The following are Iditarod highlights from the 1997 race, including winner, Red Lantern winner and other stats. Check back each day leading up to the 2012 Iditarod as we count down the last 39 years of races.

WINNER: Martin Buser from Big Lake

WINNING TIME: 9 days, 8 hours, 30 minutes, 45 seconds

RED LANTERN: Ken Chase from Anvik

RED LANTERN TIME: 15 days, 9 hours, 7 minutes, 44 seconds

MUSHERS: 53

FINISHERS: 44

ROOKIES: 12