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Iditarod sled dogs approach the start of the 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Fairbanks, Alaska, March 3. The 2025 Iditarod, an enduring symbol of Alaska’s resilience and adventurous spirit, saw 33 mushers and their teams embark on the longest trail in Iditarod history, spanning 1,128 miles from Fairbanks to Nome. The courageous dogs and heroes of the Iditarod, renowned for their strength, resilience, and unwavering determination, have been central to the race's history, which traces its roots back to 1925 when sled dogs saved the town of Nome from a diphtheria outbreak by transporting life-saving medicine across treacherous Alaskan terrain. During the historical restart in Fairbanks, Airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Wing volunteered to support and strengthen bonds in the tight-knit Alaskan community by serving as dog handlers, security guards, and traffic coordinators. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)