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The Iditarod National Historic Trail - Alaska’s only National Historic Trail comprises a network of 2,300 mi worth of winter trails. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Recreation and travel link - The race's namesake is the Iditarod Trail, which was designated as one of the first four US National Historic Trails in 1978. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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"The Last Great Race" - The annual long-distance sled dog race is run in early March, from Willow to Nome. The ceremonial start takes place in Anchorage.

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Grueling challenge - Mushers and a team of 16 dogs cover the 1,049-mile distance in 8–15 days or more.

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The Alaskan husky - The dogs that race in the Iditarod are primarily of a mixed breed, called Alaskan husky, bred for their speed and endurance.

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Two routes, one goal - The trail is composed of two routes: a northern route, which is run on even-numbered years, and a southern route, which is run on odd-numbered years.

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An important fixture on the sporting calendar - The race event has grown from an obscure local contest into a world-famous, big-money sports extravaganza.

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Anchorage, 2018 - The ceremonial start of the race takes place in Anchorage. The race starts on the first Saturday in March, at the first checkpoint on Fourth Avenue in the city's downtown district.

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The 2018 race - Four-time champion Jeff King acknowledges the crowd in Anchorage during the 2018 ceremonial start.

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Mushers and dogs gather - Kristy Berington's team during the 2018 ceremonial start.

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The race commences - Tara Cicatello's team rounds the corner of 4th and Cordova during the 2018 ceremonial start.

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A highly competitive event - Dogs from Katherine Keith's team are seen at the 2018 ceremonial start.

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Spectators gather - Race fans line both sides of 4th Avenue at the ceremonial start of the race. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Into the wilderness - A team heads out at the ceremonial start to begin their near 1,000-mile journey through Alaska's frigid wilderness.

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Dog day afternoon - A dog team looks on as their owner approaches. Top mushers and their teams of dogs are local celebrities.

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The only breed for the job - Dogs resting before the race. Once on the trail, teams typically travel 5 to 12 mph.

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Upscale accommodation - Team trucks are modified to accommodate up to 16 dogs.

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Into the Interior - Aerial view of a musher on the Iditarod Trail, between Kaltag and Unalakleet. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Fashionable footwear - Gear for dogs includes fabric booties to protect their paws from the elements.

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Working up an appetite - Sled dogs need to consume around 10,000 calories per day, and meat is the principal ingredient.

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Mandatory rest stops - Aerial view of mushers at the winter-access-only Old Woman Shelter Cabin. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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A dog's life - The cabin is equipped with bunks, a woodstove, and outhouses. The stop allows the dogs to rest. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Blanket coverage - There are three mandatory rests that each team must take during the Iditarod.

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In the lead - The most intelligent and fastest dogs are picked to be lead dogs and run in the front of the pack.

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A breed apart - Behind them run swing dogs. Their task is to direct the team around turns and curves. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Under the Northern Lights - A dog sled team with musher silhouetted under a spectacular display of the aurora borealis.

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Night riders - A musher's headlamp leaves a luminous trail as dusk falls. Competitors have to push themselves at night to stay awake. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Freezing conditions - Mushers en route to Finger Lake. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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End of the race - At the race's end, at least six dogs must be on the towline at the finish line.

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Journey's end - The official finish line is the Red "Fox" Olson Trail Monument, more commonly known as the "burled arch", in Nome. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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