The Last Great Race on Earth
The Iditarod

Called, “The Last Great Race on Earth,” Alaska’s Iditarod is a race that pits woman (man) and dog against Mother Nature.  The race takes place over an astonishing 1150 miles.  The teams cover some of the most dangerous and harsh terrain in the world, but also some of the most visually spectacular and beautiful. 

Each team is composed of one musher and a team of dogs.  The number of dogs on each team range from 12 to 16.  Each musher has her own strategy for running the course; some racing during the day and others in the evenings.  Regardless of strategy, each team will face sub-zero temperatures, brutal winds, cutting ice, snowfall and loss of visibility.  Each competitor is required to bring standard equipment; including, an Arctic parka, a heavy sleeping bag, ax, snowshoes, musher food, dog food, and boots for the feet of each dog.

The Iditarod leaves from Anchorage and finishes in Nome.  It will take between 10-17 days to complete the rugged and difficult course.  The Iditarod Trail is now a National Historic Trail.  It began as a mail and supply route, and then became a lifeline in 1925, when the Diphtheria epidemic struck Nome and serum was need to be delivered from Anchorage.  Again, the credit for the delivery of the medicine is given to the determined mushers and the heroic dogs.

Libby Riddles was the first woman to win the Iditarod in 1985.  Susan Butcher holds a significant and historic spot in the race, as well.  She was the first woman to place in the top ten, and became a four-time Iditarod Champion.  The strong bond between the women and their dog teams is credited for much of their phenomenal success.

The 2010 Iditarod will start on March 6 at 10AM.  The mushers and the dogs will have been training and preparing for the event for at least the last year.  Witnessing the Iditarod start (or finish) is an ‘once-in-a-lifetime treat.  It is certainly one of the great adventure competitions in the world.