mid-Iditarod
They're OFF and running! Iditarod 2008 is in full force. Teams are on the trail toughing out the warmer than usual weather. This will not be a "fast" race this year (compared to recent years). The winning team will have big endurance dogs, compared to teams with smaller, faster dogs. This part of the race is so full of mystery because the "leaders" may not be front runners at all. The racers are required to take two long breaks during the race, a 24-hour break and an 8-hour break (an additional 8-hour break is built in near the end of the trail). So, when and where racers take their breaks build in suspence. Most of the front runners right now have not taken those breaks, but they will soon be passed by those who have. Strategy comes into play too... with the warmer temperatures, teams taking a break "early" in the race may have fresher teams if and when the temperatures dip and the trail firms up. But those who forged ahead may be rewarded with a long rest during the worst of this unseasonal thaw if it continues to get warmer. Check it out in your local sports page or on www.iditarod.com
