No. Only one musher and 16 dogs are allowed to run the 1,161 miles. No replacements if a dog get injured either.
The people who control a dog sled are called mushers. They stand on the runners at the back of the sled and give commands to the team of dogs to steer and control their speed. Mushers must have good communication with their dogs and be skilled in navigating the terrain.
"Mushers"
The term is often used for people who guide a dog sled.
The mushers have baskets that carry the gear on the Iditarod Trail. These baskets are used to let the dogs rest while on break.
They freeze to death once they're stranded by not having any dogs to pull their sled any more.
They run all year and slowly increase their distance and speed each time they run. ( they are still using a sled to pull the musher)
there are usually around 60 people in the iditarod each year
In sled dog races, drugs are not allowed that would improve the strength or endurance of a dog. Other drugs, such as some antibiotics, may be restricted as well.
A snowhook is a tool used by mushers in dog sled racing to anchor their sled when the team stops. It is typically a metal hook that is buried in the snow to hold the sled in place, allowing the dogs to rest without the sled moving.
The people who control dog sleds are called mushers. They are responsible for guiding and managing the team of sled dogs, ensuring their safety and well-being during the journey. Mushers often train their dogs and develop a strong bond with them, essential for successful sledding. The sport is popular in various regions, particularly in Alaska and parts of Canada.
"Mushing" refers to driving over snow with a dog sled. One or more dogs pull the sled, with the "musher," the person standing on the sled, on board. The word "mush" comes from the French "marchons" or "marche" meaning, "let's go" or "go."* http://people.howstuffworks.com/musher.htm
The two most recent champions of the Iditarod race, as of 2023, are Brent Sass, who won in 2022, and Musher Dallas Seavey, who claimed victory in 2021. These talented mushers have left significant marks on the history of this renowned dog sledding race in Alaska. The competition showcases not only speed but also the skill and endurance of both the mushers and their sled dogs.