The path changes every year and the lands are wonderful. It crosses congealed rivers, mountain ranges, dense forests and desert tundra. Currently, there're 25 checking points on the north tracing and 26 in the south route, where the mushers must stop.

The temperature in the region falls below-freezing zero and the winds can cause complete lack of visibility, causing long hours of blackout. The wind can arrive the -100 ° F (-75 ° C).

This race is the more popular sportive event in Alaska, and the top mushers and their teams of dogs, are local celebrities. These competitors have the most varied life styles: they are fishing men, lawyers, doctors, gold washers, artists, teachers, carpenters, painters, nurses, veterinarians, engineers, administrators, etc.

More than 80 of them, compete each year. The majority are from rural zones, as the South Center of Alaska, and only one small percentage are from exterior, especially from Canada.

Another feature of the race is the cares of the Committee (ITC) with the dogs. They are in charge of provide the best cares for the dogs, not only during the race, but through an extensive veterinarian program before the competition. Any suspicion illness or tire and dog can be taken off of the race.

Each team is composed of twelve to sixteen dogs and all they are identified and monitored by microchips implanted and necklaces with labels.

The race is also called "the last great race" and the most funny is that everything only happens due thousands of local volunteers.