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For the first time in its 39 year history, the legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will allow its competitors to use GPS tracking systems to help navigate the trails and track their progress. The new tracking technology will help improve safety conditions of the race, as well as providing fans with statistics throughout the race. There is even a service available online that users can subscribe to, in order to get the most up-to-date information.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race expands over 1,150 miles of Alaskan wilderness. The trail crosses mountain ranges, dense forests, frozen rivers and desolate tundra. The team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher race across this landscape, where the extreme conditions are matched by extreme beauty. The race can take anywhere from 10 to 17 days, beginning at Anchorage, Alaska and ending at Nome on the western Bering Sea coast.

In 2011′s race, for the first time, the dog teams will be attached to GPS tracking systems. The trail crosses some of the most isolated terrain in the U.S., however, the new tracking technology will allow unparalleled visibility for the racers and fans alike. The increased visibility will help to decrease the risks involved in racing such isolated and harsh conditions. In the case that some unforeseen circumstance results in a injury or worse, rescue teams will be able to respond right away with an exact location.

Not only does the new GPS tracking systems improve the safety of the race, it also improves the fan experience. Until now, Iditarod Trail Sled Dob Trace enthusiasts had to wait until the race was over to find out pertinent information. The satellite tracking allows race officials with the GPS data, to share up-to-date information throughout the race. Each day, fans can see where the racers are on the trail, as well as where they are in comparison to the other teams.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor