The spirit of the Iditarod is centred on the love and respect mushers have for their sled dogs, it has been revealed.

Karen Land, who competed in the Last Great Race between 2002 and 2005, told the Lawrence Journal-World and News of how her passion for the sport developed after reading a book.

In 1997 she stumbled across a tome about the event – and five years later invested in dog harnesses, leads and essential equipment and headed for Alaska.

Ms Land said that the race is hard work, explaining that competitors become quite fragrant after not having a bath for a couple of weeks.

In just over a month’s time, another 71 mushers will understand what she means when they tackle this year’s Last Great Race.

Kicking off in Anchorage on March 6th 2010, the race will cover over 1,000 miles before reaching the finish line in Nome.

Mushers in the running for title glory include the 2007, 2008 and 2009 winner Lance Mackey and Lincoln veteran Jason Barron.