A different kind of marathon we suggest – this one of some 1,150 miles to be completed in little over two weeks, in the United States’ most north western state, Alaska – yet another example of the extreme and extraordinary things that people will do – why we find ourselves asking. But first a little more about the race.

From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their ‘musher’ cover over 1,150 miles. It has been called the “Last Great Race on Earth” and it has won worldwide acclaim and interest.

The Iditarod Trail, now a National Historic Trail, had its beginnings as a mail and supply route from the coastal towns of Seward and Knik to the interior mining camps at Flat, Ophir, Ruby and beyond to the west coast communities of Unalakleet, Elim, Golovin, White Mountain and Nome. Mail and supplies went in. Gold came out. All via dog sled. Heroes were made, legends were born.

The 2009 race will start on March 7th in downtown Anchorage and depending on your speed over the course will finish 10 to 17 days later and will conclude with the awards banquet on March 22nd in Nome.

2009 Race Route

For further information on rules and how you can qualify go to the Itarod home website www.itarod.com
We include for your interest a video from DiscoveryNetworks which gives you a taste of ‘The Greatest Race on Earth’.

Related posts:

1. Iditarod listings of mushers for 2010 are already in…
2. The Iditarod Trail, the toughest race in the world, is underway
3. Mackey has done it again!!! CONGRATULATIONS
4. The most extreme cycle race in the world
5. Does Adventure Racing Fit into Extreme Sports?

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