34
The "Last Great Race on Earth", is in full swing and two Montanan's are competing in the grueling 1,150 mile Iditarod. Rick Larson, a 48 year old veteran from Sand Coulee and Rob Loveman, a rookie from Seely Lake, are two of the 67 teams vying for the $610,000 prize. It's going to be a tough challenge against four-time champion Jeff King and two-time defending champion Lance Mackey and Canadian musher Sebastian Schnuelle.
Each team consisting of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher will travel 10 - 17 days over some of the most rugged, treacherous, and beautiful terrain in Alaska. From Anchorage to Nome, 54 men, 13 women and their loyal dogs will endure long periods of darkness, bone chilling sub-zero temperatures, rugged mountains, desolate tundra, dense forest, and winds so fierce as to hinder visibility. Outdoor enthusiast and film crews from around the world have flocked to Alaska to be a part of this extraordinary exhibition of courage and perseverance. Good luck to all of you exceptional individuals!
The following video is a Discovery Channel commercial for a program aired last fall. It gives the general essence of this amazing race!