2 Minnesotans Compete In Iditarod Dog Sled Race

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Two Minnesotans are competing in the world's most famous sled dog race, the 2016 Iditarod.

The Iditarod started in Fairbanks, Alaska Sunday. Eighty-five mushers started out on snow that had to be hauled in due to the warm winter.

Over the next eight days, they'll travel thousands of miles to Alaska's western coast and the Gold Rush-era town of Nome.

Nathan Schroeder, from Chisholm, is in 33rd place right now. He is about 15 minutes back from the first place musher after just one day.

His dad, Vern, said the environment up in Alaska is unlike that of any other race.

"As far as the dogs are concerned, it's just another race. But for us, it's a pretty big deal. With all the people, it's a big show. To come up here, it's an honor. And to be able to compete with mushers known around the world, it's really something," Vern said.

Cindy Gallea, from Wykoff, is the other Minnesotan competing. The nurse practitioner is currently at 72nd in the overall standings.