What is the Lantern Red Awarded?

Answer 1

It is the award given to the last musher to cross the finish line in Nome. It began as a joke years ago, and became a good luck symbol for the race. A "widow's lamp" is lite in Nome, and hung at the finish line, the same day the Iditarod, (dog sled race) starts in Anchorage Alaska. The lantern will be left burning day and night until the last contestant crosses the finish line. The last musher to cross the finish line in Nome, is responsible for turning the lantern off. Now, the last to finish the race is awarded the Red Lantern Award. It shows the perseverance and dedication needed to finish the race. It usually takes 14-15 days to finish the Iditarod.

Answer 2

It is the award given to the last musher to cross the finish line in Nome. It began as a joke years ago, and became a good luck symbol for the race. A "widow's lamp" is lite in Nome, and hung at the finish line, the same day the Iditarod, (dog sled race) starts in Anchorage Alaska. The lantern will be left burning day and night until the last contestant crosses the finish line. The last musher to cross the finish line in Nome, is responsible for turning the lantern off. Now, the last to finish the race is awarded the Red Lantern Award. It shows the perseverance and dedication needed to finish the race. It usually takes 14-15 days to finish the Iditarod.