The Iditarod National Historic Trail celebrates a 2,400-mile system of winter routes and the indispensable role played by “man’s best friend” in Alaska. In the 1970s, to draw attention to the role dogs played in Alaska’s history, Joe Redington Sr. and his friends created an epic sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, following the route of the historic Iditarod Trail. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ultimately revived dog mushing in Alaska and around the world. And in 1978, the Iditarod was designated as a National Historic Trail. The race start is set for Anchorage on March 4, 2023 — marking the 51st anniversary of the "Last Great Race." 🐾🥰 Photo by Bob Wick / @mypubliclands ALT TEXT: Nine sled dogs with colorful little boots pull their musher on a sled as they start their journey for the day. A group of people near a cabin watch as the dog sled team moves away.