Deep snow is creating softer trails on the Iditarod, leading to many sled dog teams posting fast results.

The event kicked-off over the weekend in Anchorage and the leading pack is starting to take shape.

Writing on the Eye on the Trail blog, Bruce Lee said much of the "slog" of the early course is over for the remaining teams.

He noted that musher Martin Buser took a longer rest stop than many in Rohn, meaning he may be relying on increased energy stores in his sled dogs to power him back into contention.

Mr Lee remarked: "In the next day we will begin to see where each of these mushers plan to rest their dogs on the mandatory 24 hours break."

A number of sled dog teams have quit the race since Saturday (March 6th 2010), including Karin Hendrickson, who scratched at Rainy Pass.

She had problems with her sled dog equipment – which could include dog harnesses – and also caused damage to her sled.

Kirk Barnum also scratched at the same point after his sled dogs showed signs of extreme tiredness.