Mushers compete in Alaska's Iditarod race
The Iditarod dog-sled race began on Sunday in the most northern US state of Alaska, where 85 mushers and hundreds of dogs compete to reach Alaska's western coast. The mushers must brave the elements to win.
The 'Mushing Mortician' starts the race
Scott Janssen, who is known as the "Mushing Mortician," was the first to leave from the starting point in Willow, Alaska to compete in the Iditarod dog sled race, which is a 1,600 km (1,000-mile) journey through Alaska's rough terrain. He left with 16 dogs and amid cheers from the crowd. Janssen is competing in his sixth Iditarod race.
Mushers set off from Willow, Alaska
Lisbet Norris, who grew up in Willow, Alaska, and her 16-dog team can be seen leaving the starting chute. The race has attracted competitors from around the world, all vying to become the first to cross the finish line.
The cold doesn't stop crowds from cheering
Crowds gathered along Chester Creek near the start of the race to cheer on their favorite musher and sled dog team. An aerial view of the Alaska terrain shows just what the mushers must brave in order to win the race.
Cold, but not cold enough?
An Alaska freight train arrived on Saturday to deliver snow from a nearby town to help the Iditarod stage a ceremonial start. Officials of the race said that warm weather had melted the little snow still on the trail this year.
Protection from the cold
However, the weather in Alaska is still cold. To help the dogs stay warm in the frigid temperatures, sled dogs often wear equipment such as booties for their paws and goggles for their eyes. The added protection helps the dogs compete against the elements.
Preparation and protection is everything
In addition to keeping the dogs warm, mushers are also responsible for keeping their sled dogs safe. Lars Monsen, a musher from Norway, is seen untangling his team of 16 dogs before the start of the race. Many teams lose at least a couple of dogs to wear and injury while out on the trail.
The Iditarod race attracts many first-timers
The grueling Iditarod race attracts many competitors, like rookie Larry Daugherty. The American musher, who comes from the US state of Utah, is among many first-time competitors willing to brave the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska.
Mushers aim for Nome, Alaska
Rookie Cody Strathe was also among those mushers who set off from the small Alaska town. His team and others are expected to brave two mountain ranges, the bitter cold and fierce winds along the Bering Sea coast before finishing at Nome, Alaska. The race is expected to take at least nine days.