Iditarod Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1224 GMT (2024 HKT) March 20, 2022

<strong>The Iditarod: </strong>This famous dogsled race is named after the Iditarod Trail, an old mail and supply route traveled by dogsleds from Seward and Knik to Nome, Alaska.
Photos: Iditarod race
The Iditarod: This famous dogsled race is named after the Iditarod Trail, an old mail and supply route traveled by dogsleds from Seward and Knik to Nome, Alaska.
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<strong>Nearly 1000 miles:</strong> The race can be up to 998 miles long, depending on whether the southern or northern route is being run.
Photos: Iditarod race
Nearly 1000 miles: The race can be up to 998 miles long, depending on whether the southern or northern route is being run.
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<strong>An Alaskan tradition</strong>: The Iditarod has been an annual sporting event since 1973, bringing hundreds of spectators and mushers (competitors) from across the world.
Photos: Iditarod race
An Alaskan tradition: The Iditarod has been an annual sporting event since 1973, bringing hundreds of spectators and mushers (competitors) from across the world.
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<strong>Alaskan Husky: </strong>The most popular breed of dog for the race is the Alaskan Husky, according to National Geographic.
Photos: Iditarod race
Alaskan Husky: The most popular breed of dog for the race is the Alaskan Husky, according to National Geographic.
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<strong>Teams of dogs: </strong>There are 12 to 16 dogs on each team. At least five dogs must be in harness pulling the sled at the finish line.
Photos: Iditarod race
Teams of dogs: There are 12 to 16 dogs on each team. At least five dogs must be in harness pulling the sled at the finish line.
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<strong>Health check:</strong> Veterinarians check over dogs at the Puntilla Lake checkpoint during the 2019 race.
Photos: Iditarod race
Health check: Veterinarians check over dogs at the Puntilla Lake checkpoint during the 2019 race.
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<strong>Bundle up: </strong>Iditarod spectators must brave Alaskan weather to get a glimpse of their favorite teams.
Photos: Iditarod race
Iditarod – Bundle up: Iditarod spectators must brave Alaskan weather to get a glimpse of their favorite teams.
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<strong>End of the line:</strong> The town of Nome is the end of the trail, where the famous Iditarod "burled arch" forms the finish line.
Photos: Iditarod race
End of the line: The town of Nome is the end of the trail, where the famous Iditarod "burled arch" forms the finish line.
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