The Iditarod is the world’s longest dog sled race. The trail runs 1,151 miles from Anchorage to Nome (Alaska cities) along an old mail route known as the Iditarod Trail.

The Iditarod race starts in The Iditarod race starts in Anchorage, Alaska on the first Anchorage, Alaska on the first Saturday in March every year. Saturday in March every year. This year 71 mushers are This year 71 mushers are scheduled to compete in the scheduled to compete in the race beginning on March 6. The race beginning on March 6. The winner usually takes nine days winner usually takes nine days to finish the race. The last to finish the race. The last team takes two weeks or more.team takes two weeks or more.

The Iditarod race starts in The Iditarod race starts in Anchorage, Alaska on the first Anchorage, Alaska on the first Saturday in March every year. Saturday in March every year. This year 71 mushers are This year 71 mushers are scheduled to compete in the scheduled to compete in the race beginning on March 6. The race beginning on March 6. The winner usually takes nine days winner usually takes nine days to finish the race. The last to finish the race. The last team takes two weeks or more.team takes two weeks or more.

This year there are 16 women This year there are 16 women mushers and 55 men. Forty-six mushers and 55 men. Forty-six are from the state of Alaska are from the state of Alaska and 13 are from other states and 13 are from other states (nobody from Michigan this (nobody from Michigan this year!) Eight mushers are from year!) Eight mushers are from Canada, two are from Scotland, Canada, two are from Scotland, and one musher each from and one musher each from Belguim and JamaicaBelguim and Jamaica. There are 71 . There are 71 mushers in all.mushers in all.

This year there are 16 women This year there are 16 women mushers and 55 men. Forty-six mushers and 55 men. Forty-six are from the state of Alaska are from the state of Alaska and 13 are from other states and 13 are from other states (nobody from Michigan this (nobody from Michigan this year!) Eight mushers are from year!) Eight mushers are from Canada, two are from Scotland, Canada, two are from Scotland, and one musher each from and one musher each from Belguim and JamaicaBelguim and Jamaica. There are 71 . There are 71 mushers in all.mushers in all.

The Iditarod follows two The Iditarod follows two different trails: the Northern different trails: the Northern Route on even numbered years Route on even numbered years and the Southern Route on odd and the Southern Route on odd numbered years. This year is numbered years. This year is the Northern Route. The teams the Northern Route. The teams stop at 27 checkpoints along stop at 27 checkpoints along the waythe way. .

The Iditarod follows two The Iditarod follows two different trails: the Northern different trails: the Northern Route on even numbered years Route on even numbered years and the Southern Route on odd and the Southern Route on odd numbered years. This year is numbered years. This year is the Northern Route. The teams the Northern Route. The teams stop at 27 checkpoints along stop at 27 checkpoints along the waythe way. .

Sixteen dogs and one musher Sixteen dogs and one musher make up a team in the Iditarod. make up a team in the Iditarod. If a dog becomes sick or If a dog becomes sick or injured it is left with a injured it is left with a veterinarian at a checkpoint veterinarian at a checkpoint and flown to the end of the and flown to the end of the race. Teams must finish with race. Teams must finish with at least 5 dogs at the end of at least 5 dogs at the end of the race.the race.

Sixteen dogs and one musher Sixteen dogs and one musher make up a team in the Iditarod. make up a team in the Iditarod. If a dog becomes sick or If a dog becomes sick or injured it is left with a injured it is left with a veterinarian at a checkpoint veterinarian at a checkpoint and flown to the end of the and flown to the end of the race. Teams must finish with race. Teams must finish with at least 5 dogs at the end of at least 5 dogs at the end of the race.the race.

There are no roads on the There are no roads on the Iditarod trail. The only way Iditarod trail. The only way to follow the teams is by to follow the teams is by snowmobile, airplane, or dog snowmobile, airplane, or dog team. team.

There are no roads on the There are no roads on the Iditarod trail. The only way Iditarod trail. The only way to follow the teams is by to follow the teams is by snowmobile, airplane, or dog snowmobile, airplane, or dog team. team.

Although the mushers want Although the mushers want to do their best, they stop to do their best, they stop to help each other whenever to help each other whenever needed. Good sportsmanship needed. Good sportsmanship is more important than the is more important than the competition. All the teams competition. All the teams are cheered for when they are cheered for when they finish the race.finish the race.

Although the mushers want Although the mushers want to do their best, they stop to do their best, they stop to help each other whenever to help each other whenever needed. Good sportsmanship needed. Good sportsmanship is more important than the is more important than the competition. All the teams competition. All the teams are cheered for when they are cheered for when they finish the race.finish the race.

There are different positions There are different positions and jobs for the dogs. The dogs and jobs for the dogs. The dogs in the front are called in the front are called LeadLead dogs. They are usually the dogs. They are usually the smartest dogs and lead the smartest dogs and lead the group. Next are the group. Next are the SwingSwing dogs, dogs, followed by followed by TeamTeam dogs. Just in dogs. Just in front of the sled are the front of the sled are the WheelWheel dogs, usually the strongest dogs, usually the strongest dogs.dogs.

There are different positions There are different positions and jobs for the dogs. The dogs and jobs for the dogs. The dogs in the front are called in the front are called LeadLead dogs. They are usually the dogs. They are usually the smartest dogs and lead the smartest dogs and lead the group. Next are the group. Next are the SwingSwing dogs, dogs, followed by followed by TeamTeam dogs. Just in dogs. Just in front of the sled are the front of the sled are the WheelWheel dogs, usually the strongest dogs, usually the strongest dogs.dogs.

Each musher sends about 2,000 pounds Each musher sends about 2,000 pounds of dog food ahead to checkpoints of dog food ahead to checkpoints (called “Food Drops”). Every sled dog (called “Food Drops”). Every sled dog needs between 10,000 and 14,000 needs between 10,000 and 14,000 calories of food each day during an calories of food each day during an endurance race like the Iditarod. The endurance race like the Iditarod. The dogs also need lots of water, so they dogs also need lots of water, so they mix water with the food to make a mix water with the food to make a “soup” for the dogs. The dogs also “soup” for the dogs. The dogs also get snacks every few hours while they get snacks every few hours while they are running.are running.

Each musher sends about 2,000 pounds Each musher sends about 2,000 pounds of dog food ahead to checkpoints of dog food ahead to checkpoints (called “Food Drops”). Every sled dog (called “Food Drops”). Every sled dog needs between 10,000 and 14,000 needs between 10,000 and 14,000 calories of food each day during an calories of food each day during an endurance race like the Iditarod. The endurance race like the Iditarod. The dogs also need lots of water, so they dogs also need lots of water, so they mix water with the food to make a mix water with the food to make a “soup” for the dogs. The dogs also “soup” for the dogs. The dogs also get snacks every few hours while they get snacks every few hours while they are running.are running.

The mushers have pre-cooked, The mushers have pre-cooked, frozen food in heavy plastic bags frozen food in heavy plastic bags sent ahead to the checkpoints. sent ahead to the checkpoints. They thaw and heat the food on They thaw and heat the food on their little stove. They get their little stove. They get drinking water at the check points drinking water at the check points but also have juice boxes and but also have juice boxes and gatorade to drink. Most mushers gatorade to drink. Most mushers also bring snacks like trail mix, also bring snacks like trail mix, candy, and beef jerky to eat.candy, and beef jerky to eat.

The mushers have pre-cooked, The mushers have pre-cooked, frozen food in heavy plastic bags frozen food in heavy plastic bags sent ahead to the checkpoints. sent ahead to the checkpoints. They thaw and heat the food on They thaw and heat the food on their little stove. They get their little stove. They get drinking water at the check points drinking water at the check points but also have juice boxes and but also have juice boxes and gatorade to drink. Most mushers gatorade to drink. Most mushers also bring snacks like trail mix, also bring snacks like trail mix, candy, and beef jerky to eat.candy, and beef jerky to eat.

The Iditarod trail goes through spruce The Iditarod trail goes through spruce forests, mountains, and over frozen forests, mountains, and over frozen rivers. Rainy Pass is the highest rivers. Rainy Pass is the highest point on the trail: 3,160 feet above point on the trail: 3,160 feet above sea level and on top of the Alaska sea level and on top of the Alaska Mountain range. Then they go down a Mountain range. Then they go down a rocky gorge which drops 1,000 feet in rocky gorge which drops 1,000 feet in the first five miles. This is a the first five miles. This is a dangerous part of the trip as many dangerous part of the trip as many teams fall and sleds can overturn teams fall and sleds can overturn here.here.

The Iditarod trail goes through spruce The Iditarod trail goes through spruce forests, mountains, and over frozen forests, mountains, and over frozen rivers. Rainy Pass is the highest rivers. Rainy Pass is the highest point on the trail: 3,160 feet above point on the trail: 3,160 feet above sea level and on top of the Alaska sea level and on top of the Alaska Mountain range. Then they go down a Mountain range. Then they go down a rocky gorge which drops 1,000 feet in rocky gorge which drops 1,000 feet in the first five miles. This is a the first five miles. This is a dangerous part of the trip as many dangerous part of the trip as many teams fall and sleds can overturn teams fall and sleds can overturn here.here.

Takotna is the checkpoint at Takotna is the checkpoint at mile 436. This is the only mile 436. This is the only place mushers have to take a place mushers have to take a shower during the race! There shower during the race! There are only 58 people who live are only 58 people who live here, but they welcome the here, but they welcome the mushers with home cooked meals mushers with home cooked meals and delicious pies.and delicious pies.

Takotna is the checkpoint at Takotna is the checkpoint at mile 436. This is the only mile 436. This is the only place mushers have to take a place mushers have to take a shower during the race! There shower during the race! There are only 58 people who live are only 58 people who live here, but they welcome the here, but they welcome the mushers with home cooked meals mushers with home cooked meals and delicious pies.and delicious pies.

Mushers pass the town of Mushers pass the town of Iditarod about halfway through Iditarod about halfway through the race. The town is now a the race. The town is now a “ghost town” which means no one “ghost town” which means no one lives there anymore. A long lives there anymore. A long time ago gold was found nearby time ago gold was found nearby and many people came here. When and many people came here. When the gold was gone, all the the gold was gone, all the people moved away. The word people moved away. The word Iditarod means “a far distant Iditarod means “a far distant place.”place.”

Mushers pass the town of Mushers pass the town of Iditarod about halfway through Iditarod about halfway through the race. The town is now a the race. The town is now a “ghost town” which means no one “ghost town” which means no one lives there anymore. A long lives there anymore. A long time ago gold was found nearby time ago gold was found nearby and many people came here. When and many people came here. When the gold was gone, all the the gold was gone, all the people moved away. The word people moved away. The word Iditarod means “a far distant Iditarod means “a far distant place.”place.”

The first musher to reach Ruby The first musher to reach Ruby (northern route) or Anvik (northern route) or Anvik (southern route) wins a seven-(southern route) wins a seven-course, gourmet dinner flown in course, gourmet dinner flown in from a fancy restaurant in from a fancy restaurant in Anchorage and $5000. This is the Anchorage and $5000. This is the first checkpoint along the Yukon first checkpoint along the Yukon River. The trail turns here for a River. The trail turns here for a long run down the river.long run down the river.

The first musher to reach Ruby The first musher to reach Ruby (northern route) or Anvik (northern route) or Anvik (southern route) wins a seven-(southern route) wins a seven-course, gourmet dinner flown in course, gourmet dinner flown in from a fancy restaurant in from a fancy restaurant in Anchorage and $5000. This is the Anchorage and $5000. This is the first checkpoint along the Yukon first checkpoint along the Yukon River. The trail turns here for a River. The trail turns here for a long run down the river.long run down the river.

Near Shaktoolik (mile 922) is the Near Shaktoolik (mile 922) is the coldest and windiest section of coldest and windiest section of the trail. Homes in Shaktoolik the trail. Homes in Shaktoolik are often held down by chains are often held down by chains driven 25 feet into the frozen driven 25 feet into the frozen ground! After leaving this ground! After leaving this Eskimo village the teams cross 75 Eskimo village the teams cross 75 miles of ocean ice where storms miles of ocean ice where storms can come up quickly. This is can come up quickly. This is another dangerous part of the another dangerous part of the trail.trail.

Near Shaktoolik (mile 922) is the Near Shaktoolik (mile 922) is the coldest and windiest section of coldest and windiest section of the trail. Homes in Shaktoolik the trail. Homes in Shaktoolik are often held down by chains are often held down by chains driven 25 feet into the frozen driven 25 feet into the frozen ground! After leaving this ground! After leaving this Eskimo village the teams cross 75 Eskimo village the teams cross 75 miles of ocean ice where storms miles of ocean ice where storms can come up quickly. This is can come up quickly. This is another dangerous part of the another dangerous part of the trail.trail.

Mushers and their team are Mushers and their team are required to take an 8 hour stop required to take an 8 hour stop at White Mountain (mile 1,074). at White Mountain (mile 1,074). As they head to the next (and As they head to the next (and last) checkpoint, mushers sign last) checkpoint, mushers sign their names on the wall at the their names on the wall at the Nome Kennel Club Rest Cabin.Nome Kennel Club Rest Cabin.

Mushers and their team are Mushers and their team are required to take an 8 hour stop required to take an 8 hour stop at White Mountain (mile 1,074). at White Mountain (mile 1,074). As they head to the next (and As they head to the next (and last) checkpoint, mushers sign last) checkpoint, mushers sign their names on the wall at the their names on the wall at the Nome Kennel Club Rest Cabin.Nome Kennel Club Rest Cabin.

Before each team enters Nome, a Before each team enters Nome, a siren goes off to alert fans to siren goes off to alert fans to greet the team at the finish greet the team at the finish line. Large crowds gather to line. Large crowds gather to watch the Iditarod finishers. watch the Iditarod finishers. There is a large, lighted red There is a large, lighted red lantern hanging at the finish lantern hanging at the finish line. The last team to enter line. The last team to enter Nome get the “Red Lantern Nome get the “Red Lantern Award.”Award.”

Before each team enters Nome, a Before each team enters Nome, a siren goes off to alert fans to siren goes off to alert fans to greet the team at the finish greet the team at the finish line. Large crowds gather to line. Large crowds gather to watch the Iditarod finishers. watch the Iditarod finishers. There is a large, lighted red There is a large, lighted red lantern hanging at the finish lantern hanging at the finish line. The last team to enter line. The last team to enter Nome get the “Red Lantern Nome get the “Red Lantern Award.”Award.”

The Iditarod Sled Dog Race The Iditarod Sled Dog Race began in 1973. 35 mushers began in 1973. 35 mushers attempted the race but only 22 attempted the race but only 22 finished. The first Iditarod finished. The first Iditarod winner took 20 days to winner took 20 days to complete the race. The complete the race. The Iditarod is also called “The Iditarod is also called “The Last Great Race on Earth.”Last Great Race on Earth.”

The Iditarod Sled Dog Race The Iditarod Sled Dog Race began in 1973. 35 mushers began in 1973. 35 mushers attempted the race but only 22 attempted the race but only 22 finished. The first Iditarod finished. The first Iditarod winner took 20 days to winner took 20 days to complete the race. The complete the race. The Iditarod is also called “The Iditarod is also called “The Last Great Race on Earth.”Last Great Race on Earth.”

Rick Swenson has won the Iditarod Rick Swenson has won the Iditarod the most times: 5.the most times: 5.

Jeff King has won the Iditarod Jeff King has won the Iditarod race four times.race four times.

Libby Riddles was the first Libby Riddles was the first woman to win the Iditarod (in woman to win the Iditarod (in 1985).1985).

Last year Lance Mackey won the Last year Lance Mackey won the race. race.

Rick Swenson has won the Iditarod Rick Swenson has won the Iditarod the most times: 5.the most times: 5.

Jeff King has won the Iditarod Jeff King has won the Iditarod race four times.race four times.

Libby Riddles was the first Libby Riddles was the first woman to win the Iditarod (in woman to win the Iditarod (in 1985).1985).

Last year Lance Mackey won the Last year Lance Mackey won the race. race.