Andrea Swingley's four-dog team leaves the start chute at the Jeff Studdert Racegrounds in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Shannon Erhart gives last-minute instructions for her daughter's team at the start line of the 2006 Open North American Championship.

Jeff Conn's eight-dog team rounds a curve during the Alaska Dog Mushers Association's annual Gold Run at the Jeff Studdert Racegrounds.

A skijorer is an integral part of the team and works just as hard as the dogs. Kriya Dunlap helps her two dogs down the trail.

Jeff Conn and his eight-dog team head down the trail into the frosty forest during a race at the Jeff Studdert Racegrounds in Fairbanks, Alaska.

As his lead dogs watch, Jeff Conn gets some last-minute encouragement from his wife and son before his start at the 2005 Limited North American Sled Dog Championships at the Jeff Studdert Racegrounds in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Carol Kaynor smiles as her happy six-dog team returns from the first heat at the Tok Race of Chammpions in Tok, Alaska. This was the first race ever for four of the six dogs, and Kaynor's goal was to give them a fun, positive experience.