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In this photo taken Feb. 17, 2011, in Anchorage, Alaska, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race rookie Scott Janssen of Anchorage, Alaska, poses for a photo. Scott Janssen _ "The Mushing Mortician" _ is foregoing ice cream and cake this year to celebrate his 50th b Mark Thiessen, Associated Press
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In this photo taken Feb. 17, 2011, in Anchorage, Alaska, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race rookie Scott Janssen of Anchorage, Alaska, poses for a photo with one of his pet dogs. Scott Janssen _ "The Mushing Mortician" _ is foregoing ice cream and cake this ye Mark Thiessen, Associated Press
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In this photo taken March 6, 2011, in Willow, Alaska, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race rookie Scott Janssen of Anchorage, Alaska, packs his sled before heading out on the 1,100-mile trail. Scott Janssen _ "The Mushing Mortician" _ is foregoing ice cream and c Mark Thiessen, Associated Press
By Associated Press

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Defending four-time champion Lance Mackey is leading the start the 1,150-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome.

Mackey left the Rohn checkpoint just after 6 p.m. Monday, followed by Hugh Neff and Sebastian Schnuelle. Rohn is 272 miles from Anchorage.

The 62 teams held a ceremonial start Saturday in Anchorage and began the racing Sunday at Willow.

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