Iditarod gets off to a snowy start in Anchorage

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race held its ceremonial start in Anchorage, Alaska, ahead of 50th race on Sunday. The competitive race starts in Willow, Alaska, just north of Anchorage.

From there, mushers will cross two mountain ranges, the frozen Yukon River, treacherous Bering Sea ice and Alaska's windswept western coast. The winner is expected to reach the finish line in Nome about nine days after leaving Willow.

There are 49 mushers in this year's race, including defending champion Dallas Seavey, who is seeking to make history as the first musher to win six Iditarod titles. There are five other former champions in the race, as well.