Iditarod kicks off in Anchorage Paul Gebhart of Kasilof, Alaska, waves to the cheering crowds on 4th Avenue during the ceremonial start 40...

Iditarod kicks off in Anchorage

Paul Gebhart of Kasilof, Alaska, waves to the cheering crowds on 4th Avenue during the ceremonial start 40th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in downtown Anchorage March 3, 2012. This race event has grown from an obscure contest many considered a one-time lark into a world-famous, big-money sports extravaganza. (Photo/Reuters)

Dallas Seavey's team, from Willow, Alaska, races down the 4th Avenue during the ceremonial start 40th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in downtown Anchorage March 3, 2012. This race event has grown from an obscure contest many considered a one-time lark into a world-famous, big-money sports extravaganza. (Photo/Reuters)

Dogs bark ahead of the ceremonial start of the 40th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in downtown Anchorage March 3, 2012. This race event has grown from an obscure contest many considered a one-time lark into a world-famous, big-money sports extravaganza.(Photo/Reuters)

Jeff King waves at race fans on 4th Avenue during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod trail sled dog race, Saturday, March 3, 2012, in Anchorage, Alaska.(Photo/AP)

It was all laughs, smiles and barks as the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicks off in Anchorage, Alaska.