The volunteer aspect of the Iditarod is huge.  People come from all over the world to volunteer for a staggering variety of jobs: veterinarians, pilots, trail guards, dog handlers, media, communications, logistics, cooks, security-the list goes on and on.  It is estimated that each year there are 1,800 to 2,000 volunteers that literally make The Last Great Race happen.  The race just couldn’t be held without those who give their time and talents, with many coming year after year.

And these are no mean talents they bring, either.  As the list above suggests, many of these people make a living doing these very jobs; however, there is no way the race would survive if all of them required payment.  They do it from their hearts, for the satisfaction of seeing something done well, and for the obvious thrill it provides to be a part of the Iditarod community.  And they are as happy, helpful, and capable a group as you could hope to find anywhere.