How to Watch the Iditarod

The "last great race" is termed such for a poignant reason. It has been, and remains, spectacular. But it also remains difficult to watch in person for the average Joe. Here are a few ideas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Warm Clothes
• Internet Service Providers
• Computers

Learn the History

1. Understand that Iditarod comes from Ingalik and Holikachuk Indian words meaning "distant place."
2. Realize that the Iditarod Trail is steeped in Alaskan gold rush history from the late 1800s. In winter, the ocean bays of distant towns were iced in. The trail became a supply route for miners, and originally started at Seward prior to Anchorage's founding in 1915.
3. Know that mushers would lead dog teams of 20 or more, pulling sleds laden with food, mail, gear and the occasional passenger.
4. Understand that the 1,150-mile route to distant Nome could take three weeks. The trail's use continued every winter into the 1920s when the airplane became a quicker and more desirable alternative. Sections of the trail were still in use during the 1940s.
5. Remember that the heroic zeal of the race came in 1925 during a diphtheria epidemic in Alaska. When the isolated post of Nome was threatened and no airplane was available, mushers along the Iditarod Trail relayed a crucial shipment of serum to the residents, thereby saving hundreds of lives.
6. Know that in the 2000 race, there are 81 mushers: 70 men and 11 women. Fifty-two are veterans, with 29 rookies joining in. (A musher retains the title of "rookie" until after completing an entire run.) Seven previous champions are running this year, including 1999 winner Doug Swingley and 1998 champion Jeff King.

Watch the Race

7. Show up in downtown Anchorage for the ceremonial start on the first Saturday of March each year. (For 2000, it's at 10 a.m., March 4.) If there's no snow, the city will truck it in. Mushers each take a sponsored passenger for the several-mile run to Eagle Creek.
8. Travel 40 miles north of Anchorage to Wasilla on Sunday and visit Bumpus Fields. Mushers restart here (10 a.m., March 5, 2000), staggered at 2-minute intervals.
9. Connect to the Web. "The choice of most Alaskans is to use the Internet," says veteran racer Shawn Sidelinger. A search engine like Google or Yahoo is a good place to start.
10. Rent a snowmobile, bring a friend, pack all necessary equipment and hit the trail yourself. There are a few dedicated folks who will travel in this fashion from checkpoint to checkpoint in order to watch.
11. Catch a ride with the Iditarod Air Force (or their friends). A team of 30 or more bush pilots, using small aircraft such as Piper Cubs and Cessnas, fly to each checkpoint to replenish gear for the mushers. "I just sent 2,000 pounds of food and gear with the air force to be waiting for me at the checkpoints," says Sidelinger.

Tips & Warnings

• The easiest way to see the Iditarod is by visiting the first start in Anchorage. After that, go home, cozy up to your computer with a mug of hot tea and a warm blanket, and keep track of your favorite mushers through the Internet.
• Experience with a snowmobile and its use in backcountry is absolutely vital in order to watch the Iditarod from the ground. Seek proper training.