China News Service, March 7th. According to the US "World Journal" report, the world-renowned "Iditarod Dog Sledding Race" was launched from Alaska on the 7th under the epidemic prevention regulations such as no spectators to cheer and no stop in the village. Anchorage started, 47 teams participated.

Data map: Local time on March 2, 2019, Anchorage, Alaska, USA. The 2019 dog sledding competition was held locally.

　　In this well-known event that began in 1973, sled drivers and sled dogs must travel long distances through the rugged terrain of Alaska.

In 2021, due to the epidemic, the race route was shortened to about 1384 kilometers, and it was the first time in 49 years that Nome was not selected as the terminal.

　　In previous years, the "Iditarod Dog Sledding Race" took about 1868 kilometers and took 8 to 15 days; the sledgers and sled dogs can stop at 24 checkpoint villages halfway through to warm up, eat, shower and sleep in the village.

But in 2021, in order to prevent the spread of the virus, most of the villages were skipped in the race schedule, and the sledgers changed to rest in special tents or under the stars.

　　The "Iditarod Dog Sledding Race" in March 2020 is one of the few major sports events that have not been cancelled due to the epidemic.

This year the organizers spent more time preparing. The sled drivers are subject to strict virus testing. Those who are diagnosed before the race are not allowed to participate. Additional testing and monitoring will be carried out during the journey.

Data map: On March 3, 2018, local time, the annual Iditarod Dog Sledding Race was held in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA.

　　Due to the epidemic, the 2020 champion Norwegian Varna will be absent this year.

After Varna's victory in 2020, travel restrictions were imposed. He and his dog stayed in Alaska for several months, and finally took a flight from Anchorage to Oslo before being able to return to Norway.

　　The 2021 participating team is the least ever, but it still includes four former champions, two of whom have won four times.

　　Varna won about $50,000 in prize money and a new Dodge truck in 2020, but after that race, Kreisler Motors decided to cancel its sponsorship of the race, and the amount of the championship prize has not yet been determined.

　　The Animal Friendly Association (PETA) has been pressing the US sponsors to withdraw the sponsorship on the grounds that the competition is cruel to dogs.

PETA also said that since 1973, more than 150 dogs have been killed in the competition.