The Akiak Dash is a sprint race that’s held during the weekend of the Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Races. The dog sled teams run up the Kuskokwim River, just past the village of Akiak and then back down to Bethel. The mushers competed for $30,000 in prize money. The race gives locals, many of whom are new to mushing, the chance to test their skills, earn a little cash and maybe gain the title of fastest musher on the Kuskokwim.

It has one of only a few mass starts in the sport, and it’s a real sight to behold. All the teams line up on the Kuskokwim River in Bethel, the signal is given, and they all take off on their own route to try and gain the lead.

The following images were made around the race.