Alaska's Grueling Dogsled Race - What Does it Cost?

At the race headquarters in Nome I learned much about the cost of racing. There is more to it than harnessing 14 dogs to a sled and shouting, "Mush!"

A well-built young man about 18 years of age told me that he was the youngest musher in the Iditarod race one year ago. It had cost him $7,000 (U.S.) to prepare his team for that episode. I learned that some mushers will pay $500 to $600 for a good sled dog. A valuable lead dog that will follow commands and stay out in front of the team may cost as much as $2,000 to $4,000. No wonder many mushers breed their own dogs!

Food for the dogs also costs money. The rules of the contest require two pounds per dog for each day on the trail. This must be flown in to certain trail locations. Menus vary according to each musher. Dogs devour fish or beef, lard, wheat-germ oil, honey and vegetable oil. Since a warm meal is best, the ingredients are mixed and boiled.

There are also dangers to be met-and not all from the weather. This year a moose resented intrusion on his domain. The huge animal stood its ground, charging three teams-42 snarling, howling dogs. One musher sought refuge in a nearby tree. The confrontation became so serious that another musher finally shot the animal.

This race is only for those who are ready to meet the cost-in money, danger and endurance.

Proper Treatment of Dogs

Would it surprise you to learn these sled dogs wear "running shoes"? If you look closely you will see leather booties, which are required by the race rules. Two sets of these pads must be available to protect the huskies' paws, especially when they run on icy areas along windswept sections of the route.

The owners are not prone to treat their pets harshly. At times mushers will even refuse to put their team on the trail, or a race will be canceled, due to poor trail conditions.

What happens if a dog gets too tired along the way? What if he gets sick or is injured? He will be placed in the sled basket and brought to one of the 28 checkpoints where a veterinarian or race marshal can see to it that it is cared for. All dogs must be accounted for at the finish line. If he cannot do that, the musher will be disqualified. Much effort is put forth to give proper treatment to the dogs.