Racing the Iditarod Trail Through History

It began long ago, and far away, in a little known town named Nome, Alaska. The Gold Rush was in full swing, and miners soon discovered that the hills and valleys of frozen earth to the north were filled with riches. The year was 1899 when this little town of a few hundred citizens, soon became populated with 20,000 people. By 1908, more gold was discovered near a river the Ingalik Indians had named Haiditarod, which meant far and distant place.

Within a few short years, miners founded the third largest mining district in Alaska. They named their town Iditarod in reference to the Ingalik's river title. Sled dogs had been employed to forage through the snow. It was their duty to carry supplies from village to village, visiting trading posts and mining camps as they went. With the help of sled dog teams, precious gold was hauled to its destinations. The trails created were soon to become the route for the greatest race in history, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The Great Race of Mercy

Tragedy struck in January of 1925, when two little Eskimo children died of diphtheria, at a hospital in Nome, Alaska. The idea that thousands of native villagers were at risk of catching the disease was unfathomable. Yet, it was a very real possibility since the necessary antitoxin was in short supply.

Telegraphs were sent to determine where more antiserum could be found. Communication indicated that it had been found in Anchorage, Alaska, over 1,000 miles away. Sled dog teams were made ready to retrieve and deliver the much needed medicine. Tag teams were set up to keep the dog teams from overworking and becoming lame. All of this was in effort to prevent an epidemic from spreading in the great north.

The teams of dogs and mushers navigated their way through the rugged terrain of Alaskan wilderness, heading north along many of the trails forged by the gold miners. They faced several obstacles as they travelled. Time was of the essence. The mushers were responsible for keeping the antiserum from freezing. And of course, wild animals roamed free in these unchartered territories.

Individual teams were set up along the established route; lanterns were lit to recognize stopping points. The relay teams travelled day and night in negative temperatures. The Great Race of Mercy took only 6 days to complete. President Calvin Coolidge signed certificates of appreciation, and the driver's received medals and a small sum for their heroism.

Passion Meets Sport

Sled dogs were considered working animals. Yet, it was impossible not to become attached to these friendly pets that were so invaluable. Competition over who had the best sled dogs was normal. It was not unheard of to have short distant races with merchant prizes offered to the winners. People were proud of their teams, and they wanted to showcase them.

This led to the formation of the Nome Kennel Club in 1907. Their purpose was to create a fair set of guidelines for people wanting to race their dogs. Rules were written, and standard trails were established. Judges and awards were decided upon. The care of the dogs was monitored to prevent animal abuse. Formal sled dog racing became an Alaskan sport.

Changing Cultures Revive Tradition

The Gold Rush faded into the pages of history, and with it those teams of sled dogs that worked so hard. Airplanes and snowmobiles became the standard mode of transportation in the great north from about 1930 until about 1960. Trails soon were overgrown with brush, as their use became less and less.

Not everyone had forgotten about those exhilarating races in the not so distant past. Dorothy Page and Joe Redington, Sr. had a dream to revitalize the history of sled dogs. They wanted to uncover the old Iditarod Trail, and create an incredible dog sled race.

Together they worked to repair the old trail, raise funds, and convince local citizens and merchants to participate in their dream. In February of 1967, the first Iditarod Race took place. It was only 56 miles long, and took about 2 days to complete. The race was successful.

Over the next several years, the Iditarod Trail was cleared and marked, making it better for future races. By 1972, the ultimate trail was established. It began in Anchorage, and finished in Nome, Alaska. The trail was 1,049 miles long. This was to symbolize the pride of Alaskans, and commemorate their state being the 49^th state to join the union.

Fundraising offered more prizes, and the winner earned a bigger purse. Sometimes this led to mistreatment of the animals. Animal rights groups challenged the Iditarod Committee, and their treatment of their dog teams. This led to important safeguards for the animals, and their mushers. By the 1980's, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race had become an international event.

Dorothy Page and Joe Redington are affectionately named the mother and father of the Iditarod. Through their dreams, efforts, and dedication, it has become a race for all time that challenges the skills and bravery of athletes.