1. The Iditarod Race
By Austin S.

2. Introduction
The Iditarod race started because in 1925 there was a sickness in Nome called Diphtheria (dif-Theer-ea). A hospital in Anchorage had the medicine that the doctor needed. So, the best mushers in Nome hitched up there dogs and went to separate checkpoints. In only 5 and a half days the medicine was in Nome. To celebrate every year in Alaska they hold an event where mushers from around the globe follow the trail the mushers used to save Nome.

3. Musher Name: Hans Gatt Age: 58
Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory Canada
Bib Number: 32
Raised: Austria
He owns 48 dogs.

4. Dogs
The mushers are only allowed to use dogs idinanois to the area, such as huskies and German Shepherds.
Dogs wear booties and jackets.
Pull sled.
Lead dog is the smartest and strongest.
Have harnesses.

5. Routes & Checkpoints The mushers start in Fairbanks and end in Nome.
They have an honorary start in Anchorage.
There are two routes a northern and a southern one.
The 17 checkpoints are for the mushers and dogs to rest and eat.
Some of the checkpoints are Fairbanks, Nenana, Manley Tanana, Ruby, Galena, Huslia, Koyukuk, Unalakleet, Shaktoolik, Koyuk, Elim, White Mountain, Safety and Nome.
The distance is 979 miles

6. Awards
PenAir Spirit of Alaska Award-Presented to the first musher to reach McGrath.
GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award- Presented to the first musher to reach the halfway checkpoint.
Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Gold Coast Award- Presented to the first musher to reach the “Gold Coast” community of Unalakleet.

7. Webliography
Iditarod.com