The start is not the only place to watch a race. Trailside viewing lets you see the teams at work, perhaps negotiating a bridge or tricky turn. For long-distance races, you can visit checkpoints hours and even days after the start to observe the mushers and teams. The teams sign in and often stop to eat and rest. Although the majority of checkpoints for Alaska races are remote and can't be reached by road, spectators and supporters can gather at road-accessible lodges to cheer team progress in the Copper Basin 300, Klondike 300, and Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race.
Finish lines provide good entertainment too.
If you fly to Nome for the conclusion of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, you can see teams finishing for several days. Don't overlook the less-acclaimed sled dog races. The junior races typically are short enough that you can see both starts and finishes in the span of an hour. You can find sled dog races in cities and small communities pretty much all over Alaska, primarily from December through March. See the accompanying table for locations, times, and contact information of major races.