March Madness: Alaska Style…

The 2015 Iditarod start

For the second time in the history of “The Last Great Race”, the Iditarod had it’s start take place in Fairbanks this morning. 78 mushers and their 1000 sled dogs were off in their attempt to traverse the approximately 1000 miles to Nome.

Race veteran, DeeDee Jonrowe and her team as they take off for Nome

A great crowd turned out for the start, and organizers learned from the 2003 event, by having shuttles take people to and from the race start. The west end of town really only has one way in and one way out, which caused a bit of a bottleneck the last time Fairbanks held the Iditarod start.

Above is a good shot of the Iditarod start from the air. Notice the open water on the Chena River behind the Princess Lodge.

Photos courtesy of the Daily News-Miner