ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A lack of snow in Alaska's largest city is forcing organizers of the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to ship tons of it by train for the event's ceremonial start.
The mild winter in Anchorage also could mean a shorter version of the 11-mile route for the fan-friendly event Saturday, when temperatures are expected to be above freezing.
The competitive start of the nearly 1,000-mile race will be held Sunday in Willow, 50 miles north of Anchorage.
Iditarod officials couldn't immediately be reached Tuesday. But CEO Stan Hooley tells the Alaska Dispatch News that the ceremonial start may need to be shortened after days of higher temperatures further eroded the minimal snow on area trails.
The snow shipped from hundreds of miles away will supplement snow the area has been stockpiling.
