Iditarod Vocabulary

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Iditarod

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A famous long-distance sled dog race held every year in Alaska.

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Musher

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A person who drives a sled pulled by dogs. Mushers are also called drivers.

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Sled

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A vehicle used for traveling over snow and ice, pulled by dogs in the race.

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Dogsled Team

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A group of dogs trained to pull a sled.

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Checkpoint

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A stopping place along the race where mushers rest, check on their dogs, and get supplies.

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Trail

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The path or route the mushers and their teams follow during the race.

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Harness

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A set of straps used to attach the dogs to the sled.

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Lead Dog

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The dog at the front of the team helps guide the other dogs on the trail.

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Snowhook

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A heavy metal anchor that keeps the sled in place when the team is stopped.

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Balto

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A famous sled dog from the 1925 serum run, which inspired the Iditarod race.