The Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod takes place in Anchorage. Dog teams run an 11 mile route which does not officially count in the race standings. This start gives spectators a great opportunity to view the teams and cheer for their favorite musher.
A March 5, 2016 post on the Iditarod EDU site describes the Ceremonial Start as the 'Party Start':
The ceremonial start is what I and only I call the “party” start. It takes place on the first Saturday of March in Downtown Anchorage. The mood is festive. The dogs trucks and teams are lined up and down 4th Avenue in starting order. Fans are able to talk to the mushers, take pictures, and sometimes even pet the dogs. There’s nothing better than a good belly rub before a long run. The dogs are also wearing bandanas or special team dog coats. Only 12 dogs run on the start team instead of the usual 16. A few of these dogs may not have made the final team but are able to run in the Ceremonial start as long as they passed their vet check.
There are also two other main differences between the two starts. At the Ceremonial Start, an Iditarider gets to ride in the sled basket. An Iditarider is a person who won a bid in an auction for this privilege. Each team has an Iditarider in their sled. The teams also have a dragsled. A drag sled is a second sled attached to the back of the first sled. The driver of the dragsled is experienced in mushing. The reason for the dragsled is help slow down the team. The dogs are so excited and there are so many people along the trail that using only 12 dogs, and having a dragsled makes it a safer run for all involved.
Saturday we (BB, brother Jack, sister-in-law Ann, Sal) are at the ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage. It is sunny with a temperature in the single digits. It may be cold but there are still lots of crowds and loads of excitement! The dogs are excited and barking....you can hear them from 3 blocks away. As it is the ceremonial start many of the mushers have a rider in their sled. Maybe a Make A Wish child or someone who won the ride in an auction.
The Starting Line.
Sal
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