Only 73 people registered for next year’s race.
It’s not too hard to guess the reasons.
Besides the overall economic malaise, fees have gone up sharply the last two years. In 2007, the entry fee was $1860. For 2009, it’s $4000.
Non-Iditarod participants (card from Dogstuff)
While the costs have increased, the prize money has gotten smaller.
This year’s race had a guaranteed purse of $935,000. Next year’s is only $660,000.
The winner will still get $69,000 and a new truck. Apparently, that wasn’t enough for many mushers.
