Steer Bride Will Race Iditarod to Site of Her Marriage Proposal

Wife Anjanette’s rookie run will take her to where husband Zach popped the question

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Mar 3, 2012 at 12:30 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 5, 2012 at 1:06 PM AKDT

SHEEP MOUNTAIN - For every musher who takes on the Iditarod, crossing the finish line in Nome is a monumental occasion.

There couldn’t have been a more appropriate place for lifelong Alaska resident Zach Steer to settle his family than at the base of Sheep Mountain.

Steer and his wife, Anjanette, have two full time jobs – running the lodge and racing dogs.

One of his greatest mushing moments came in 2007, the year he crossed the Iditarod finish line in third place, but that doesn’t top the moment that changed the rest of his life.

In 1998, as a rookie, Zack Steer popped the question. “I got down, and proposed and she said yes. Little did she know what she was getting into.”

“I had no idea he'd taped the ring onto his lead dog Henry's collar,” said Anjanette and added his unconventional method was a very special moment.

“He carried it all the way through the race, never got lost, never got separated.”

She recalls the overwhelming feelings of shock and surprise. “It was neat to have the moment under the burled arch.”

That 1998 race was the Iditarod he would never replace. “I think back to the six times I've done the Iditarod, probably my favorite one was my rookie one because it's so overwhelming, so all encompassing, and there's no way you can prepare for it.”

This year Anjanette will have a another emotional Iditarod memory. For the first time ever, this rookie will hit the trails with the hope of sliding under the same arch that she got proposed to almost 12 years ago.

“It will be a huge emotional moment for us, it's such an accomplishment and that's what I hope will keep me going in the middle of the race,” said Anjanette Steer.

She said she is as ready as any rookie can be.

Both husband and wife share a love for the lifestyle and home they’ve made nestled the mountains, all that’s left is a successful Iditarod finish for Anjanette Steer. It is the perfect setting for big dreams to run their course.
 

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Bob said on Saturday, Mar 3 at 1:33 PM

Their last name is spelled Steer not Steere.

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Anonymous said on Sunday, Mar 4 at 11:40 AM

Sooo Cool seeing someone in the race from my old hood!! Good luck and Gods speed!!!

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EA, Kenai said on Monday, Mar 5 at 10:53 PM

I LOVE great news stories like this. Positive, uplifting, cheerful. Thank you so much.

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