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~ 2009 IDITAROD, The Last Great Race ~ |
2009 Iditarod - March 7th |
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Ceremonial race start downtown Anchorage. This year, 67 dog teams compete in the Last Great Race. Lance Mackey, Jeff King, Deedee Jonrowe, Sebastian Schnuelle, Martin Buser and Jim Lanier are among the many favorites participating in the Iditarod. The 2009 race is said to be the "deepest" field in Iditarod history by gathering the highest number of experienced Mushers striving towards the same goal: Nome...
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Jim Lanier, from Chugiak, Alaska, seems to be floating in the air... |
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2009 Iditarod - March 8th |
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The race is only a few hours away, and tension is building as the growing crowd gathers next to the starting line.
The dogs, however, seem oblivious.
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2009 Iditarod - On the Trail with the Mushers ... |
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1000 miles to Nome. The teams depart one by one at a relatively slow pace as they begin their 1000 mile journey North to Nome. Determination, stamina, wisdom, and strategy are just a few of many qualities required to not only finish the race, but to stand out from the competition, and to emerge as the winner.
Last year, Jeff King overslept at the final checkpoint while Lance Mackey, in an incredibly cunning move, made a dash to the finish line in the middle of the night and eventually won the race. |
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contender for the Iditarod.
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Iditarod History |
| The Mushers of the Iditarod race over 1000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. The sled dog race commemorates an historic event of 1925, when 20 dog teams rescued the town of Nome stricken by a diphtheria epidemic, by relaying precious serum 674 miles in just 27 hours (see map). Due to severe winter conditions, the serum could not be flown by airplane. Today, the race lasts approximately 9 to 12 days. Since 2002, Martin Buser holds the title for the fastest Iditarod Winner by finishing the race in less than 8 days and 23 hours. |
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