There has been another dramatic change to the world's most famous sled dog race this year because of the pandemic, with officials announcing Friday that the ceremonial start has been cancelled. "After consulting with our stakeholders and in consultation with the Municipality of Anchorage, we decided to cancel our traditional ceremonial start in Anchorage due to the COVID-19 concerns of a large gathering," Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race CEO Rob Urbach said in a statement. For the actual start of the race, which is always held the following day, the Iditarod has said there will be limited space for spectators outside a secure area, and encouraged fans to watch the start and finish on live television. The Iditarod had earlier announced that the route was being changed this year to start and end near Willow, about 80 kilometres north of Anchorage. Fifty mushers will begin the race March 7, the smallest field in the last two decades.

Source: CBC News February 06, 2021 16:52 UTC