The 1,000 (ish) mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome started in 1973 but in 1925 the most important event was what inspired the race when a diphtheria epidemic was threatening the small, isolated town. The closest medicine was in Anchorage and at that time, the fastest way to get it to Nome was by sled dog.
 
In 1985 the first women, Libby Riddles won and the next year the winner was Susan Butcher, who went on to win a total of 4 times. They inspired the saying "Alaska. Where men are men and women win the Iditarod."
 
*Side note* another popular saying is "Alaskan men. The odds are good but the goods are odd." But that's a story for another time. : )
 
A woman hasn't won since the early 90's and the last two years Aliy Zirkle has come in 2nd. This year was a brutal trail because of unseasonably warm temps and the race was tough. Aliy was neck in neck with the other two leaders and this morning she came in 2nd again. By only 2 minutes! This was about 4 AM Alaska time and I know most of the state was awake. Alaska doesn't have any professional sports teams so the Iditarod is like our Super Bowl and World Series all put together! It's a tradition I grew up with and I wanted to share with all of you.
 
Cheers and happy mushing!