The Last Great Race

[Declan Troy]

This weekend saw the start of the Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome. 70+ dog teams off on a > 1000 mile race. Quite the party as the teams head through town with visitors from around the world but now the teams are all well away from civilization.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4419309352_91ae60616d_o.jpg

50D, iso 200, 100-400 @ 400, f5.6, 1/1000

[Alfred Forns]

Thanks for this wonderful image Declan I'm a big fan of this race and even met Susan Butcher, sorry we lost her.

Those pups sure look happy !!!

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Seen documentaries on this Declan and it is just incredible, never noticed the booties before. Quite a test of endurance (an understatement to be sure).

[Kerry Perkins]

Delcan, this is beautiful and I am truly in awe of the humans and their best friends who have the courage to participate in this race! Thank you for sharing this moment.

[Declan Troy]

Thanks all. It was quite the event once again (not past tense for the teams still out there competing for the Red Lantern award).

Jackie, booties are de rigeur for the race. A thousand miles of ice shards and snow ball between the pads can take a toll on one's feet. Some dogs go discrete (so you don't notice), some flaunt it! These hot pink pooches were the winning team (for the fourth time!). They hauled along a cool character named Lance Mackey. During the start as they were approaching me a woman yelled out "I need a hug" and the pink feet dug in to a halt, Lance got off, hugged and posed for pictures with the woman and her friends!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4447459641_8c3888244e_o.jpg

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Pink booties very appropos for the winning team. They could choose any colour they want as long a it is is neon or thearabouts. Yhey want the world to know they are the winners. Thanks for sharing the great image(s)!