Race Standings – Top 5 Mushers (as found on the Iditrod web site)
1 Mitch Seavey
AT 03-12 22:39
2 Aliy Zirkle
AT 03-12 23:03
3 Jeff King
AT 03-13 00:21
4 Dallas Seavey
AT 03-13 01:20
5 Ray Redington Jr
AT 03-13 02:04
Early March each year - from Anchorage (4th & D street) to Nome. Some 1,049 miles. The first race was on March 3rd 1973. 2013 race is March 2nd.
Object of the race- to cover the trail in the shortest period of time, determined by the nose of the first dog to cross the finish line.
The Iditarod is the most popular sporting event in Alaska. More than 50 Mushers enter each year. Teams of 12-16 dogs making about 1,000 dogs leaving Anchorage to cover the distance in 9-15 days.
It is a highly competitive race. Fastest winner was John Baker in 2011 coming in at 8days-19hrs-46min-39sec.
What can a Musher expect to endure? Blizzards with white out conditions / sub-zero temperatures / and gale force winds with wind chills that can produce -100 degrees below zero.
This is largely Alaskan applicants- but 14 other countries have completed the event.
Mushers compete in three smaller races to qualify for the Iditarod.
Most common purebred Sled Dogs or Mushing dogs are either Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky's (usually have blue eyes) - Yet any North American Dog has run the race.
Sled dogs have a job- (not just pulling the sled) - Endurance and Speed. They need to travel up to 80 miles or more a day, pulling the weight of the musher and sled, along with supplies.
Some commands: Mush! Hike! All Right! Let’s Go! Commands to start the team, Gee-turn right. Haw-turn left. Come Gee! Come Haw!- 180 degrees turning in either direction. Whoa!-halt the team with heavy pressure on the brake.
Booties: A type of sock that is made to protect the dog’s feet from small cuts and sores.Dog in Basket: Tired or injured dog carried in the sled
Husky: Any northern type dog.
Lead Dog or Leader: Dog who runs in front of others. Generally must be both intelligent and fast.
Malamute: Term often used by old timers for any sled dog. Larger husky
These are just a few- but more can be found on the Iditarod site where these came from along with a count down clock for the start of the race!
There are two trails. Northern Trail: Route is run on even years which has 26 check points.
Then there is the Southern Trail: Route is run on odd years which has 27 check points.
Remember, over 1,049 miles-Anchorage to Nome. The applicants are in. Nov 30th 2012 was the deadline. The race will begin on March 2nd 2013.
Will you be there?