Iditarod mushers down to business (race is on)

[Robb]

WILLOW, Alaska --Rookies and veterans alike got serious Sunday with the restart in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, where some mushers chase the prize money and others the dream of finishing the longest sled dog race in the world.

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The race's ceremonial start was Saturday in Anchorage. The restart was moved about 25 miles north this year because of an icy trail closer to Anchorage.

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The Iditarod, now in its 32nd year, commemorates a 674-mile relay race from Nenana to Nome in February 1925 when dog teams successfully delivered serum to prevent an outbreak of diphtheria among children.

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The 2004 Iditarod purse is more than $700,000, with the winner getting $69,000 and a new Dodge pickup truck worth $41,410. About one-third of this year's record field are rookies.

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Robb's note: Team Stormwatch, an all-Siberian Husky team, has two dogs running this year who are siblings of my doggies! They may not win, but if there's a beauty pageant afterwards they're a lock! :)

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. . . . Silly question - who gets to pick up all the doggie-doo! ?

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Gotta be a few "left-overs" after they all took off!

Told ya it was a silly question!

- - anyhoo - -

Lots more pictures and info at



and updates for the curious

[cally]

2. Have you ever been to the Iditerod

or raced in it?

I saw the opening once and it's exciting. I was amazed at how small the dogs are.