Sixteen mushers and their teams have begun the Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race here in Bethel, the 42nd running of Alaska’s premier mid-distance mushing event. The race began with a mass start on the Kuskokwim River near the Small Boat Harbor entrance. The dogs were raising bedlam in their eagerness to get going while busy mushers and their handlers were making the necessary preparations. Fans lined the race route to cheer on the mushers from their vehicles in observance of COVID-19 precautions. Anticipation, electricity, and excitement filled the balmy 34˚F degree air as the race got underway. Have a great race!