Iditarod sled dog race!

[MNElkNut]

The race just began! Anyone following it?

 

[deer_shooter]

I usually do. I went up for the start last year. It was a great experience.

 

[idnative1948]

Think I am going to keep an eye on it this year due to the grandkids being all excited about it.

 

[MNElkNut]

So my family and I follow it. This year, I made up a pool. Each of us drew 13 mushers. Then the mushers get points for being first into a checkpoint, keeping 16 dogs through half the race, then the whole race, the top 11 finishers get points and then you lose 2 points if they drop out. It keeps it interesting for the kids and we have 2 weeks of entertainment. I supply the prizes...it is not a winning proposition for me! But the kids will each get to win a few dollars and they have gained soooo much knowledge about the race that it is worth every penny.

 

[EODRay]

So my family and I follow it. This year, I made up a pool. Each of us drew 13 mushers. Then the mushers get points for being first into a checkpoint, keeping 16 dogs through half the race, then the whole race, the top 11 finishers get points and then you lose 2 points if they drop out. It keeps it interesting for the kids and we have 2 weeks of entertainment. I supply the prizes...it is not a winning proposition for me! But the kids will each get to win a few dollars and they have gained soooo much knowledge about the race that it is worth every penny.

HaHa! It's like fantasy football for dogsledding. I like it!

 

[MNElkNut]

It certainly is. The biggest reason that I did it is to hold the kids interest. And it is working!

 

[Kaitum]

We follow it. Then again, living in AK it is hard to miss it. My wife really got into it a few years ago, she's volunteering at one of the check points along the trail this year.