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The Iditarod dog sledding race is held every year during the month of March and lasts for about 2 weeks or so. The 1,100 miles on slippery snow is where the race takes place; trained and expert sled mushers reach the finish line around 9 to 11 days after beginning, while the late comers come in at about 15 to 16 days. There are safety workers stationed along the entire length seeing to health and safety needs of the dogs and mushers. Throughout the trail, there are a bunch of pit stops in case of any medical attention or to address hunger and other basic necessities of both the musher and the dogs. There are three pit stops which are required during the race: 2 stops for 8 hours, and another one after 24 hours.
The temperatures and climate conditions in the racing event is quite harsh; temperatures range from -40° F up to 50° F. Temperature and weather change can wear down both the musher and the dogs, so it is important to keep them healthy throughout the race. Blizzards or slippery roads can be expected, as well as wild animals. Some racers have even lost some of their dogs to wild animals throughout the journey, so it can be quite dangerous.
A team is made up of 16 sledding dogs, coupled in pairs. The closest to the sled are the wheel dogs – they are also the heaviest and have to be strong enough to carry a heavy load. Swing dogs are in front of the wheel dogs and help out the team leaders in the front on controlling the direction of the sled. The team dogs help manage and balance the steering of the sled and act as the leaders.
There are many rules for the Iditarod dog sledding race. Mushers must prepare all necessary equipment, materials, and items that would allow them to survive and be accepted at the checkpoints. The sled should also be big enough to contain any injured dogs. Also, and most importantly, dogs should be in perfect running health and condition because if not, things will not go smoothly for the sledder and the dogs.
Lest you be worried about the safety of the dogs, that is of primary importance. The officials at the checkpoints can (and do) remove teams from the competition if all is not right.
Would you give this race a try? Please leave comments below.
