The Alaska’s famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicked off in Anchorage, Alaska on Sunday. The annual long-distance race exposes mushers and sled dogs to harsh conditions. /China News Photo

The race starts from Anchorage in the south central Alaska to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, covering around 1688 kilometers of the roughest and the most beautiful route, which takes about nine days to finish. /China News Photo

67 teams participated in the race and crowds lining on the streets cheered to the mushers and dogs. /China News Photo

Every musher has a different tactic, including a special menu for the dog, different strategy for the running time and personal training schedule. Mushers usually start to prepare for the race a year in advance. /China News Photo