Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race facts for kids

The Iditarod 2020 start line in Anchorage

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, often called The Iditarod, is a famous long-distance sled dog race. It happens every year in Alaska in early March. The race goes from Anchorage to Nome.

Teams of mushers and 12 to 16 dogs race across Alaska. They cover the distance in about 8 to 15 days or even longer. The Iditarod started in 1973. It was created to test the best sled dog teams. Now, it's a very tough competition.

Racers often face huge challenges. They go through blizzards with whiteout conditions. Temperatures can drop below zero. Strong winds can make it feel as cold as −100 °F (−73 °C).

The race has a fun start in Anchorage. Then, the official race begins in Willow. Willow is about 80 miles (129 km) north of Anchorage. The trail goes over mountains and through forests. It crosses rivers and even sea ice. Most of the route passes through small towns and villages. The Iditarod is a special link to Alaska's past. It honors the history of dog mushing.

The Iditarod is a very popular sport in Alaska. Top mushers and their dog teams are like local heroes. This race has made dog mushing popular again since the 1970s. Most mushers are from Alaska. But people from 14 other countries have also finished the race. For example, Martin Buser from Switzerland won in 1992. Fans around the world follow the race online. Many volunteers also come to Alaska to help.

The race became even more famous after 1985. That year, Libby Riddles became the first woman to win. The next year, Susan Butcher won. She then won three more times! Many reporters and fans come to watch the start in Anchorage. They also visit checkpoints along the trail.

Mitch Seavey set the fastest time in 2017. He finished in 8 days, 3 hours, 40 minutes, and 13 seconds. He also became the oldest winner.

What's in a Name?

The race is named after the Iditarod Trail. This trail became one of the first US National Historic Trails in 1978. The trail itself is named after the town of Iditarod. This town was once an Athabaskan village. It became a gold mining center in 1910. Later, it became a ghost town when the gold rush ended. The town was named after the Iditarod River. The river's name comes from the Athabascan word "Haidilatna."

A Look at Iditarod History

Parts of the Iditarod Trail were used by Native Alaskan peoples for hundreds of years. This was long before Russian fur traders arrived in the 1800s. The trail was most used between the late 1880s and the 1920s. Miners came to find coal and gold. This was especially true after the Alaska gold rushes in 1898.

During winter, northern ports like Nome were frozen. So, dog sleds were vital. They delivered mail, firewood, and supplies. They also carried gold and furs between towns. Roadhouses, where travelers could rest, appeared every 14 to 30 miles (23 to 48 km). But by the 1920s, small planes took over. Dog sledding almost disappeared in the 1960s because of snowmobiles.

Mushing was also a popular sport in winter. The first big race was the 1908 All-Alaska Sweepstakes. It ran 408 miles (657 km) from Nome and back. This race introduced Siberian Huskies to Alaska. They quickly became the top racing dogs.

The idea for the Iditarod race came from Joe Redington Sr.. He is known as the "Father of the Iditarod." He worked with his friends Gleo Huyck and Tom Johnson. They planned the race in 1972. The first race was held in 1973. It had 34 mushers, and 22 finished.

The race was a big success. Its popularity grew, and companies started to sponsor it. By 1976, the Iditarod helped bring back recreational mushing. Today, it is the biggest sporting event in Alaska. The modern race follows parts of the historic Iditarod trail. This trail is 938 miles (1,510 km) long.

The Iditarod Race Route

Routes of the Iditarod

The Iditarod uses two different routes. The northern route is used in even-numbered years. The southern route is used in odd-numbered years. Both routes start the same way for 352 miles (566 km). They split at Ophir and meet again at Kaltag. Kaltag is 346 miles (557 km) from Nome.

The southern route was added in the late 1970s. This helped spread the race's impact on small villages. It also allowed the race to pass through the historic town of Iditarod. The routes are very similar in length. The northern route is about 975 miles (1,569 km) long. The southern route is about 998 miles (1,606 km) long. People often round the distance to 1,000 mi (1,609.34 km).

Sometimes, the route has to change because of weather. In 2015 and 2017, there wasn't enough snow. So, the race started in Fairbanks instead of Anchorage. In 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race used a special "Gold Trail Loop." This route was 832 miles (1,339 km) long. It started and ended in Willow.

Race Checkpoints

Start of the Iditarod National Historic Trail in Seward

There are 26 checkpoints on the northern route and 27 on the southern route. Mushers must sign in at each one. Some mushers camp on the trail. Others stop and rest at checkpoints. Mushers send "drop bags" ahead to each checkpoint. These bags have food for them and their dogs. They also contain dog booties, headlamps, and tools.

Teams must take three mandatory rests:

• One 24-hour rest at any checkpoint.
• One eight-hour rest on the Yukon River.
• One eight-hour rest at White Mountain.

In 1985, bad weather stopped the race. Supplies couldn't reach some checkpoints. Mushers and dogs had to wait for three days. This added almost a week to the winning time.

The Ceremonial Start

The race begins on the first Saturday in March. It starts on Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage. Snow is brought in by truck to cover the street. A ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place. Flags from all countries and states of competitors are displayed.

An honorary musher, chosen for their contributions to dog sledding, leaves first. Then, the first competitor leaves at 10:02 a.m. AST. Other teams follow every two minutes. Mushers draw numbers for their starting order.

Aliy Zirkle's team on Anchorage's Fourth Avenue at the start of the 2003 Iditarod

This part of the race is exciting for dogs and mushers. It's one of the few times they have many spectators. The time for this section doesn't count toward the official race time. So, teams can take it easy. Mushers then travel through city streets and trails. They reach the foothills east of Anchorage. Then, they drive to the official restart point.

The Official Restart

The race officially restarts the next day (Sunday) at 2:00 p.m. AST. This later start means dogs begin in colder weather. It also means fewer crowds at the first checkpoints.

Brent Sass departing Rainy Pass checkpoint during the Iditarod 2020

The restart used to be in Wasilla. But since 2008, it's been at Willow Lake. Sometimes, due to warm weather and little snow, the start moves even further north to Fairbanks.

The first 100 miles (160 km) from Willow is called "moose alley." Many moose live there. They sometimes use the trails, which can be dangerous for dog teams. In 1985, Susan Butcher's team ran into a pregnant moose. Two of her dogs were killed.

The route to Skwentna is usually easy and flat. Many mushers travel through the night. Skwentna is a popular spot for journalists and fans. From Skwentna, the trail gets harder. It goes through the narrow Happy River Gorge. This part is very dangerous. Mushers have to be careful to control their sleds.

Into the Alaskan Interior

From Rainy Pass, the trail climbs up the Alaska Range. It then drops into the Alaska Interior. The pass is 3,200 feet (975.4 m) high. Blizzards can be very strong here. Temperatures can drop to −50 °F (−46 °C). Winds can make it feel like −130 °F (−90 °C). The wind can also erase the trail markers.

The trail down Dalzell Gorge is considered the toughest part. It drops 1,000 feet (300 m) in just 5 miles (8.0 km). Mushers have to use their brakes a lot. The Tatina River can also be dangerous if the ice is thin.

Rohn is the next checkpoint. It's a quiet place in a spruce forest. Many mushers take a break here. From Rohn, the trail follows the Kuskokwim River. Freezing water running over ice (called overflow) is a risk.

About 45 miles (72 km) from Rohn, the trail enters the Farewell Burn. This area was burned by a wildfire in 1976. The burnt trees and uneven ground make it hard to travel.

Nikolai is the first Native American village used as a checkpoint. It's an Athabaskan settlement. The sled teams' arrival is a big event for the village. The route then goes to McGrath. McGrath is the largest checkpoint in the Interior. It was the first place in Alaska to get mail by aircraft.

After McGrath, teams go to Takotna, a former gold rush town. Then they reach Ophir, another old mining town. By this point, the fastest teams might be days ahead of the slower ones.

Northern or Southern Route?

After Ophir, the trail splits into two routes. They meet again at Kaltag. The northern route is used in even-numbered years (like 2022). The southern route is used in odd-numbered years (like 2023). The southern route was added to let more villages host the race. It also passes through the historic town of Iditarod. The two routes are very similar in length.

The northern route goes through Cripple, then to Ruby on the Yukon River. Ruby is another former gold-rush town. The southern route goes through the ghost town of Iditarod. Then it passes through the Athabaskan villages of Shageluk, Anvik, and Grayling.

Both routes cross the Yukon River. Strong winds can make the trail disappear. The wind chill can drop below −100 °F (−73 °C). This long, uniform stretch can cause mushers to have sleep deprivation and even hallucinations.

Both trails finally meet again in Kaltag. Kaltag has been a link between villages for hundreds of years. From Kaltag, the trail goes over a pass to Unalakleet. Unalakleet is on the coast of the Bering Sea.

The Final Dash to Nome

The last part of the race goes along the Bering Sea to Nome. In the early years, this was a slow trip. But now, it's a fast sprint to the finish line.

Unalakleet is the largest Native Alaskan town on the trail. Its name means "place where the east wind blows." Racers are greeted with church bells and crowds.

From Unalakleet, the route goes through hills to Shaktoolik. Then it crosses the frozen Norton Bay to Koyuk. Markers on the bay are young spruce trees frozen into the ice. The route then goes west through small villages like Elim, Golovin, and White Mountain.

All teams must rest their dogs for at least eight hours at White Mountain. This is before the final sprint. From White Mountain to Safety is 55 miles (89 km). From Safety to Nome is 22 miles (35 km). This last part is very important. The lead teams are often very close to each other. In 1978, the winner and second-place musher were only one second apart!

Robert Sørlie's team approaches Nome, 2007.

The finish line is the Red "Fox" Olson Trail Monument in Nome. It's also called the "burled arch." A "Widow's Lamp" is lit and hangs on the arch. It stays lit until the last musher finishes. This tradition comes from old roadhouses. They would light a lamp when a musher was on the way. The last musher to finish is called the "Red Lantern."

When a musher is two miles from the finish, the city's fire siren sounds. The first winner in 1973 took over 20 days. Now, winners finish in under 10 days. This is because the trail is better prepared. Also, dog training has improved.

An awards banquet is held after the race. Everyone who finishes gets a special belt buckle and patch.

Who Participates in the Iditarod?

The old "Burled Arch", the official finish line in Nome, Alaska, collapsed in 2001, pictured at its location in 1977.

More than 50 mushers enter each year. Most are from rural Alaska. Only a few are from other US states or countries. Some mushers are professionals. They earn money by selling dogs, giving tours, or speaking about their experiences. Others are amateurs. They might hunt, fish, or work seasonal jobs. But lawyers, doctors, and pilots have also competed! Famous author Gary Paulsen raced many times. He wrote books about his experiences.

Mushers must be experienced to compete. They need to finish three smaller races first. They can lease dogs for the Iditarod. But they don't have to take written tests about mushing or dog first aid. Mushers who have been found guilty of animal neglect cannot compete.

The cost to enter the race is high. It can be $20,000 to $30,000. This includes entry fees, dog care, and travel. Top teams can spend $80,000 to $100,000 per year. The winner gets a new pickup truck and prize money. In 2015, the winner received $69,000. The top 30 finishers also get cash prizes. Mushers also earn money from sponsors and book deals.

Amazing Sled Dogs

An Alaskan Malamute, derived from the original Iñupiat sled dog breed.

A Siberian Husky, the fast 1908 import from Russia.

The first sled dogs were bred by Native American people. They were one of the earliest dog breeds. Later, they were mixed with other breeds like Alaskan huskies and Siberian Huskies. Siberian Huskies became very popular for racing.

Original sled dogs were chosen for strength and stamina. But modern racing dogs are mixed-breed huskies. They are bred for speed, tough feet, and endurance. Most importantly, they love to run! Racing dogs weigh between 35 to 55 pounds (16–25 kg).

Before the race, all dogs are checked by veterinarians. They are identified with microchips. On the trail, volunteer vets check each dog's health at every checkpoint. They look for injuries, dehydration, or exhaustion. Mushers cannot give drugs that hide injuries.

Each team has 12 to 14 dogs. No more can be added during the race. At least five dogs must be on the towline at the finish line. Mushers keep a vet diary for their dogs. Dogs that get tired or hurt can be carried in the sled. They are then flown to a special dog-drop site. There, they are cared for until they go home.

Iditarod dogs are incredible athletes. They train for months before the race. They can run 2,000 miles (3,200 km) before the event. An Iditarod dog burns about 9,666 calories each day. This is twice as much as a human Tour de France cyclist! Their bodies are amazing at using oxygen.

Iditarod Records and Awards

Jeff King is one of seven winners of four or more races.

Dick Wilmarth won the first race in 1973. He finished in just over 20 days. The fastest winning time was by Mitch Seavey in 2017. He finished in 8 days, 3 hours, 40 minutes, and 13 seconds. The closest finish ever was in 1978. Dick Mackey won by just one second!

Rick Swenson was the first musher to win four races. In 1991, he won his fifth race. He is the only musher to win in three different decades. Other mushers who have won four or more times include Susan Butcher, Doug Swingley, Martin Buser, Jeff King, Lance Mackey, and Dallas Seavey. Dallas Seavey won his sixth race in 2024, setting a new record.

Mary Shields was the first woman to finish the race in 1974. In 1985, Libby Riddles became the first woman to win. She was very famous after that. Susan Butcher won the next year. She then won three more times. She was the second musher to win four races.

Doug Swingley was the first non-Alaskan to win in 1995. Mushers from 14 countries have competed. In 1992, Martin Buser from Switzerland was the first non-American to win. In 2003, Robert Sørlie from Norway was the first non-US resident to win.

In 2007, Lance Mackey became the first musher to win both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod in the same year. He did it again in 2008! His father and brother also won the Iditarod.

The "Golden Harness" award goes to the lead dog(s) of the winning team. Mushers vote for this award. The "Rookie of the Year" award goes to the best first-time finisher. The "Red Lantern" is given to the last musher to cross the finish line. The total prize money changes each year. In 2013, it was $600,000.

List of Iditarod Winners

Lance Mackey is the 2010 champion and sixth winner of four or more races.

Year	Musher (wins)	Lead dog(s)	Time (h:min:s)
1973	Dick Wilmarth	Hotfoot	20 days, 00:49:41
1974	Carl Huntington	Nugget	20 days, 15:02:07
1975	Emmitt Peters	Nugget and Digger	14 days, 14:43:45
1976	Gerald Riley	Puppy and Sugar	18 days, 22:58:17
1977	Rick Swenson	Andy and Old Buddy	16 days, 16:27:13
1978	Dick Mackey	Skipper and Shrew	14 days, 18:52:24
1979	Rick Swenson (2)	Andy and Old Buddy	15 days, 10:37:47
1980	Joe May	Wilbur and Cora Gray	14 days, 07:11:51
1981	Rick Swenson (3)	Andy and Slick	12 days, 08:45:02
1982	Rick Swenson (4)	Andy and Rex Burkhead	16 days, 04:40:10
1983	Rick Mackey	Preacher and Jody	12 days, 14:10:44
1984	Dean Osmar	Red and Bullet	12 days, 15:07:33
1985	Libby Riddles	Axle and Dugan	18 days, 00:20:17
1986	Susan Butcher	Granite and Mattie	11 days, 15:06:00
1987	Susan Butcher (2)	Granite and Mattie	11 days, 02:05:13
1988	Susan Butcher (3)	Granite and Tolstoi	11 days, 11:41:40
1989	Joe Runyan	Rambo and Ferlin the Husky	11 days, 05:24:34
1990	Susan Butcher (4)	Sluggo and Lightning	11 days, 01:53:23
1991	Rick Swenson (5)	Goose	12 days, 16:34:39
1992	Martin Buser	Tyrone and D2	10 days, 19:17:15
1993	Jeff King	Herbie and Kitty	10 days, 15:38:15
1994	Martin Buser (2)	D2 and Dave	10 days, 13:05:39
1995	Doug Swingley	Vic and Elmer	10 days, 13:02:39
1996	Jeff King (2)	Jake and Booster	9 days, 05:43:13
1997	Martin Buser (3)	Blondie and Fearless	9 days, 08:30:45
1998	Jeff King (3)	Red and Jenna	9 days, 05:52:26
1999	Doug Swingley (2)	Stormy, Cola and Elmer	9 days, 14:31:07
2000	Doug Swingley (3)	Stormy and Cola	9 days, 00:58:06
2001	Doug Swingley (4)	Stormy and Peppy	9 days, 19:55:50
2002	Martin Buser (4)	Bronson	8 days, 22:46:02
2003	Robert Sørlie	Tipp	9 days, 15:47:36
2005	Robert Sørlie (2)	Sox and Blue	9 days, 18:39:30
2006	Jeff King (4)	Salem and Bronte	9 days, 11:11:36
2007	Lance Mackey	Larry and Lippy	9 days, 05:08:41
2008	Lance Mackey (2)	Larry and Hobo	9 days, 11:46:48
2009	Lance Mackey (3)	Larry and Maple	9 days, 21:38:46
2010	Lance Mackey (4)	Maple	8 days, 23:59:09
2011	John Baker	Velvet and Snickers	8 days, 18:46:39
2012	Dallas Seavey	Guinness and Diesel	9 days, 04:29:26
2013	Mitch Seavey (2)	Tanner and Taurus	9 days, 07:39:56
2014	Dallas Seavey (2)	Beetle and Reef	8 days, 13:04:19
2015	Dallas Seavey (3)	Reef and Hero	8 days, 18:13:06
2016	Dallas Seavey (4)	Reef and Tide	8 days, 11:20:16
2017	Mitch Seavey (3)	Pilot and Crisp	8 days, 03:40:13
2018	Joar Leifseth Ulsom	Russeren and Olive	9 days, 12:00:00
2019	Peter Kaiser	Marrow and Lucy	9 days, 12:39:06
2020	Thomas Wærner	K2 and Bark	9 days, 10:37:47
2021	Dallas Seavey (5)	North and Gamble	7 days, 14:08:57
2022	Brent Sass	Morello and Slater	8 days, 14:38:43
2023	Ryan Redington	Ghost and Sven	8 days, 21:13:58
2024	Dallas Seavey (6)	Sebastian and Aero	9 days, 02:16:08

See also

In Spanish: Iditarod para niños

• American Dog Derby (Idaho, USA)
• Arctic Alps Cup (La Grande Odyssée & Finnmarksløpet)
• Finnmarksløpet (Norway)
• La Grande Odyssée (France and Switzerland)
• List of sled dog races
• Yukon Quest (From Alaska to Yukon)