This entertaining & informative guide to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race reveals the dramatic history of distance racing, the many northern canine breed that run the race from Anchorage to Nome, the rules refined over a quarter-century, the rigorous training regimes of the mushers & dogs & much more. For instance, did you know that the most competitive mushers in the Iditarod average two hours of sleep per day for about 10 days during the race? Or that a man once raced a team of standard poodles--which prompted a rule change to ban all but northern breeds? The Iditarod Fact Book offers unusual facts such as the 30-30-30 rule--at 30 degrees below zero with winds of 30 miles-per-hour, human flesh freezes in 30 second. See a break down of the astronomical cost of competing in the Iditarod. The guide includes the official policies & rules of the Iditarod Trail Committee & a list of a helpful resources. This book is the definitive source for information about the champions, the dogs, organizers, volunteers & sponsors who make this great race possible.