A woman planning to return to the Iditarod sled dog competition has been described as an inspiration.

Kim Darst is set to have another crack at the event next March after failing to complete the course this year, the Express-Times relayed.

She suffered hypothermia and had to spend two days in hospital, but is reportedly fighting fit for 2010′s bash.

Ms Darst is now aiming to find $50,000 to pay for the trip, $18,000 of which she has already accounted for.

Discussing the competitor’s determination, one of her fundraisers, Mary-Michael Levitt told the news provider: "I was completely inspired and impressed that she decided at over the age of 30 … to take on a whole new project from scratch."

If Ms Darst completes the race, she will apparently be the first person from New Jersey to do so.

Another sled dog enthusiast gearing up for Iditarod is Tom Thurston.

He recently told the Steamboat Pilot he is aiming to build on his 44th-place finish with a top 30 ranking.