The Iditarod Trail runs from Anchorage, Alaska, through frozen tundra, spruce forests and mountain passes all the way to Nome, Alaska. The 1,850-kilometer trail was a popular trade route for Native Americans, an important shipping route during Alaska’s gold rush and even a lifesaving route when a diphtheria outbreak struck Nome. Today, it is home to the “Last Great Race on Earth.”
Started in 1973 to celebrate the history of both the trail and dog mushing, the Iditarod is an annual dog sled race that begins the first weekend of March. One musher and a team of 12–16 dogs run the course for a period of 10–17 days. Each team must carry specific equipment, such as a heavy sleeping bag or dog food. They must also make three mandatory rest stops and more than 25 check-ins.
In 2012, Dallas Seavey became the youngest musher to win the Iditarod at 25 years of age. Both Seavey’s father and grandfather were also in the race. For Alaskans, mushing is in the blood.
Find out more about Alaska at DiscoverAmerica.com.