Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Race Begins Friday

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — The annual International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race officially is jumping off in Jackson.

The race begins Friday evening and follows a new route this year, visiting the communities of West Yellowstone in Montana, Alpine, Pinedale, Lander, Marbleton, Kemmerer, and Mountain View in Wyoming. It finishes on Feb. 2 in Evanston.

Two of the stages also will cross into Idaho and Utah, making this year's race the first time the event has traveled through four Rocky Mountain States.

The youngest musher in this year's race is 17 years old while the oldest is 60.

There are 16 teams from as far away as the Northwest Territories in Canada.