The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual dogsled competition spanning approximately 1,100 miles between Anchorage and Nome, Alaska. Initiated in 1967 as a short race, it evolved into its present form in 1973 and is often hailed as the "last great race on Earth," attracting over 100 participants, both male and female mushers, and their teams of dogs.

The race course traces part of the old Iditarod Trail, a dogsled mail route established in the early 1900s from Seward and Knik to the goldfields of northwestern Alaska. The trail covers diverse terrain, crossing two mountain ranges, running along the Yukon River, and navigating frozen waterways, including Norton Sound's pack ice.

The Iditarod stands as the premier event in long-distance dogsled racing, presenting immense challenges for dog teams and their mushers. Originally a 20-day event, teams now often complete the race in under 10 days due to improved nutrition and strategic run/rest plans. 

Iditarod race route