and 25 seconds.

“Our goal this year is to beat last year’s time,” he said.

The Outdoor Life Network will broadcast coverage of the 2006 Iditarod. The first episode airs at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. EST March 18; the second at 10 p.m. EST March 25 and third at 10:00 p.m. EST April 1.

For more information about the race, visit http://www.iditarod.com. (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces)