Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race by modern teams include lightweight gear including thousands of booties and quick-change runners, special high-energy dog foods, veterinary care, and breeding costs. According to Athabaskan musher Ken Chase, "the big expenses [for rural Alaskans] are the freight and having to buy dog food". Most modern teams cost $10,000 to $40,000, and the top 10 spend between $80,000 and $100,000 per year. The top finisher won at least $69,000, but that amount has slowly decreased since then, with the 2010 winner receiving only $50,000. Some believe overall interest in the race may be declining, hence the lighter purses and sponsorships. The
Montana Race to the Sky where the dog teams stop for examination and spectators can view the progress of the race. The specialized veterinary care for the competition dogs is provided by veterinarians who are part of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association. The 2014 race raised funds to support the United States War Dog Association Participants in the Race to the Sky qualify to compete in the Iditarod. Race to the Sky winners of 300, 350 or 500 mile race. Hometown and location information given for the year of their win. Montana Race to the Sky The Race to the Sky is a