iditarod trail sled dog race

I've been wanting to come to this last great race for years. Finally made it, and will be back in a heartbeat. Only disappointment was they had to bring snow into Anchorage

The ceremonial start has a very festive, friendly feel to it, no matter what the weather. The event is well organized with easy access to the mushers and their teams before the race. There are plenty of ports potty's before the race, but it is hard to get to one once the race starts.A highly recommended event!

Seeing the start of the Iditarod was a once in a lifetime experience we thought. Not anymore. We need to put that on the annual things to do list. It is great to see the mushers and their dogs up close preparing before the race and then fantastic to watch each team race down the street during the ceremonial start. The atmosphere is electric as the dog teams, full of energy, race past you pulling their sled. We have been to many sporting events and this ranks right at the top.

Dress warm, go early to get a good spot to view. Bid to be an Iditarider at Iditarod.com and ride in a sled for 11 miles. Must not dislike many many dogs barking all at once!

Watching the start of this race is something I wanted to do for a long time. I thought it was nog going to happen due to lack of snow. I can't believe they trucked in so much overnight!

It was out first time watching the start of the race downtown. It was fun watching the mushers get their teams ready and see all the support provided to each musher by their handlers, their family, their friends and the community.

A remarkable event to see. Amazing events and well organized. Interesting to see the dog sleds and the mushers at the Starting Point and also at various points along the trail. Great opportunity to see the event and the racers up close, and good photo opportunities as well. Well worth seeing.

The effort the ITC go to ensures the start goes off without a hitch, the streets and lakes lined with dog trucks, dogs, spectators and excitement is a must see. Get out early for a photo with the mushers at the ceremonial start. Leave them to the last minute things at the race start. Maybe even put your hand up to be a handler for the ITC.

This event was on my fiances bucket list although not on my radar. That being said, the entire week we had a fantastic time. Lots of great memories shared form our week centered around this race. The ceremonial day start in Anchorage was a fun filled day watching the teams and the crowds reaction. Crowds lined the street cheering on each team as they gave a brief history of the team at the stating line followed by a quick tour around downtown. The official start was the following day. We hopped on a tour bus for about and hour drive and walked out onto a frozen, snow covered lake to watch the official start. The teams were again cheered on as each one took off one at a time every few minutes. The riders were have a great time and giving high fives to spectators along the trek off into the trails. One of rider, for a bit of fun, snatched my finances glove off during the high five but of course tossed it back. everyone got a real laugh.Tips: dress accordingly,Do visit the Iditarod race headquarters it is informative about the race and a lot of funset up a day tour to mush a team to a glacier this was a lot of fun find out from the visitors center for how to find a tour on snowmobiles. We took one to the Iditarod first check point. Awesome

My first trip to Alaska was 12 years ago and my husband and I came up for the Iditarod. We were hooked after that. The dogs are so amazing and beautiful. We love nature and winter and you can't do any better than Alaska. It has it all. You have got to see the beauty for yourself as the pictures cannot capture the feeling you get no matter where you look. We have been there 15 times since that first trip and we never get tired of what you see. It's like the first time every time!

Attending the ceremonial start in Anchorage or further north, is a wonderful family experience, but be prepared for cold and the unique noise of hundreds of dogs barking in excitement!

A unique experience to feel the enthusiasm and excitement of the many who follow the race almost religiously . It is a special experience even with many other Alaskan experiences but one that cannot be duplicated. Stand the cold and enjoy.

This is mainly a gift shop with some historical information, pictures, trophies, etc around the outside of the room. The thing that troubled me was the dogs...you could take a rides with the dogs...they all appeared old and wornout...and very sad. They may, infact be very well cared for...not judging that...just my impression... I came here because it was in the tour guide...probably would not again...diminished my impression of such a fantastic race of human and animal strength and endurance.

The level of energy was awesome. The dogs barking, the crowd cheering... it was fantastic. The event organizers had done a great job in making sure there was enough parking, and safety to make it a true family event

I'm not much for tourist spots, but this is a place worth checking out. When I went there were puppies and lots of dogs and they were doing some pull behind atv rides.