The most prestigious sled dog race Iditarod 2014

• The most prestigious sled dog race Iditarod 2014

The first half of March - the traditional time of the most prestigious sled dog race called the "Iditarod" ( "Iditarod"). This year, the grueling path length of 1570 km through the snowy expanses of Alaska joined 69 participants from around the world. Riders who are called Musher, with their teams of March 1 started in Anchorage. Their goal - the small town of Nome on the Bering Sea coast, where they need to go through a dozen checkpoints.

"Iditarod" is held in memory of a time when dog teams were the primary mode of transportation in Alaska before the invention of snowmobiles and airplanes. The winner of the race, which will be determined at the end of this week, will receive a reward of $ 50 thousand. And a new truck. The reigning champion is 54-year-old Mitch Musher Seaway.

A few interesting facts about the race:

Team, who came last, was awarded the prize. In this way, the organizers made it clear that even the slowest dog - valuable.

Poodles, Chow and other neezdovye breed dogs to participate are not allowed. Until the early 1990s, when introduced this rule, there were precedents - ran poorly. The main foe sled is not cold, but ... moose! These large animals are often attacked by dogs, racing on a track.

The official start of the race can be transferred to the next stage in the case of very hot weather, which is called the restart. That's what happened this year.

Iditarod - is not only a race, but also the city, the river and the road.

Correct to say "Iditarod" (as they say in Alaska), but in Russian for some reason in most rampant form is used "Iditarod". Confusion is likely associated with a pronunciation similar terms "idiom", "idiot", but because they are of Latin / Greek origin, which can not be said about the "Iditarod".

The sled Jason McKee at the start of the race "Iditarod 2014".

Dog sledding from Jason Mackey caressing his master.

The sled Michelle Phillips as the opening act for the day before the start.

Musher Linwood Fiedler with their pets.

The dog can not wait to embark on the road.

One in five Norwegians who came to the race this year, with his sled.

Annie Seaway playing with dogs in the truck.

Dogs waiting for the restart.

Musher preparing their pets to restart.

Justin Savidisa dog resting in their booths before restarting.

Dog sledding from Jason Mackey caressing his master.

The playful mood - a clear sign that the dogs are ready for adventure.

Some dogs express their impatience barking.

Running and satisfied.

Spectators welcome Yvonne Dabakk harness.

The sled Catherine Keith rushes to 4th Avenue.

in the moccasins Dogs - so their feet do not freeze.

The sled Sonny Lindner is sent to the forest - the last among all the participants.

The sled Mike Ellis arrives at the checkpoint.

The sled John Baker, under cover of dusk.

Seaway Danny and his team.

Hugh Neff and his team.

Dogs pulling sled Robert Bundtsena.

The current champion Mitch Seaway feeding their pets.

Focused on the trail.