Iditarod

The 2009 Iditarod dogsled race began Saturday, March 7 in Anchorage, Alaska. I found 3 definitions for the word "Iditarod". The first definition comes from an Ingalik and Holikachuk word hidedhod for the Iditarod River. This name means distant or distant place. The second definition comes from the Ingalik Indian word Halditarod which was teh name for the river on which the town was built. The 3rd definition means clear water and was named by the Shageluk Indians for the Iditarod River.
You can read a lot of information about the Iditarod on the official webpage, www.iditarod.com. The racers enjoy the thrill of competition, but they also relish the beauty of the Alaskan landscape from Anchorage to Nome.