The 2025 Iditarod, the so-called Last Great Race of Earth, got underway today. After the ceremonial start in Anchorage on Saturday, the official race began in Fairbanks, using a new route due to a lack of snow cover on the ground along the Southern Route usually used in odd-numbered years.
The race will initially run parallel to the Tanana River downstream to its confluence with the tributary Nenana. The first checkpoint, the small (population 378) home-rule town of Nenana, is 52 miles from the Fairbanks starting point. Fun fact: in 1925, after diphtheria antitoxin had been transported by rail from Anchorage, Nenana was the starting point for the dog-sled run to carry the serum to Nome, which is now the inspiration for the Iditarod.
Dallas Seavey won the race in 2024, a record sixth title, in 9 days, 2 hours, 16 minutes and 8 seconds. Dallas isn't competing this year, but his father, the 65-year-old, three-time champion Mitch Seavey, is in the race, and along with 2023 winner Ryan Redington is one the only two defending champions competing this year. But with the new route, the longest by some 150 miles, there are no clear favorites and all the mushers can be considered rookies.
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