The 2013 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race begins today with a ceremonial start at 10 a.m. in downtown Anchorage. (Click to enlarge photos)
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| Musher staged at the starting line; handlers have just let go of the traces, awaiting the "Go!" from the announcer |
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| Crowds to the west of the starting line, on 4th Avenue |
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| Crowd east of the starting line, along the route & stacked in the parking garage |
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| "Go!" |
Today's start is ceremonial only, used for fund-raising purposes. You'll notice a rider in the sled; these seats are auctioned to the highest bidders, and can bring $10K in donation per rider.
The racers will leave the line in the same order as tomorrow's official re-start in Willow (or is it Big Lake?). There are
66 teams this year. It's fair to say fewer than that will cross the finish line in Nome.
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| It's more fun to see them up close & personal, away from downtown, as they pass by so close that you can shake their hands |
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| Racer interacting with spectators |
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| Me, awaiting the next team. It was about -10 that morning; it's to be 40 degrees warmer today. |
5 comments:
Nice pics and love the pink doggie boots! :-)
Makes 'em easier to see along the trail, if one gets thrown off. Also, they attract lots of attention.
Thanks!
Great pics and looking good there Shepard!
Thanks, Kelly. I had to get rid of that parka already due to my ongoing weight loss. It had hardly been used, so I swapped it for ammo. :^)
Ammo trade always works for me =)
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