1. Iditarod® --- A Sled Dog Race Across Alaska
This presentation gives basic information about the race. Click on the menu item, Slide Show. Advance screen by clicking or wait 20 seconds.

2. Don’t miss a minute of the race!
The Official website for the race provides you with all the information you need to learn about and follow the race.
Don’t miss a minute of the race!
is the official website for Iditarod.

3. The Iditarod is a Sled Dog Race that runs from Anchorage to Nome.
In even numbered years, the race runs the northern route.
In odd numbered years, the race runs the southern route.
This allows more villages in Alaska to be a part of the race.

4. The race begins each year on the first Saturday in March.
Saturday is the ‘Start’ of the race.
The musher starts with 12 dogs.
This is a ceremonial event.
The musher’s time does not count .
Idita-Riders bid to ride with a musher.
Sunday is the ‘Restart’ of the race.
This is the REAL start of the race.
The clock starts.
The mushers leave with no more than 16 dogs.
The dogs have passed physical exams and are healthy.
Information about the start and restart of Iditarod.

5. Iditarod Headquarters is in Wasilla, Alaska
Iditarod staff work at headquarters during the year. There is a museum and gift shop inside this building.

6. You can learn about the race by viewing the displays and trophies.

7. A bootie display. Also notice the headlamp.

8. The Red Lantern Award
Red Lantern Award

9. Togo raced in the Serum Run
Togo raced in the Serum Run. (1925) The Serum Run is not the same race as Iditarod.
“Togo”

10. Iditarod’s Mission Statement

11. Race fans can purchase merchandise at the store or at online Iditarod Store
Race fans can purchase Iditarod items at the store or online at Iditarod’s website store.
Iditarod’s Store

12. This statue of Joe Redington, Sr. is outside the headquarters building
This statue of Joe Redington, Sr. is outside the headquarters building. Joe is remembered as the Father of the Iditarod.

13. The race officially ends when the last musher gets to Nome.
The race is over when the last musher gets to Nome, Alaska. The first musher gets to Nome in a bit over 9 days. The last musher may take another week or so to get to Nome. The number of mushers in the race each year differs.

14. Information Important words
The prizes and information about the purse (the money a musher gets for finishing the race) can usually be found in the media guide which can be found at the Press and Media menu tab at .
The deadline for signing up to run the race is generally around the first of December of each year. Mushers start signing up for the race on the last Saturday in June at the Volunteer Picnic and Musher Sign up which is held at Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla.
You can learn more about the history of the race and other important information at the Learn About menu tab at
Important words
Idita Rider: A person who bids to ride on a musher’s sled at the start of the race.
Bootie or dog booties: The dogs where socks or booties on their feet NOT to keep their feet warm, but to keep the feet protected from injury. You can learn more about dog care at the Veterinary Center at the Learn About menu tab.