Lance Mackey is the king of the Iditarod

Just as Lance Armstrong's name is attached to Tour de France domination, Lance Mackey is becoming synonymous with winning the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

For many, completing the Iditarod is an amazing accomplishment, because numerous competitors are forced to drop out each year, but for Lance Mackey, anything less than victory is a dissapointment.

Mackey is considered one of the best musher's in the business. Crossing the finish line in Nome, Mackey has solidified his place in Iditarod history, capturing a record setting, 4th straight Iditarod championship.

More than just dominating their sport and sharing their given name, Mackey holds more in common with Lance Armstrong than many know. In 2001, Mackey beat throat cancer.

Although Mackey will never reach the rockstar status that Lance Armstrong carries across the globe, his accomplishments are no less impressive.

Congratulations to Lance Mackey and his team of sled dogs on winning The Last Great Race on Earth for the 4th straight year.

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Iditarod is the most extreme sporting event on earth

Frigid cold weather, 1,770-kilometre's (approx. 1100 miles), and two weeks of continuous physical exertion.

For those of you that have never heard of the Iditarod, it is simply the world's most extreme sporting event. Currently taking place in Alaska, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race runs from Willow Lake (80km from Anchorage) to Nome, Alaska and takes anywhere from 8 to 15 days to complete.

This grueling race covers frozen lakes, tundra, trails, forests, mountains, rivers, and other trecherous stretches of terrain. Don't underestimate the endurance and physical ability this race requires. Yes, the dogs may be doing the majority of the running, but one lapse in navigation, concentration, or guidance, and the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race can turn deadly.

The past four years, Alaska native Lance Mackey has won the Iditarod, and is again in the field this year. And don't assume this is a race for men alone. Every year, women endure this incredible race including four time winner Susan Butcher and the first woman ever to win the race Libby Riddles.

Referred to as the "Last Great Race on Earth," the Iditarod Trai Sled Dog Race is extraordinary. For the average sports fan this event might seem a little out to left field, then again, nothing about the Iditarod is average. Not the athletes, not the feat of finishing, not the conditions, and certainly not winning the Iditarod.

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