The Last Great Race: 2018 Iditarod

news image
Top Stories
4 Mar 2018 8:16 PM

The Last Great Race: 2018 Iditarod

MUSH! MUSH! The 2018 Iditarod race is well underway, even if the term "mush" isn't even commonly spoken. Saturday, Mushers took to the streets of Anchorage, AK to continue a tradition dating back to 1973, when "The Last Great Race" officially started. The Iditarod was inspired by the 1925 race, via dog sled, to deliver a life-saving drug to the town of Nome, AK. The Iditarod celebrations kicked off today, in Anchorage, AK , as they do the first Saturday of March each year. Although the celebration starts in Anchorage, AK, the official 2018 start line is located in the town of Willow, AK,  about 81 miles north of Anchorage. In years past, due to the lack of snow in southern Alaska, the race has started as far north as Fairbanks, AK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzlnPQSxzf8&feature=youtu.be   As far as temperatures go, this year's opening event temperature in Anchorage, AK topped off at 26°. Within the past three years, the warmest Anchorage Iditarod starting temperature was as high as 42°, well above the average temperature of 33.9° for the month of March.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDtyoO3hE5o&feature=youtu.be   Although temperatures will be relatively warm by Alaskan standards, a heavy band of snow is forecasted to move in from the Bering Sea on Tuesday. If you think snow doesn't sound fun while doing a 1,049 mile outdoor race - remember - you can't pull a sled without snow! For WeatherNation - Meteorologist Josh Cozart  
All Weather News
More
Aurora Could Be Seen As Far South As Alabama

Aurora Could Be Seen As Far South As Alabama

Aurora lovers, rejoice! The Space Weather Pre

12 Nov 2025 2:50 AM
Arctic Blast Sends Temperatures Plummeting for Millions

Arctic Blast Sends Temperatures Plummeting for Millions

The season’s first Arctic blast has surged in

12 Nov 2025 2:30 AM
Warm Weather for the Western U.S.

Warm Weather for the Western U.S.

If it hasn't been wet, it's been warm out Wes

12 Nov 2025 12:00 AM
Western Waves Bring Soggy, Snowy Pattern

Western Waves Bring Soggy, Snowy Pattern

Winter alerts have already been issued for th

11 Nov 2025 11:55 PM
Lake Effect Snow Wraps Up Today

Lake Effect Snow Wraps Up Today

The lake effect snow season has arrived, with

11 Nov 2025 5:05 PM
Severe Threat Ending With Florida

Severe Threat Ending With Florida

The much-anticipated cold front that will sla

10 Nov 2025 12:50 AM
Midwest Clipper Brings Light Snow, Gusty Winds

Midwest Clipper Brings Light Snow, Gusty Winds

A system has been bringing snow across the Pl

8 Nov 2025 11:05 PM