Iditarod Training Courses for Mushers and Sled Dogs

Training sled dogs for the Iditarod is an ongoing adventure that happens all year long. It's true that most teams relax and play more during the summer, but discipline is still enforced. Then, as soon as the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the real workout begins. The dogs are eager to hit the trail, as they build and test their strength and endurance.

Most kennel owners train their sled dogs right in their own back yard. They take them on camping and hunting trips. They have them haul large loads of wood and water. Mushers hook them up to gang lines and take them on runs. Some people even let them pull their pickup trucks. This is done humanely of course, with the engine running, and the driver maintaining a minimum speed.

After the dogs have been conditioned in the open country, trainers can enter them in a series of sled dog races. Mushers too, have training courses designed to help them survive the challenges faced in the Iditarod. There is no way to fully prepare for the last great race on earth. Training courses offer an opportunity to learn, and build endurance.

Training Courses for Mushers

1. Iditasport 130: Travelling along portions of the Iditarod trail, bikers, skiers, and hikers are encouraged to test their speed, strength, and endurance. The course begins in Knik, Alaska and finishes at Finger Lake.

2. Iditasport Extreme: There is nothing quite like getting to know the wilderness when there are no roads available for travel. This training course has you travel up the mountains of the Alaskan Range on a 350 mile trek. Planes and snow machines can offer support if you get into trouble.

3. Iditasport Impossible: When preparing for the Iditarod, it is important to be able to go the distance. Training on this impossible course includes conquering the entire Iditarod trail. That's almost 1,100 miles of hiking, biking, or skiing, without your sled dogs.

4. Iditarod Trail Invitational: This race is so powerful that you now have to get personally invited to participate. You can sign up for a short race (350 miles) or a longer race (1,100 miles). Whether you choose to use a hike, ski, or drive a bike, this is an amazing training opportunity for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Training Courses for the Sled Team

1. Tustemena 200: This course is considered one of the most difficult qualifying races needed to enter the Iditarod. Teams travel up and down hills and mountains, along creeks and lakes, and even across flat lands to prepare for the great race.

2. The Attaboy 300 Oregon World Cup Race for Vision: There are a few races included in the World Cup circuit. This race takes place in central Oregon, and helps promote athletes with disabilities.

3. Klondike 300: This training race takes teams on a 300 mile trek beginning at the Tugbar in Knik, Alaska, and travelling through rough terrain on a round trip course. Participants have a layover at Yentna Station before heading back to Knik, through Deshka.

4. Sheep Mountain 150: This race is very popular with Iditarod contenders. It begins and ends at Sheep Mountain. Participants race to Eureka Lodge before heading back to the mountain.

5. Fur Rendezvous World Championship: Affectionately called Fur Rondy, these races are part of a 3 day festival. Mushers and dog teams participate in a variety of races including sprints and long distance runs.

6. Yukon Quest: This race is probably one of the most famous. It takes teams on an historic journey through trails from the ancient mail delivery and Gold Rush days. The trail begins in Fairbanks, Alaska, inviting teams to travel through 1,000 miles of difficult, and often dangerous, wilderness. The finish line is in Whitehorse, Canada's Yukon Territory.

Training for the Iditarod takes time. Applicants must have at least 500 miles of sled dog racing calculated to compete. Some of the races above are qualifiers, and count toward that goal. Others are simply good ways to build endurance, and learn survival skills needed to finish the race.