The word Iditarod is Indian. It means
far-away-place. The Iditarod trail was a network of
dog-sled paths around the faraway town of Iditarod.
But that's not what this race is about.

http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi667.htm

I run the Milo Iditerod everyday...he's half husky and he thinks I'm a sled! Still waiting for the border collie half to take over and calm him down (but I love 'im!)