Mushers set off from Alaska town as Iditarod race begins

WILLOW, Alaska (AP) — Eighty-five mushers set off Sunday to conquer the toughest terrain this nation has to offer, vying to become the first to reach Alaska's western coast with their dog teams.

Scott Janssen, an undertaker from Anchorage who is known as the Mushing Mortician, was the first to leave across Willow Lake in the staggered started to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Dallas Seavey was only wearing a long-sleeved shirt as he packed his sled under blue skies and warm temperatures.

The winner is expected in about nine days after traveling over two mountain ranges, the Yukon River and battling the fierce winds along the Bering Sea coast.

Besides Seavey, there are six other former champions in the race, including four-time winner Lance Mackey.