Dog dash through Alaska
Richie Diehl is offered a drink as he heads out into the wilderness at the beginning of the annual Iditarod dog sled race in Alaska.
He may well need the extra refreshment on his long journey. The race covers almost 1000 miles across the snowy state, from Anchorage in the south to Nome in the west.
A team of dogs wearing red booties wait before the ceremonial start of the Iditarod race in Anchorage.
A dog from Scott Janssen's team rolls in the snow before the race gets going from Willow.
Sonny Lindner's team runs down Cordova Street in Anchorage as others ride on his sled.
Louie Ambrose's team charges down the trail in Willow.
Cim Smyth's team sets off.
The dogs' tongues fly as Louie Ambrose's team runs down the trail.
A dog leaps in the air before the ceremonial start of the race.
The crowd of spectators watch as Peter Kaiser's team sets off.
Musher Matt Failor holds out his arms to greet spectators as he races down 4th Avenue in Anchorage.
Cim Smyth's team of dogs runs down the same road.
Musher Kristy Berington greets fans as she heads out of the gate in Willow. Berington has a twin who is also racing a team in the Iditarod this year.
