And They're Off!

Paige Drobny, Iditarod musher

Yesterday was a day for fun and fanfare. Today is all business.  The race officially begins on Willow, AK, a 2-hour drive from Anchorage.  Mushers are packing their sleds and checking their lists. 

John Baker's team gives the dogs one last meal before hitting the trail.

Packed and ready to go. This is Martin Buser's sled. He is a former Iditarod champion.

Newton Marshall, First Jamaican musher to finish the Iditarod.

It's much colder, and there are way less people here. The general public had their fill of the festivities yesterday. It is bright and sunny. The dogs know it's time to open the throttle and run full speed ahead. And they are barking at the top of their lungs in anticipation. 

These dogs love to run. And run. And run. About 100 miles a day!  

We wish all our musher friends the best as they spend the next 10 days to 2 weeks battling the elements to complete the great race to Nome, Alaska!!!