A musher planning to compete in the 2010 Iditarod sled dog race has said he would take part even if there was no prize fund.

In the wake of an announcement by officials that funding is down by $1 million (£613,407) this year, Ryan Redington told KTUU.com: "I love the Iditarod that much that I’ll go."

Reports have suggested the main reasons for the deficit are that a cable company set to cover the race has pulled out, while sponsorship has taken a major hit.

Although getting to the starting line is a financial struggle for Redington, he told the news provider he is determined to take part in his seventh race.

"I’ve got to work hard and save all my money and try to do well in pre-season races to make it to Iditarod," he said.

Despite its cash problems, 75 mushers have signed up to take part in the 2010 event, which kicks off on March 6th 2010.

Last year’s champion Lance Mackey is among them, along with Gerald Sousa and Mitch Seavey.