The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race is considered as the lower 48?s version of Iditarod. Founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley, this annual event takes place on the last week of January for nine days. It aims to promote the state of Wyoming and to advocate the need for child immunizations, as well as make sled dog racing accessible to the public. The race features a host of international competitors, including challengers as well as champions of the Iditarod. An average of 30 teams from all over the world competes in the event.

This lengthy and challenging race stretches from Jackson, Wyoming out to Lander, Wyoming, then back west before heading south all the way down to Park City, Utah. With that course, there are plenty of opportunities for viewing these incredible dogs in action. Each year, communities en route received contributions for childhood immunizations from the race. Communities on the race route also host various festivities to welcome mushers and dogs as they speed through town, offering Dutch oven dinners, flapjack frenzies and musher mania events that include a human sled dog race and snowshoe softball.