The 1,000-mile Iditarod in Alaska is like the Mount Everest of sled dog races. To qualify, mushers need to complete two approved 300-mile races and one 150-mile race. “You have to demonstrate to the organizers that you have the ability to go out with your dogs for ten days in the wilderness and be able to manage them and be successful,” said Rick Katucki, the race marshal for the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge in McCall.