The Iditarod Sled Dog Race Is A Thing Of Sheer Determination

The Iditarod Sled Dog Race began back in the old times when there was a huge diphtheria epidemic in Nome in 1925.

The people needed serum, a medicine, from Nenana in order to save the lives of the ill people. In order to accomplish this goal the fastest way possible, twenty dog teams relayed the medicine 674 miles across Alaska in five days, two hours and 30 minutes.

The relay was a complete success and the medicine got back in time to save many people. The most recognizable name to go down in history from this time event is Balto. Balto was the last dog to arrive in Nome and even has a statue built in his honor.

The only thing about the statue is that it was built in New York and stands tall there… not Alaska.

Anyway, from there on, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race became an annual race thanks to race creator, Joe Redington Sr. Mr. Redington and Dorothy Page first developed the race over twenty years ago and Redington is now known as the "Father of the Iditarod".

Nearly every musher in the competition has either talked with Mr. Redington or learned something from him and nearly every kennel can track at least one of their dogs back to the bloodlines of a Redington dog. In Alaska, he is a living legend, and only 76 years old.

Now days, the Iditarod sled dog race stretches from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska - a 1,049 mile distance. As it usually turns out, whoever arrives in first place usually comes in 10-12 days. For the mushers who do decide to race in this annual tradition, there are a few animals to watch out for while on the trail. During the stretch of the 1,049 miles, it is not uncommon to see bison, caribou, wolverines, porcupines, lynx, an arctic fox, hare, or a wolf. Along with the constant threat of hypothermia, these animals can also be very threatening when not dealt with properly.

The Iditarod Dog Sled Race can be a very fun experience. It tests you (and your dogs) physically and mentally. This tough course is an age-old route and the Iditarod Dog Sled Race is from an age-old rescue. A winning proposition all the way around.