50th running of the Iditarod commences

Taxidermy mounts of legendary lead dogs are on display at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska, U.S., February 24, 2022. On the left is Andy, lead dog for four of Rick Swenson’s five Iditarod victories. On the right is Togo, the lead dog for musher Leonhard Seppala, one of the main mushers in the 1925 Serum Run that brought diphtheria medicine to Nome. Togo and Seppala traveled 264 miles in the relay and Togo was considered the main dog hero of the mission. Togo and Andy stand against a wall filled with portraits of Iditarod race champions. REUTERS/Yereth Rosen