Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an astounding endurance event unlike any other, has taken place every year since 1973. It is fully held in Alaska, and mushers and their teams of 12 to 14 huskies compete to cross the finish line first. It runs wholly within the US state of Alaska, from Anchorage to Nome. The hard path takes around a week or two to complete, with the winners becoming local superstars.
While the annual Iditarod begins in Anchorage, the finish line is 938 miles distant in the northwest city of Nome. The fifty or so yapping teams travel through endless forests and mountains, through high up hills, rivers, and even sea ice. Fans from all over the world follow the event online, and many abroad volunteers come to Alaska to help staff checkpoints and perform other volunteer duties.
Although Native Alaskans have traveled portions of the trail for hundreds of years, the present event is credited with revitalizing recreational mushing. As such, it is one of the most iconic and significant winter occurrences in the Last Frontier. Visitors can either witness the ceremony or visit the modest museum in nearby Wasilla. This is one of the Best Things To Do In Alaska that you should experience.
Location: Anchorage to Nome, Alaska, United States
Established: 1973
Date: March
