Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race In the early years of the Iditarod, the last stretch along the shores of the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea to Nome was a slow, easy trip. Now that the race is more competitive, the last stretch has become one last dash to the finish. According to the 2010 census, the village of Unalakleet has a population of 712, making it the largest Alaska Native town along the Iditarod Trail. The majority of the residents are Iñupiat. The town's name means the "place where the east wind blows". Racers are met by church bells, sirens, and crowds. From Unalakleet,
2010 Iditarod 2010 Iditarod The 38th Annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race saw 71 participating teams from the United States, Jamaica, Canada and United Kingdom. The ceremonial start was held in Anchorage on March 6. The official restart was held one day later in Willow. On March 16, 2:59 pm, Lance Mackey arrived at the burled arch in Nome, taking the championship with a time of 8 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes and 9 seconds. He became the first musher to achieve four consecutive Iditarod victories, and the second musher to complete the trail under 9 days. Hans Gatt arrived at 4:04