The race paid a film crew to cover it. Jay Steere, a spokesman for Timberland Co., said, ''The Humane Society involvement was honestly not the main reason we pulled out of the race.''The outdoor clothing company benefited tremendously from its eight years sponsoring the race, he said. Race officials turned to Alaskans and Alaska businesses for support. Plans were made to increase Iditarod gift shop sales and promote amembership program. National Bank of Alaska, a long-time sponsor, stuck with the race.
Alaskan sponsors are closer to the issues here.
Tales from the Last Great Race , published as a special section to the Anchorage Daily News on February 23, 1997.