Iditarod: Toughest Race on Earth for proper care. During the race, only three rest points are mandatory: one 24-hour and two 8-hour rests. Apart from that, mushers usually try to feed their dogs at each checkpoint, even if it is just as snack, as the dogs can burn around 10,000 calories a day. Season 1 The show begins at the ceremonial start of the 2008 Iditarod in Anchorage, Alaska, on March 1, 2008. 110 participants entered to compete in the 2008 race, with 95 mushers and their dog teams starting. It then follows them to the official starting point in Willow where the race begins
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race given to the musher who places the best among those finishing their first Iditarod. A red lantern signifying perseverance is awarded to the last musher to cross the finish line. The size of the purse determines how many mushers receive cash prizes. For the 2013 edition of the race, the total purse was US$600,000, to be divided by the top 30 finishers, with every finisher below 30th place receiving $1,049. The first-place winner receives a new pickup truck and $69,000 as of 2015. Winners of 2 or More Races Number of Winners by Country Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race The