ALASKA (AP) - The world's most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, is under way.

The race, which began on Sunday, March 3, is a grueling 1,600km trek through unpredictable wilderness to the old gold rush town of Nome on Alaska's western coast.

Whoever reaches first wins a new truck and a cash prize of US$50,400 (S$62,400).

The rest of the US$600,000 purse will be split among the next 29 mushers to cross the finish line.

The iconic race, however, seems to be about more than a monetary prize for most involved. It's human versus wild.