This sled dog race begins in Anchorage on the first Saturday in March with all the pomp and circumstance of a coronation. The first 12 miles is to give the Iditariders the thrill of a life time experience and let the public cheer on their favorite mushers. The Anchorage Daily News has a listing of all the good viewing spots.... More

I flew to Anchorage in February 2013 for the start of the Iditarod. I stayed for a week. I had such a great time, I decided to fly back to Nome for the finish of the race. The mushers are so nice and the volunteers are great as well. If you have not experienced the Iditarod it is a MUST....

Probably one of the coolest experiences I have ever had!! I was able to get an "armband" which gave me behind the rope access to the race. I helped out with some of the sleds and truly had an Iditarod experience that not many tourists may get. The ceremonial start in Anchorage is cool, but it is so crowded. I... More

Fur rondey is the best. Im a new alaskan so its something you always hear about and now to see it sealed the deal. Everyone should see but beware it is not the real start . The real one is in willow!

We had a great time waiting for the race to start. Free hot chocolate by local Christian group, children looking eagerly for the next sled to pass pulled by strong, eager dogs wearing signs for good causes but it is a dangerous if not deadly sport for man and dogs. Spain has bullfights. Alaska has the Iditarod.

I went to the Iditarod (ceremonial start in Anchorage) for the first time this year and it was really a unique and fun event. Although it is not the "real" start of the race, it is a chance to see the sleds and the dogs up close. Anchorage does a fairly good job of putting together the events related to... More

I'm new to Alaska, and never really followed the Iditarod. But wow, what an experience. I went to both the ceremonial start in Anchorage, and the official start in Willow. Both were fun, but different. Either option gives you an opportunity to get close to the mushers and dogs, and take great pictures. Anchorage has more vendors and side shows,... More

Well worth walking the streets before the race and meeting the mushers but be sure to get a decent spot to take photos. We expected them to all just take off however the introduce and let them go one at a time. Lots of photo opportunities as well as getting to know about each musher. The dogs are very funny... More

there is a preview of this great race in the town of anchorage the day before. In fact there is a two week carnival called fur rondy. there is outhouse races, fireworks, a run with the reindeer, snow sculpturing amd a chance to see te muchers and their sleddogs.