These are photos from the March 1, 2008, ceremonial start in Anchorage of the 36th Iditarod sled dog race and the beginning of the actual race in Willow the next morning. As of today, March 14th, about 33 mushers are still on the trail, so the standings I've posted may change.

One thing is clear, though -- Lance Mackey has done it again, winning his second straight Iditarod, after winning his fourth straight Yukon Quest 1000-mile race in mid-February, a truly phenomenal feat. Congratulations, Lance! You are a great champion.