Blair Braverman

“It sounds like the NBA season’s been canceled,” fifth-place Aaron Burmeister said after reaching the finish line in Nome.

The simple, stark photos tell the story of the people and dogs behind the race to Nome.

A couple dozen people came together to help, working 13-hour days to turn an abandoned house into a welcoming checkpoint.

Bison is one of Alaska’s most popular stud dogs, with litters of pups in at least 12 Iditarod mushers’ kennels, including those of three former champions.

More of your Iditarod questions, asked and answered.

“We try to lift the dogs’ spirits," said a Michigan Tech University student stationed at McGrath on the dropped dog crew.

It’s not uncommon for newer mushers to cut back on liquids before a race in the hopes of avoiding pit stops, but pros know that proper hydration keeps you warm, clear-headed and performing at a top level.

Rose Johnson has known the Iditarod her whole life, but her grandmother Amy Chisholm still remembers the first one ever, in 1973.

Lev Shvarts, who is currently racing in his fifth Iditarod, also builds his own snow hooks and sleds, and would like to get into the headlamp market.

The race gives teenagers space to be taken seriously as outdoorspeople, dog mushers and problem-solvers.