Thanks, logistically it takes a lot to set it all up. 7 veterinarians on staff, many volunteers, all teams are issued SPOT trackers.
Since its almost all in a dead zone, all the manned check points, and start and finish lines, etc all use ham radios and operators for communication.
The 200 mile teams were using 12 dogs, and have a mandated rest area, after the first 100ish miles. At olocot checkpoint, where they have vet teams, dog handlers, and lots of wall tents w/ wood stoves. Once the race starts everything is monitored 24/7.
That checkpoint can only be reached by Sled, no roads.
And the team's, and their support systems are impressive as well. The trucks, trailers, etc just for the care of the dogs.
And it's incredibly remote, they do a loop on the breaks of Hells Canyon. Rough country,
The small towns, have amazing community support.
This is one of the Iditarod qualifiers, and has been growing every year. The mushers say this race is actually toucher than the Iditarod, as it has more elevation gain and loss in less miles.
Sent from somewhere remote on my BlackBerry