Two Rivers is especially popular with both recreational and professional dog sled mushers. In dog sled racing, male and female mushers are in direct competition. Per rules#1 and #2, only experienced mushers are allowed to compete in the Iditarod. When mushers race through checkpoints, the dogs do not get physical exams. Rookie mushers must pre-qualify by finishing an assortment of qualifying races first. Many of the dogs and mushers used in the film were locals. The mushers depart separated by the same intervals as their arrival at the second checkpoint. That race was marked by good weather, and few mushers dropped out. The first of these graduated mushers competed in the 2001 race, won by Tim Osmar. This now rare book has attained legendary status among Alaska dog mushers. The 1995 race featured 22 mushers, of whom 13 finished. Shishmaref was home to one of Alaska's most-beloved dog mushers. The intimidating racer eliminates a number of other mushers by underhanded tactics. To hasten delivery of the serum, more mushers were added to the relay. The size of the purse determines how many mushers receive cash prizes.