The starter of Iditarod – Who let the 1.000 dogs out?

Karl Heidelbach (55) is in charge of creating order in the chaos when the entire 1,000 dogs and 58 teams are on the starting line, right in the center of Anchorage. You have

”I love it. Nowhere else in the world can you see so many dogs doing the best they know, and they do so in the middle of a big city” of of , says Karl, coordinator for the Iditarod start. Karl is a retired air force pilot and now a recreational musher.

Thousands of tourists gather along 4th Avenue to watch the show start to the world's most legendary dog race. A seat in the sled during the very start is auctioned off to the fans for up to 7.000 dollars.

It is very busy and long days for Karl and his crew.

Read all about the Iditarod Race

“I get a nap sometimes between when the bar closes and my volunteers starts showing up. Once these things starts off, I feel a immense pride just because I did this. To see my musher friends come out here and do this, is spectacular. Alaska is unique. It will always find a way to come after you”, says Karl.

The Iditarod race starts Saturday, 7th Marach, at 10.00 am local time.

Karl Heidelbach, start coordinator, Iditarod.

Credit: Jeff Schultz Photography, Inc

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