The 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) is described as one of the most challenging experiences on the planet, following the historic Iditarod Trail from Knik to Nome, Alaska. Participants brave extreme physical, environmental, and mental challenges as they work their way along the historic Iditarod Trail on bicycle, foot, or skis. Requiring self-sufficiency and the considerable resilience to make it through up to 30 frozen days and nights, the ITI has built its reputation on notoriously inhospitable conditions and minimal outside support. The 1,000 mile men’s bike record is held by Jeff Oatley of Alaska, who in 2014 recorded a time of 10 days, 2 hours and 53 minutes. The 1,000 mile women’s bike record is held by Jill Horner of Colorado, who in 2016 recorded a time of 17 days, 3 hours and 46 minutes.

After setting a new fastest known time (FKT) on the 1,700-mile Baja Divide route in Mexico last year, raising more than $40,000 for ALS in the process, Miron Golfman set his sights on the 2023 Iditarod Trail Invitational. He started his race on Sunday, February 26th, spending the first section of the race with his friend Tyson Flaherty (winner of ITI 350). After a full night’s sleep and some solid rest, he completed the final stretch to McGrath, resting for another few days until the dog sled trail breakers came through to clear the route ahead. He pushed through challenging conditions and winds up to 70 miles per hour, keeping ahead of the sled dogs for the majority of the race. He finished just before 1 p.m. yesterday in Nome, Alaska, becoming the first finisher of this year’s 1,000-mile ITI.

Similar to Miron’s Baja Divide FKT, this year’s Ride to Endure is fundraising for the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital. The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center is a world leader in providing more ALS patients with access to experimental treatments through Expanded Access Program (EAP) protocol. This year, the Ride to Endure has already raised more than $20,000. Each $10,000 is enough to fund one patient through the program. Miron is again riding to support his Uncle Bruce, who is lucky enough to have received treatment through the program.

Learn more about the Ride to Endure project and make a donation at RidetoEndure.com.

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