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Iditarod Looks for Relevance as Race Across Alaska Starts

Associated Press

   ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - When 57 mushers line up Sunday for the official
   start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, it will be the
   second-smallest field in the past two decades. Only last year's field
   of 52 was smaller.

   Interest in the world's most famous sled dog race has waned in recent
   years, in part because of smaller cash prizes that make it difficult
   for mushers to compete in an expensive sport. Animal rights activists
   also have stepped up pressure on sponsors to drop their support.

   Now, Iditarod officials are looking to breathe new life into the
   competition, joining a global sled-dog racing series that features TV
   coverage and a GPS tracking platform that they hope will appeal to
   fans. They're also adding a betting element for the first time this
   year, and plan to create some type of fantasy application for future
   races.

   "Like many sports," Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach said, "we are in a race for
   relevance."

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