Libby Riddles

Riddles' dramatic victory in 1985 generated an unprecedented level of press coverage and brought Riddles—and the Iditarod—instant fame. "Being the first woman to win, and winning in such bold fashion, caught people's attention," reported the Anchorage Daily News. "She was a phenomenon, sparking a nationwide burst of Libbymania.… President Ronald Reagan sent her a telegram of congratulation. Vogue ran her picture. The Women's Sports Foundation made her its Professional Sportswoman of the Year." In addition, March 21, 1985 was proclaimed Libby Riddles Day in Alaska. "Her win and her grace afterwards led to a tremendous increase in nationwide and worldwide publicity for the race," said race official Tim Jones.

Riddles lives near Anchorage, Alaska, where she continues to raise and train sled dogs. In 2002, Sasquatch Books celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Iditarod by publishing a revised edition of Riddles' book, Storm Run: The Story of the First Woman to Win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The book, written for children, recounts Riddles' winning ride. "We moved into the blackest of nights," she writes. "I couldn't make out any runner tracks. In fact, I could barely see the trail. I was either lost—or in first place."