The Iditarod dog sled race is tough — 1,150 miles across Alaska in wind chills that can dip below -60 degrees Fahrenheit. So when this year's run starts on March 3, racers will use everything — from antimicrobial underwear to carbon fiber sleds — to beat the cold and the clock. The record, set in 2002, is 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes, 2 seconds. Mush!
— Aria Pearson
Rendering by John MacNeill
1. OUTERWEAR
The Trans-Alaska Extreme Suit, manufactured by Cabela's, sports a nylon shell laminated to a windproof membrane that has billions of micropores to let perspiration escape. Under that is a hefty layer of polyester, which insulates racers and wicks moisture away from the body.
2. SLED FRAME
The lighter the load, the faster the dogs can run. New sleds are made of ultralightweight carbon fiber or aircraft-grade aluminum. To handle sharp turns and bumpy terrain, the central frame is typically broken into eight sections, which are then connected by flexible joints.
3. TOWLINE
This system of ropes connects the dogs to the sled. Racers use cords made of tough, cold-resistant polyethylene. They can also choose chew-proof lines reinforced with a steel cable or versions with interwoven reflective fibers for extra visibility.
4. TACK
The dogs are outfitted with booties made of tear-resistant 330‑denier Cordura nylon. Their harnesses feature neoprene-padded nylon webbing and a pivoting hook-up point, which helps to distribute the pull force evenly, relieving pressure on each dog’s back, hips, and ankles.
5. DOG FOOD
Racing dogs burn about 10,000 calories a day. Eagle Pack Ultra Power dry dog food — used by racers like Iditarod record holder Martin Buser — contains four sources of animal protein, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, fiber and vitamin supplements, and a heaping helping of fat.
6. RUNNERS
Interchangeable plastic strips are attached to the sled’s ski-like runners to reduce friction. Old versions were bolted on; new models click into place in just a few seconds. Oil-treated strips are good for wet snow; sets containing trace amounts of graphite powder perform well on hardpack.
7. BRAKES
To slow down, mushers lower a drag pad with carbide metal studs that won't wear down in ice. For serious braking, racers stomp on an aluminum bar with two steel claws, then deploy a titanium hook on one of the runners — the dogs drag it into the ground like an anchor. And, of course, the musher yells, "Whoa!"
credit: John MacNeillw
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