What is Iditarod?

The Iditarod is an annual dog sled race that takes place on the Iditarod Trail between Anchorage, Alaska, and Nome, Alaska. The Iditarod is not just any race; it is a breed that combines humans, or mushers, with its sled dogs as they travel more than 1,100 1,769 miles (1973 kilometers) through some of the hardest, coldest deserts in North America. The Iditarod has been called “The Last Great Race on Earth” and started at 25,000 with a total bag of US dollars (USD).

An extraordinary race in which mushers from all over the world and from all walks of life take part, the Iditarod was imagined by Dorothy G. Page. Inspired by his intrigue and interest in Alaska history, Page approached sled dog enthusiast Joe Redington, Sr., with his idea of ​​organizing a sled dog race on the Iditarod Trail, which was first used as a postal and supply route during the early years. development of Alaska. . The race is designed to pay homage to the history of Alaska and the heroes mushers and dogs that were pivotal in the development of Alaska.

The Iditarod Trail is today a national historic road. In homage to Alaska’s history, Iditarod is Alaska’s largest event each year. Business and travel in Alaska increased dramatically during the previous days and during the Iditarod. However, the race itself is organized and run almost entirely by volunteers.

The route between Anchorage and the Nome finish line alternates every two years between a north route and a south route, each with 26 and 27 checkpoints, respectively. At each checkpoint, sled dogs are examined by veterinary staff, while medical staff and volunteers are at your disposal to assist mushers if needed.

The first race had 22 finalists. Since then, entries to the Iditarod have steadily increased. The cash prizes collected each year are distributed among all graduates, with the first place claiming 72,066.67 US $ (USD) from 2005 at Iditarod 2006. In 2002, the record for best time was had Martin Buser who finished the race in 8 in 22 days, 46 hours, 5 minutes and two seconds. Rick Swenson holds the current record for most wins with a total of XNUMX and has the second fastest time.