Barking dogs and excited spectators helped kick off the world‑famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race this weekend in Anchorage, Alaska. Despite the brisk 19‑degree temperatures, fans packed the streets Saturday for the ceremonial start ahead of Sunday’s official launch.
This year marks the 54th running of the Iditarod, and it comes with a notable addition: a new amateur category, funded in part by a Norwegian billionaire, designed to give aspiring mushers a chance to experience the race without competing for the championship title or prize money.
The program, called the Iditarod Expedition Musher Program, welcomed 37 participants, with three racing exclusively in the honorary category…