The Iditarod dog sled race is one billed as “The Last Great Race” in the world. Over sixty mushers competed this year in the 1,300 mile challenge from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. The race usually takes anywhere from ten to fifteen days to complete depending on the weather conditions and terrain. Each musher begins with twelve to sixteen dogs with food and supplies waiting at numerous stops along the way. This year the winner crossed the finish line in nine days with the last finisher arriving in fourteen days.
I like to attend the “ceremonial” start in downtown Anchorage and photo up the scene. A couple of years ago I attended the “real” start in Willow, AK. Click here for the link. Enjoy the photos.
1,049 mile race course.
The lead dogs are very smart and well-trained and keep the other dogs in line. Here is one of the leads checking on the younsters.
Lining up the dogs.