The Jr. IDITAROD is always the week-end before the Big IDITAROD. It starts at the Willow community Center and goes out back country for about 175 miles with a lay-over at Skewentna for about 6 to 8 hrs. and back to the Community center. This is a fun race for Jr's less than 18yoa. to build a love of mushing and camaraderie. It is monitored closely by Adults for safety but they are on their own for the 175 miles. A big musher banquet is held afterward with the awards ceremony.