Mushers, their helpers, and race officials check sled equipment, while the dogs watch and yelp with excitement. Iditariders are fans who have helped sponsor mushers in the race. In return, they get the thrill of riding with their favorite musher to Eagle River. Back to map 2. There is a lot of excitement as the mushers unharness their teams here.
Mushers spend the night with Eagle River families.
After a good night's sleep, the mushers take the dogs by truck to Wasilla, where the race officially starts. Back to map 3. Mushers leave town with two sleds attached to the team of 16 dogs. The weight of the extra sled controls the excited dogs and prevents teams from running away. Back to map 4.