Alaskan Dog Sledding
Posted by Jackie Hewett on Sun 25th March 2007 at 11:11 PM, Filed in March
The Iditarod began life in 1973 and has evolved to become the most competitive sledding race in the world. It is now the most popular sporting event in Alaska. As it takes several days (between 8 and 15), to cover the 1,000 mile plus route in seriously sub zero temperatures (wind chill means it can reach -100 °F) only the hardy go to watch, and the even hardier participate!
There is a ceremonial start on the first Saturday every March at Anchorage where spectators (including journalists and TV crews) congregate at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and D Street. The first mushers (human team leaders) with their team of dogs leave at 10.02am local time.
Usually some 50 teams enter and the race accepts only experienced ‘mushers’, who have qualified by participating in at least 3 smaller races. Entering the race isn’t cheap (fees, equipment and supplies cost between $20,000 and $100,000 a race) so the mushers often make / supplement their living from sponsorship, book deals and speaking engagements.
You can participate on the first day by paying for a place as an ‘Idita Rider’ (a fee-paying passenger) for the first (urban) portion of the race. The race starts in earnest on day two (without the Idita Rider). Places for Idita Riders are auctioned on-line in January.
There are 51 checkpoints throughout the entire race where mushers must sign-in. The route passes through a number of towns and villages, which are often remote, but beautiful. There are frequent white-outs and gale force winds, moose sightings and of course the northern lights to be seen.
Dog teams are sometimes leased, and the number of dogs required for an Iditarod team is between 12 and 16. The dogs have to be extremely fit and well trained before the race and their physical condition is thoroughly checked by veterinarians before the start. Whilst only ‘suitable’ breeds of dog are used animal rights activists criticise the event and stating that the race is more a test of the dogs than of the mushers (and they are probably right!). They claim that dogs are pushed beyond their levels of endurance and the practice of tethering the dogs on short chains is a form of abuse. Whatever your stance on that it is undeniable that the relationship between dog (especially the lead dog / dogs) and musher is key to a successful completion of the race, and usually the winning dog team have been raised and nurtured personally by their musher.
The finish line in Nome is the Red “Fox” Olson Trail Monument. The city’s fire siren is sounded as each contestant crosses the finishing line and a large banquet is held on the Sunday after the first team to finish. The winner pockets some $70,000 and all finishers get an average of $26,000 – which barely covers the costs of participation.
If you want to get a real taste of what the race is about try reading Libby Riddles book:
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