A Bessemer local is training for the thousand mile Iditarod Dog Sled race in Willow, Alaska scheduled to take place in March of next year. The Iditarod is one of the state’s iconic winter events, where mushers and dogs battle the elements and test their limits over the course of 1,000 miles. Julie Ahnen is currently living and training with her dogs in Brushkana, Alaska, preparing for the race that takes anywhere from eight to fifteen days, finally ending in Nome. The race is grueling in the best of conditions, so Ahnen has been bumping up the mileage she drives her team every day, building up their endurance. This year is the fiftieth anniversary of the race, which Ahnen says makes its especially important to be able to participate.